December 17, 2024
Strategic Plan
Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA)
Mission - To partner with DEC and the trail towns and villages to support and advise on promotion, management, maintenance and operation of the trail.
Vision - To provide a safe, accessible, and exceptional outdoor recreational experience for local residents, and for visitors from all over the world.
Goals
Goal 1 Management Actions - The Visitor Rail Trail Experience
Goal Statement: Help local residents and visitors appreciate nature, the Adirondacks, healthy outdoor recreation, the rail trail communities and small businesses, and connections to other nearby recreational and cultural amenities, and the history of the Adirondack Rail Trail.
Objective 1.1: Update Website/Mobile App and Integrate Online Map with Trail Map/Brochure.
Objective 1.2: Update Social Media to report news and respond quickly to comments and publish a newsletter.
Objective 1.3: Promote off-trail signage and advise on-trail signage directing to off-trail amenities and businesses.
Objective 1.4: Continue to install trackers for obtaining baseline data on # of trail users and undertake surveys of users.
Objective 1.5: Start a trail ambassador program to train ARTA volunteers to model rail trail etiquette and report issues.
Objective 1.6: Establish programs and events on the trail to be sponsored by ARTA, DEC, non-profits, and businesses (tree planting, access for disabled persons, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day).
Objective 1.7: Increase number of volunteers/sponsors/supporters and hold more volunteer events.
Goal 2 Management Actions - Maintenance and Operation of the Rail Trail
Goal Statement: Partner with DEC and trail towns and villages on securing amenities and services to keep the rail trail safe and accessible.
Objective 2.1: Comply with trail maintenance responsibilities under the Volunteer Stewardship Agreement (VSA) with DEC, including specialized training for ARTA steward volunteers (e.g., chainsaw and non-motorized tool use) and renew that partnership.
Objective 2.2: Work with DEC, towns, villages and ROOST to identify bathroom needs; secure funds to provide porta johns as needed; and begin planning for options for bathrooms or privies and need for additional parking areas along the rail trail; educate the public on Leave No Trace Principles including Carry in-Carry out.
Objective 2.3: Partner with DEC, other non-profits and the towns and villages to begin developing a master plan for the 4 depots Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, Tupper Lake, the way station at Ray Brook and the freight building in Saranac Lake to upgrade them to provide concessions and services for visitors.
Objective 2.4: Ask towns, villages and town and village highway departments to brainstorm providing in-kind services for maintenance.
Objective 2.5: Attend town and village meetings to update representatives and answer questions about the rail trail.
Objective 2.6: Establish strong relationships with towns and villages and their highway managers.
Objective 2.7: Estimate future maintenance costs and partner with DEC on potential joint applications for State and federal grants.
Objective 2.8: Plan for growth of the ART and ARTA by tracking use and undertaking surveys, and review data and track use of the rail trail.
Goal 3 Management Actions - Sustaining a Functioning Organization
Goal Statement: Secure annual recurring funds for operations, projects, and programs to grow from an all-volunteer organization to one managed by a volunteer board and volunteers and some professional staff, including and Executive Director.
Objective 3.1: Increase revenue streams for operating expenses.
Objective 3.1.1 Apply for lower match or no match federal, State and local grants.
Objective 3.1.2: Offer fee for service contracts and ask for 20% or more for administrative costs.
Objective 3.1.3: Increase volunteer donor pool by focusing on specific trail projects or amenities.
Objective 3.1.4 Maximize donations.
Objective 3.1.5: Hold fundraising events.
Objective 3.1.6: Develop marketing and merchandising programs to generate revenue through local merchants and online sales.
Objective 3.2: Improve governance practices and policies.
Objective 3.2.1: Board realignment (recruit new board members; clarify that towns/villages ex officio non-voting; establish a standing permanent advisory committee).
Objective 3.2.2: Formalize board roles and responsibilities, terms, succession through a bylaws update.
Objective 3.2.3: Update financial management and other policies and
practices.