Information Items
New FHWA Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty
Subject: Announcement of Key Assignment from J. Richard Capka
Senior Executive Service
I am pleased to announce that Gloria M. Shepherd will assume the duties of Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty effective February 18. Gloria currently serves as Director, Office of Planning, where she has been the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) principal advocate for metropolitan and statewide planning and programs. Gloria joined FHWA in 1999 as a career member of the Senior Executive Service. Prior to joining FHWA, she held key positions with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). She served as Staff Director of MDOT's Transportation Solutions Group and Deputy Director, Office of Planning and Preliminary Engineering. She also served as Chief of Staff at the New York State Department of Transportation. Gloria has earned several educational degrees, including a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Albany Law School of Union University and is a member of the New York State Bar. In addition, she has earned Doctorate, Master's, and Bachelor's Degrees of Arts. Please join me in wishing Gloria well in her new position.
[Christopher's note: Gloria Shepherd came to FHWA as our Director for the former Office of Human Environment when Harold Peaks and Danyell Diggs managed the TE Activities; I was in her office as the Recreational Trails Program Manager. She became the Director for the Office of Planning in early 2003.]
National Trails System MOU
The Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Highway Administration signed The National Trails System Memorandum of Understanding, effective December 19, 2006, to encourage long-term interagency coordination and cooperation under the authorities of the National Trails System Act to enhance visitor satisfaction, to coordinate trailwide administration and site-specific management, to protect resources, to promote cultural values, to foster cooperative relationships, to share technical expertise, and to fund lands and resources associated with the National Trails.
See the National Trails System webpage: www.nps.gov/nts/. The MOU is posted at www.nps.gov/nts/memorandum2006.html and www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/overview/ntsmou2006.cfm.
I encourage Transportation Enhancement Program Managers, Scenic Byways Program Coordinators, and State Trail Administrators to look at this MOU. Many National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails overlap with National Scenic Byways and other scenic and historic highway programs. Many byways provide access to areas with recreational trails. Many trails provide transportation links and are eligible for TE funds, and some TE proposals for recreational trails may fit better as RTP projects. I would like to encourage TE Managers, Byway Managers, and State Trail Administrators to coordinate your programs, make sure project sponsors are applying to the best programs, consider how to work with youth conservation or service corps to perform appropriate TE activities and/or trail construction and maintenance (see www.corpsnetwork.org), and to recognize the benefits of trails and byways of national significance.
Regional Recreation Forums
Recreation Leaders: Share Your Needs and "Big Ideas," Help Identify Needs and Opportunities
Recreation leaders and others who understand the benefits arising from recreation in America will have an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of recreation opportunities through participation in a series of Recreation Forums to be held across the nation in March and April, 2007. The national Recreation Forum will be held in April in Washington, DC. The national forum is expected to generate discussions among national leaders in the public and private sectors that will unify public policy efforts by those seeking to sustain recreation's positive contributions to life in America.
Regional forums will be held in Colorado, Georgia, California, Oregon, and Illinois, convened by the American Recreation Coalition and the National Forest Foundation. The Forest Service and other Federal agencies will play an active role in the series of meetings. The single day forums are free, open to all, and will seek to:
See https://www.fs.fed.us/r2/recreation/forums/ for more information.
National Trails Day Graphics
From: Ivan Levin [ilevin@americanhiking.org]
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 11:45 AM
Subject: New 2007 National Trails Day Graphic
Dear National Trails Day Partners,
American Hiking Society is proud to present a new NTD graphic for 2007. This new graphic improves American Hiking Society's branding and now shows a clear connection to our signature trail awareness program, NTD. Please be sure to use this new graphic on all National Trails Day promotional materials, both print and electronic. See http://www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/. If you have any questions or require additional versions of this graphic, please feel free to contact Ivan Levin, 301-565-6704 x 208, www.Americanhiking.org.
Celebrating 30 Years 1976 - 2006
State Trail Administrators Meeting 2009 Query: Additional Explanation
I sent a query to you on February 14 from Alex Weiss (Florida) to see if there was interest in having a State Trail Administrators meeting in Ocala FL in 2009, which would be in conjunction with the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) also expressed interest in hosting a State Trail Administrators Meeting. Expressing interest in an Ocala meeting does not yet (at this time) require us to confirm that we will go to Ocala.
