The 23rd American Trails International Trails Symposium honored Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser as the “Outstanding Trails Leader for Louisiana” during their meetings held on May 7-10 in Dayton, Ohio.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition, as we continue to promote trails throughout Louisiana through our Office of State Parks,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “Trails are an important aspect of our recreation throughout the entire state, and I remain committed to supporting these initiatives.”
Nungesser was honored for his leadership in recreational trails, as for more than a decade he worked to establish the first two motorized trail facilities in the state that are owned and operated by a local government. As president of Plaquemines Parish, Nungesser planned, designed, funded – with the support of the Recreational Trails Program – and built two motorized parks located in the Greater New Orleans area, where they continue to serve all Louisiana motorized trail enthusiasts. Nungesser also worked to establish and support a non-motorized trail facility designed for hiking and equestrian activities in the New Orleans area.
“With almost 200 miles of trails at our State Parks and State Historic Sites, we appreciate programs and individuals that work toward making this activity available to all of our visitors,” said Robert Barham, Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks, under which agency the Federal Recreational Trails Program is administered in Louisiana. “Given the Lieutenant Governor’s commitment to outdoor recreation, his nomination – presented by staff in the Trails Program – was well-deserved.”
The Recreational Trails Program has provided more than $33 million to Louisiana since 1993, providing for more than 417 recreational trails projects throughout Louisiana including motorized (ATVs, OHVs, motorcycles, etc.), bicycle, mountain bike, paddling, equestrian, hiking/walking trails. For more information about the program’s administration in Louisiana, visit LaStateParks.com and click on “Grant Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation.”
