KRTA Mission Statement (Quick Version)

To enhance Kentucky's economy by expanding tourism opportunities for motorized and nonmotorized off-road trail activities, including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle riding.

KRTA Mission Statement Enhanced Version

The mission of the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority, established under the auspices of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, is to create a positive economic impact for the Commonwealth of Kentucky by expanding the tourism opportunities of off-road trail activities pertaining to nonmotorized and motorized vehicle use. Such activities include pedestrian, bicycles, mountain bicycles, horses, all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicle use.

To expand these recreational trail related tourism opportunities, the Kentucky Recreational Trail Authority will work to: increase land access for trail activities, reduce landowner liability, and promote trail education (safety, environment, compatibility, etc.) The KRTA will also act as the state body that will work to develop multiuse shared trail systems that cross multiple county lines.

The Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority will also promote recreational trail opportunities by serving as a clearing house for information to user groups; inventorying and making available to the public information on existing trails; and by forming partnerships with federal and state agencies and local communities.

Kentucky Department of Tourism Mission Statement

The Kentucky Department of Tourism exists to promote the Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentuckys economy.

Goal 1: Increase land access for recreational trails across Kentucky.

Objective 1.1

Develop multiuse shared trail systems that cross multiple county lines on private lands whose landowners have voluntarily entered into user agreements which will not create any user interest in the property, ripen into a claim of adverse possession, alter the land to make it unsuitable for mining or cause denial of a mining permit (designated and referenced as Kentucky Recreational Trail areas).

• Strategy 1.1.1 - Develop and fully support legislation that allows for the KRTA to develop, manage, maintain, and provide enforcement for these Kentucky Recreational Trail Areas.
  • General enabling language for the KRTA such as the ability to promulgate regulations and other duties necessary for the desired management duties and structure.
  • Reduce landowner liability for recreational trail use on private property.
  • Ability to provide enforcement on KY Recreational Trails Areas.
  • Approach affected parties and lobbying groups to ensure passage.
• Strategy 1.1.2 - Develop criteria for trail projects to be considered Kentucky Recreational Trail Areas.
• Strategy 1.1.3 - Develop a Kentucky Recreational Trail Area Ranger Program for enforcement on trails.
  • Work with Kentucky State Police on development.

Objective 1.2: Secure Funding for Kentucky Recreational Trail Areas

Secure start up expenses to begin development of the first Kentucky Recreational Trail Area (i.e. sKYward Trails in Eastern KY). Such needs include: staff, staff expenses, mapping, equipment, funding for enforcement authority, etc.)

• Strategy 1.2.1 - Research and pursue funding avenues through general budget as a line item and other areas (such as the proposed titling of ATVs & OHVs)
• Strategy 1.2.2 - Identify and serve as a resource for funding sources

Objective 1.3

Maintain awareness of recreational trail-related legislation and develop a plan of action for passage or opposition.

• Strategy 1.3.1 - Determine KRTA stance on legislation through discussion, research, and appropriate exchange of information.
• Strategy 1.3.2 - Once stance is determined, develop and implement a legislative plan of action to gather support or opposition to pending legislation as individuals, user groups, organizations, etc.

Goal 2: Promote trail education to user groups and the general public.

Objective 2.1: Create a webpage that acts a reference for all trail­related education to include, but not limited to: safety, laws, environment, compatibility, etc.

• Strategy 2.1.1 - KY Department of Tourism website page
  • KRTA Board to submit information such as links and references that deal with trail education aspects as it pertains to their particular user group area, agency, or organization.

Objective 2.2: Develop relationships with local, state, and national groups and organizations that have a focus in recreational trail safety, environment, and compatibility issues.

Objective 2.3: Serve as a clearinghouse and as a contact for trail education resources.