David Bartoo (Delaware) asked me to add to the Ocala description I provided on Feb 14th: It should also be noted that it is a huge mountain bike area. Santos is right there and IMBA has been involved with all of that. And if you recall, a team of us (DE Trail Crew) went down for training on technical bike trail development.
Florida is considering hosting the State Trail Administrators Meeting in July 2009, before or after the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC). It would take place in the Ocala area, about 75 miles northwest of Orlando. This is "horse country", just outside the Ocala National Forest (also has OHV opportunities), near the Florida National Scenic Trail, and near the famous "Land Bridge". Before committing to hosting the meeting, the Florida organizers would like to know how many State administrators might be able to participate. If you would like to attend STAM 2009 in the Ocala FL area, please reply to alexandra.weiss@dep.state.fl.us. We realize this is more than two years off and it is difficult to make commitments that far ahead. We're just looking for expressions of interest.
Are there other offers for hosting STAM 2009? Here is what I have right now: July 2009, Ocala FL. Hosted by the Florida Office of Greenways and Trail, in conjunction with the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference.
(No specific date, possibly Boulder CO, possibly somewhere else). Hosted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Information Items
FHWA/FTA Planning Rule
From: Shepherd, Gloria
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 9:44 AM
Subject: ACTION/ INFORMATION: Final Rule on Statewide and Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming
TO THE ATTENTION OF: Division Office Planning Staffs
The purpose of this message is to inform you that the FHWA/FTA Final Rule on statewide and metropolitan transportation planning and programming and congestion management processes/systems was published in today's (February 14, 2007) Federal Register. Here are links to the TEXT and PDF versions of the Final Rule:
TEXT: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2007-02-14/html/07-493.htm
PDF: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2007-02-14/pdf/07-493.pdf
This joint regulation reflects the recent enactment of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005), as well as incorporates changes initiated in its predecessor legislation, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-178, June 9, 1998). The effective date of this Final Rule is March 16, 2007.
Attached for your information, reference, and use is a two-page overview of the Final Rule that can be used in conducting preliminary outreach to your respective State DOTs, MPOs, and other transportation planning partners.
Query for State Trail Administrators Meeting in 2009
Florida is considering hosting the State Trail Administrators Meeting in July 2009, before or after the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC). It would take place in the Ocala area, about 75 miles northwest of Orlando. This is "horse country", just outside the Ocala National Forest (also has OHV opportunities), near the Florida National Scenic Trail, and near the famous "Land Bridge". Before committing to hosting the meeting, the Florida organizers would like to know how many State administrators might be able to participate. If you would like to attend STAM 2009 in the Ocala FL area, please reply to alexandra.weiss@dep.state.fl.us. We realize this is more than two years off and it is difficult to make commitments that far ahead. We're just looking for expressions of interest.
OHV Information Request
Here is another information request from Bob Walker (the first requested OHV Law information).
From: Walker, Bob [bwalker@mt.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 12:27 PM
Back in 2003 the National Association of OHV Program Managers (NAOPM) requested information from all States that administer OHV programs including the following specific funding information:
We would like to have this information available at the National OHV Conference on March 21 so please return your information to Bob Walker at bwalker@mt.gov by March 14. Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Bob Walker, Chair NAOPM
406-444-4585, bwalker@mt.gov
Anticipated FHWA Vacancy: Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager
From: Fegan, John
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 12:26 PM
Subject: Bicycle/Pedestrian Job Opening in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration is advertising an opening for my replacement. I want to alert you about this opportunity, how you can apply, and what you may do to prepare if you think you may be interested.
I can personally attest that THIS IS A GREAT JOB. I expect to be retiring in the next few months. If all goes as planned, I will overlap a few weeks with the new person to help in the transition. Please pass along this message to anyone you feel might be interested in applying for my job.
Position Title: Transportation Specialist
This is senior staff position, including the following responsibilities:
Serving as the technical subject matter expert for FHWA's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program in providing technical assistance at national, regional, and local levels. Serving as lead staff person on bicycle and pedestrian issues in developing program guidance and policy development for FHWA.
