Councilman Stuart P. Besen (left, seated) and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson (right, seated) look at map with members of the Huntington Greenway Trails Citizens Advisory Committee

 Huntington, NY, May 28, 2009 – In honor of National Trails Day, which is recognized annually in the U.S. on the first Saturday of June, Councilman Stuart P. Besen hosted the first meeting of the newly formed Huntington Greenway Trails Citizens Advisory Committee, after sponsoring the resolution to form the committee and appoint its members at the April 7, 2009 town board meeting.  The purpose of the volunteer advisory organization is to meet and assist town departmental staff in mapping trails (courses, distances, features, difficulty), marking trails, defining trail uses, leading hikes, monitoring trails for maintenance purposes and creating a trails plan. The Committee's most immediate goal, however, is to compile pertinent information about the trails for an "off-road trails guide" for publication anticipated in autumn 2009.  In the meantime, Councilman Stuart Besen wants to encourage residents to go out and use trails throughout Huntington for recreation purposes, not just on National Trail Day, but all year long.

Councilman Stuart Besen stated, "I am thrilled that the committee is set to begin its task of compiling information in an effort to promote public awareness of the incredible resources we have right here in Huntington.  In addition to our active parkland, we have trails in about 70 parks. With so many families staying closer to home lately, the future publication of this guide will bring awareness to the wonderful open spaces that are so close to our own backyards."

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, who was on hand at the meeting to lend his support for the project commented, "I am impressed by the enthusiasm of this committee.  It is comprised of volunteers with varied interests and ideas about how they would like to see the trails developed and include everyone from runners, hikers, bicyclists and horse riders to environmental advocates all eager to give input and make Huntington's trails better and safer for everyone."

The Huntington Greenway Trail is a trails collective of the town's parkland assemblage that provides opportunity for recreational use and access.  Such recreational purposes include walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling, horse riding, cross country skiing as well as bird watching, nature study and environmental learning.

For more information, please call the Department of Citizen Services at 351-2877.