Terry Eastin
Executive Director
Mississippi River Trail, Inc.
479-236-0938
teastin@lynks.com
St. Louis, Missouri - May 18, 2006 –The Mississippi River Trail, Inc. Board of Directors semi-annual meeting will be hosted by the National Park Service at the Old Courthouse, a part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri. The event will take place on Friday, May 26 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Old Courthouse conference room.
The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is a world-class bicycling route that travels from the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Delta at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is a 3,000-mile system of bicycle-friendly roads and multi- use pathways. The MRT is a “string of pearls” that connects 10 states, the cities of Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans, and hundreds of smaller towns along the way. The MRT is a unique way to experience the Mississippi River’s natural wonders, transportation system, recreational facilities and cultural heritage.
The Mississippi River Trail Board of Directors is representative of some of the most knowledgeable legal, organizational management, fundraising, marketing, promotion, planning and nonprofit development minds in America. While geographically separated, members are single-minded in purpose, dedication, and key decision-making skills. By leading strategically, the Board ensures that the trail is continually developing in ways that benefit its users, communities, states, and the nation.
Technical assistance is provided in route development, encouraging use, and organizational development to Mississippi River Trail, Inc. in route development, through a technical assistance grant from the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service.
Speakers at the afternoon session include: Ms. Peggy O’Dell, Superintendent, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Mr. Todd Antoine, Senior Planner, Great Rivers Greenway District, and Ms. Caryn Giarratano, Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator, Missouri Department of Transportation.
Local bicycling advocates interested in starting a Missouri State Committee are encouraged to attend the 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. session. For more information about the meeting, contact Terry Eastin, Executive Director, Mississippi River Trail, Inc. at 479-236-0938 or terry@mississippirivertrail.org.