Participating on FHWA's Byways, Bike-Ped, Trails and Enhancements Team in the Office of Natural and Human Environment
Salary: $93,822 - $143,471
FHWA is advertising the position at the GS-14/GS-15 level (see http://archive.opm.gov/oca/07tables/pdf/DCB.pdf for the salary table). If a candidate is selected at the GS-14 level, FHWA may promote the person to the GS-15 level without further competition or advertisement.
Location: Washington DC. FHWA's Office of Natural and Human Environment; Byways, Bike-Ped, Trails, and Enhancements Team
Who May Apply: Any U.S. citizen
FHWA is releasing two announcements. One announcement is for individuals who are current Federal employees (with "status") and former reinstatement eligible Federal employees. Individuals who do not have such "status" will need to apply under the other "public" announcement.
Opening and Closing Period for Applications: 4 weeks following the official announcement(s) date.
How to apply:
https://www.usajobs.gov/. The application is 3-step on-line process.
Step 1: You will need to register and create a resume on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's usajobs website. If you think you may be interested in applying for this position, I encourage you to start work on your resume now.
Step 2: You will need to respond to questions for the specific vacancy announcement. There are multiple choice, multiple choice - multiple answer, and narrative questions.
Step 3: You will need to submit both your resume and the answers to the questions for the specific vacancy announcement on the usajobs website.
Benefits: Information on benefits is included in each vacancy announcement. More information on health benefits is available at https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/. More information on retirement benefits is available at https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/. Federal employees also will receive the usual moving and real estate expenses associated with any relocation. Nonfederal employees will receive moving expenses (for household goods and travel expenses to Washington, DC).
Thank you for considering this opportunity or for passing it along to someone who might be interested.
John C. Fegan
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager
Federal Highway Administration
The Corps Network (new name for the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps)
FHWA encourages States to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with qualified youth service and conservation corps to perform Transportation Enhancement (TE) activities and trail construction and maintenance projects under the Recreational Trails Program. This week, the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps changed its name to The Corps Network, with its website at www.corpsnetwork.org. Please update your links (or add this link if you didn't already have a link).
Conferences and Events
See www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/events/rtevents.cfm.
March 6-8, 2007, 2007 Trailbuilders Conference, Atlantis Casino and Resort, Reno NV
EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS FEBRUARY 16th.
This is an excellent training conference to learn about trail training and trail contracting. Highlights (including some preconference training):
March 22-23, 2007: National OHV Program Managers Workshop, Charleston WV
This workshop is especially for government agency staff with off highway vehicle responsibilities. Register now!
Bob Walker adds: The National OHV Conference is coming up on March 21-24 in Charleston WV (with riding opportunities before!). As a special note, the National Association of OHV Program Managers (NAOPM) will meet on Wednesday, March 21 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM (not on the attached materials but it will happen). The NAOPM Agenda (not set in stone at this time) includes the following topics:
May 20-23, 2007, National Scenic Byways Conference, Baltimore MD
This conference is intended for people interested in Scenic Byways. There will be a State and Federal Scenic Byways Coordinators Workshop on May 24.
June 2, 2007, National Trails Day, Nationwide.
National Trails Day is a celebration of trails to increase the awareness of community trails and help volunteer trail clubs. Host a National Trails Day® Event on Saturday, June 2, 2007, 15th Anniversary Celebration. Share the wonder and enjoyment of trails in your community by hosting a 2007 event! American Hiking Society will support you every step of the way:
June 6-10, 2007, International Snowmobile Congress, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Bloomington MN
The ISC brings together snowmobile and groomer manufacturers, leaders of snowmobile organizations, grassroots snowmobilers, snowmobile publication staff, snowmobile administrators, government representatives, and other people interested in snowmobiling. State and Federal staff with snowmobile program responsibilities may attend the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators meeting: see http://snowiasa.org/.
August 8-10, 2007, TrailLink 2007, Portland OR
Organized by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy with financial support from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. This conference is for people interested in trails, greenways, and community infrastructure.
There will be a Transportation Enhancement Professionals Seminar on August 7-8.
September 7-11, 2007, 11th Conference on National Scenic and Historic Trails, Duluth, MN
This conference focuses on National Scenic and Historic Trails. See https://www.nps.gov/nts/ for a description of these trails.
