Accomplishments of the Friends

The Friends have made recommendations on management, improvements, and  maintenance of the Trace. Some of these resulted in physical changes on the trail, and some are procedural. Most have been finished and others are in process and will be finished soon. Some did not result in additional expense but others do. The Friends are funding some of the extra expense (through contributions to the Friends or by soliciting sponsorships) as appropriate as indicated below.

bullet

Had county signs placed at the county lines

bullet

Had etiquette signs posted at each station

bullet

Held events on the Trace, including a Jerry Ryan Memorial ride, and the Ride of Silence

bullet

Butterfly gardens at each station

bullet

Signs reminding all users to stay to the right

bullet

Signs to discourage stopping on the bridge over I 59

bullet

Additional clearance of the line of sight at intersections

bullet

A letter to MDOT requesting signs from I 59 to the Trace

bullet

A donation of 2 bicycles equipped to police standards for the use by the Lamar County Sheriff's Department in patrolling the Trace (funded by the Friends)

bullet

Installation of a donation box at the Gateway for the secure collection of contributions (funded by the Friends)

bullet

Installation of a compressor and hoses at the Gateway for airing bicycle tires

bullet

Resupplying the first aid stations

bullet

Replaced those water fountains that do not cool the water (Jackson and Epley Stations).