East Coast Greenway Alliance

Description

East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) is a nonprofit, membership organization working to develop a 3000-mile trail system linking cities and towns along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida. The East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a pathway to health and adventure for non-motorized travelers (walkers, cyclists, skiers, skaters, equestrians and wheelchair users) of all ages and abilities in cities and towns along its route. The Alliance sets the vision, defines the criteria for the trail to be created, provides needed coordination among the many players developing, owning and managing the trail and promotes public awareness and continued stewardship. Working through volunteer state committees, we partner with national, state and local organizations and agencies to develop the trail, get it signed, make user maps and monitor completed segments for appropriate maintenance. These state committees also advocate for increased support for trail development and maintenance throughout the region. The impact of the ECG has been to get more people in urban areas walking and hiking on trails, to increase awareness of the network of trails available and to serve as a catalyst for making even more connections between existing trails. The ECG will provide easily-accessed opportunities for fun, fitness, commuting and tourism while promoting sustainable transportation, conserving natural resources, decreasing air and water pollution and contributing to the economic and community development of towns along the route.