September 18-20, 2007, State Trail Administrators Meeting, Lake Tahoe Area, Nevada/California
Organized by Nevada State Parks and California State Parks, through the National Association of State Trail Administrators and the FHWA Recreational Trails Program. This meeting is for State and Federal staff with recreational trail responsibilities. More details coming soon!
Information Items
USDA Forest Service--Transportation Program Training
The USDA Forest Service developed training modules on the Federal surface transportation program. See www.fs.fed.us/eng/transp/safetea-lu/. This training resource is for anybody who wants to know about how to obtain transportation funding dollars.
Note: Every FHWA division office should have received a December 12, 2006 notice about this from the FHWA Headquarters Federal Lands Highways Division.
National Scenic Byways Program News: www.bywaysonline.org.
Maps: New America's Byways map booklets are available. See byways.org.
Grants: Grant applications for FY 2007 funding under the National Scenic Byways Program are due from the State Departments of Transportation and Indian tribes to the FHWA division offices by March 19, 2007. Applications are due from the division offices to DC headquarters by April 16, 2007. All applications must be completed online and submitted both electronically and in hard copy. The solicitation memorandum, the FY 2007 Grants Guidance and Information for Grant Applications document, and other important materials are available at www.bywaysonline.org/grants/.
2007 National Preservation Awards: Each year the National Trust for Historic Preservation celebrates the best of preservation by presenting National Preservation Awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in historic preservation. You are invited to designate a deserving individual, organization, agency, or project for a National Preservation Award. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2007. Those nominations not selected to receive a Trustees, ACHP, or HUD Award are automatically considered for an Honor Awards. The nomination form is at http://www.nationaltrust.org/preservation_awards/.
Transportation Enhancements News: www.enhancements.org.
News Items and Requests for Information
Conferences and Events
See https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/events/rtevents.cfm. In particular:
March 6-8, 2007, 2007 Trailbuilders Conference, Atlantis Casino and Resort, Reno NV
This is an excellent training conference to learn about trail training and trail contracting. Highlights (including some preconference training):
March 22-23, 2007: National OHV Program Managers Workshop, Charleston WV
This workshop is especially for government agency staff with off highway vehicle responsibilities.
Bob Walker adds: The National OHV Conference is coming up on March 21-24 in Charleston WV (with riding opportunities before!). As a special note, the National Association of OHV Program Managers (NAOPM) will meet on Wednesday, March 21 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM (not on the attached materials but it will happen). The NAOPM Agenda (not set in stone at this time) includes the following topics:
May 20-23, 2007, National Scenic Byways Conference, Baltimore MD
This conference is intended for people interested in Scenic Byways. There will be a State and Federal Scenic Byways Coordinators Workshop on May 24.
June 2, 2007, National Trails Day, Nationwide.
National Trails Day is a celebration of trails to increase the awareness of community trails and help volunteer trail clubs. Host a National Trails Day® Event on Saturday, June 2, 2007, 15th Anniversary Celebration. Share the wonder and enjoyment of trails in your community by hosting a 2007 event! American Hiking Society will support you every step of the way:
June 6-10, 2007, International Snowmobile Congress, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Bloomington MN
The ISC brings together snowmobile and groomer manufacturers, leaders of snowmobile organizations, grassroots snowmobilers, snowmobile publication staff, snowmobile administrators, government representatives, and other people interested in snowmobiling. State and Federal staff with snowmobile program responsibilities may attend the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators meeting: see http://snowiasa.org/.
August 8-10, 2007, TrailLink 2007, Portland OR
Organized by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy with financial support from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. This conference is for people interested in trails, greenways, and community infrastructure.
There will be a Transportation Enhancement Professionals Seminar on August 7-8.
September 7-11, 2007, 11th Conference on National Scenic and Historic Trails, Duluth, MN
This conference focuses on National Scenic and Historic Trails. See https://www.nps.gov/nts/ for a description of these trails.
September 18-20, 2007, State Trail Administrators Meeting, Lake Tahoe Area, Nevada/California
Organized by Nevada State Parks and California State Parks, through the National Association of State Trail Administrators and the FHWA Recreational Trails Program. This meeting is for State and Federal staff with recreational trail responsibilities. More details coming soon!
