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VOICES & CHOICES <br /> oJ lhe ('~n~al <br /> <br />CATAWBA REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM <br /> (Concept Paper) <br /> <br />The vision of the partners of the Catawba Regional Trail System is to preserve <br />and connect critical open spaces through a greenway network in the Catawba <br />River Watershed of North and South Carolina. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />In this region, acres of fields and forests are converted to roads, housing and <br />commercial development each day. Without planning, development brings <br />random changes in lan¢~ -use that dramatically alters our region's appearance, <br />contributes to a degraGed environment, and reduces the quality of life for our <br />residents. As a result, the region also becomes less attractive to new business <br />investments. <br /> <br />Businesses and citizens alike recognize the need to protect open space. In a 14- <br />county Voices and Choice survey conducted in 2000, over 85% of respondents <br />stated that open space, is important to their quality of life and that local <br />governments need to work together to plan and preserve open space throughout <br />the region. <br /> <br />In recent years, county~and municipal governments have begun addressing <br />concerns about the loss of open spaces in their communities. Their efforts have <br />included the development of comprehensive plans, greenway and open-space <br />plans, and in some cases dedicated funding mechanisms for open space <br />preservation. _ <br /> <br />Along with these local efforts, there is a growing consensus that the preservation <br />of critical open spaces is a regional issue that benefits from multi-jurisdictional <br />cooperation. The Catawba Regional Trail System represents an excellent <br />opportunity for local governments, businesses, and civic organizations to take <br />immediate collaborative action. This bi-state effort will establish a highly visible <br />project that will result in_ public support and increased funding for open space <br />preservation througho~ the region. <br /> <br />Re.qional Trail System~ A catalyst to preservinq other open spaces <br /> <br />There are many types of open space. The Regional Trail System will help <br />preserve all of these by developing greenways that conserve floodplains and <br />natural habitats, and create recreational corridors. The Trail will also connect <br />other types of open space such as rural heritage sites, parks, farms, and <br /> <br /> <br />