Be a Part of History!
For the past three years, I have been scouting and mapping the 1,550-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater
Paddling Trail around Florida ’s coast. I have had a chance to work closely with many enthusiastic paddlers, outfitters,
businesses, and tourism and government officials to make the trail a reality. Maps and guides for the majority of the
trail’s 26 segments can now be downloaded from the Office of Greenways and Trails’ website, www.
FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com. Furthermore, the trail has recently been designated a National Recreation Trail.
But much more work needs to be done. There are additional campsites to be established and existing campsites to be
improved upon and maintained, along with numerous other projects to enhance the quality of the trail experience. The
trail is much larger than any one person or agency can accomplish. Therefore, there is a need for a strong
independent statewide non-profit organization similar to the Florida Trail Association. I am proposing that it be called
the Florida Circumnavigational Trail Association (FCTA), but this can be a topic of discussion. So, I am organizing the
first inaugural meeting of the FCTA.
If you want to be part of this historic beginning, please come on Monday, October 15th, 1-5 pm at the Homosassa
Springs Wildlife State Park on Highway 19. The Bella Oasis Hotel next door (352-628-4311) has reasonable rates and
if you stay over, we can kayak Tuesday morning through a remote section of the scenic Chassahowitzka National
Wildlife Refuge. You can rent kayaks in the area or bring your own. We can continue the meeting over dinner if
necessary.
Please let me know if you are planning to attend. You can either e-mail me at dougalderson@comcast.net or call me
first at (850) 421-3677 or try my cell at (850) 519-5147.
Our agenda will be simple:
* Introductory trail powerpoint program
* Determine decision-making process, name, statement of purpose, and structure
* Election of officers
* Outline potential regional chapters
* Brainstorm about fundraising opportunities
* Next meeting and communication process
Future tasks:
· Adopt by-laws, articles of incorporation and apply for non-profit status
· Establish Website
· On-line newsletter?
· Apply for grant $?
--
Doug Alderson
Field Director
Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
Office of Greenways and Trails
Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 421-3677
For the past three years, I have been scouting and mapping the 1,550-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater
Paddling Trail around Florida ’s coast. I have had a chance to work closely with many enthusiastic paddlers, outfitters,
businesses, and tourism and government officials to make the trail a reality. Maps and guides for the majority of the
trail’s 26 segments can now be downloaded from the Office of Greenways and Trails’ website, www.
FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com. Furthermore, the trail has recently been designated a National Recreation Trail.
But much more work needs to be done. There are additional campsites to be established and existing campsites to be
improved upon and maintained, along with numerous other projects to enhance the quality of the trail experience. The
trail is much larger than any one person or agency can accomplish. Therefore, there is a need for a strong
independent statewide non-profit organization similar to the Florida Trail Association. I am proposing that it be called
the Florida Circumnavigational Trail Association (FCTA), but this can be a topic of discussion. So, I am organizing the
first inaugural meeting of the FCTA.
If you want to be part of this historic beginning, please come on Monday, October 15th, 1-5 pm at the Homosassa
Springs Wildlife State Park on Highway 19. The Bella Oasis Hotel next door (352-628-4311) has reasonable rates and
if you stay over, we can kayak Tuesday morning through a remote section of the scenic Chassahowitzka National
Wildlife Refuge. You can rent kayaks in the area or bring your own. We can continue the meeting over dinner if
necessary.
Please let me know if you are planning to attend. You can either e-mail me at dougalderson@comcast.net or call me
first at (850) 421-3677 or try my cell at (850) 519-5147.
Our agenda will be simple:
* Introductory trail powerpoint program
* Determine decision-making process, name, statement of purpose, and structure
* Election of officers
* Outline potential regional chapters
* Brainstorm about fundraising opportunities
* Next meeting and communication process
Future tasks:
· Adopt by-laws, articles of incorporation and apply for non-profit status
· Establish Website
· On-line newsletter?
· Apply for grant $?
--
Doug Alderson
Field Director
Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
Office of Greenways and Trails
Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 421-3677
