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MsUUS	? U.S. Department/ the Interior
RELEASE	DURCAU OF OUTDOOR R?CR?ATION
FOR RELEASE:	Immediate	A.	Hess 404/221-4538
L. Willette 202/343-5726
BOR ANNOUNCES BARTRAM TRAIL STUDY COVERING EIGHT SOUTHEASTERN STATES
Chris T. Delaporte, Director of the Interior Department's Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (BOR), announced today that study teams are being organized to conduct a study of the Bartram Trail to determine its potential for designation as a National Scenic Trail in the National- TraillSystem. The Bartram Trail extends through the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The Bartram Trail, named for William Bartram, a naturalist-explorer in the 18th century, is one of 22 trail studies called for in the National Trails System Act, Public Law 90-543, as amended. The study will be made by a joint Federal/State task force represented by BOR, the eight States, and the Bartram Trail Conference.
Study of the Bartram Trail for possible inclusion in the National Trails System has long been envisioned by Bartram enthusiasts. The current study effort will consider specific types of recreation trails such as hiking, bicycle, or horse trails.
It will also identify scenic, historic, and natural sites within the study corridor; study land-use trends; consider any needed land acquisition or development for trails; consider an administering agency for managing such a trails system; and determine the impact of potential trail development on the environment.
Delaporte stressed that open public meetings to discuss the study objectives, schedule and findings, will be held along the route explored by Bartram. He also reaffirmed Assistant Secretary Robert Herbst's recent remarks that public comments and participation are necessary to insure that any planning affecting a. public heritage, such as the Bartram Trail, will be
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SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE
148 Cain Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303