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New committee to develop master trails plan By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings Ashlanders using public trails often find their walks cut short as they run into private land. Some of the less responsible trail users even resort to slipping through fences and sneaking across private property - exacerbating tensions with landowners. But the work of a newly forming committee could open up trail routes. The committee is charged with developing a master plan showing existing trails and identifying gaps that could be closed through land purchases or public access easements on private land. "It will show where we want to get easements and open up trails," said Steve Gies, interim Ashland Parks and Recreation Department director. "It will be a master plan for the future." Committee members will include Ashland Parks and Recreation Commissioners Jim Lewis and Diane Amarotico, as well as members of the general public, Ashland City Council and non-profit Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association, according to Lewis. Amarotico and Lewis were appointed to the committee earlier this week during a parks commission meeting. Committee members will be aided by City of Ashland and parks department staff. The trails master plan will encapsulate a vision to create a connected trails system, according to Robert McLellan, president of the Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association. "We have a vision of an emerald necklace to tie open space and trails around Ashland to preserve the quality of environment we live in for future generations," McLellan said. Although tensions between some trail users and landowners have flared in recent years, McLellan said he hopes reluctant property owners may agree to grant public access once they see the master trail plan. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -