President's Message
December 2023
As we ride into 2024, the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation (FGTF) is excited about a new chapter in our journey. First, As incoming President of the FGTF, I welcome the opportunity and challenge to bring a fresh perspective, persistent energy, passion, and skill at developing partnerships advancing our mission to advocate for an interconnected statewide system of greenways and trails for Florida’s residents and visitors and the preservation and for the protection of our environment and wildlife. Our expanded and renewed Board of Directors comes from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and shared passions for Trails and Greenways. Our volunteer Board is made up of “let’s do this” attitudes who roll up their sleeves and will spend the necessary time to do our work. We also like each other and have fun. It’s an honor to lead the FGTF Board in 2024.
Second, I pay tribute and extend my gratitude to our outgoing Board member and President Dale Allen. Dale is leaving a legacy of the FGTF as President since 2009 and Florida’s long-distance paved SUN Trails, a 4,000 miles network. Dale articulated the vision for FGTF and SUN Trails to state government agencies, political leaders and the public and planted the seeds for both during his tenure. Dale is a legend for his advocacy, vision, and policy work always supported by his wife Karen. Dale is leaving lasting impacts for communities and for the environment in Florida. Dale will continue helping us as an honorary Board member with focus on special projects- more about that later. I met Dale in Pinellas County during the planning of the Pinellas Rails to Trails linear park 1989 and he remains a close friend and role model.
Third, in the year ahead my top priorities as FGTF President are developing an expanded more diverse FGTF Board of Directors, monitoring and advocating for the implementation of Senate Bill 106 and the SUN Trails, establishing new partnerships with local trail support groups and seeking ways we can help each other, attracting more partnerships and sponsorships for FGTF events, fundraising with foundations and for-profit private businesses, and making more effective use of our FGTF Honorary Board members. Our Board is excited about developing a pilot project for a new trail that incorporates segments of the Florida Wildlife Corridor from Everglades City to Sanford as advocated in SB 106. We are also very supportive of efforts to protect and expand the 18-million acre Florida Wildlife Corridor and to expand the planning and construction of wildlife crossings on our busy state highways.
Read our adopted Five-year Strategic Plan (2021-2025) on our new and improved website. www.fgtf.org
Happy New Year!
Join us in our mission as a volunteer and supporter this exciting year ahead.
Ned Baier, AICP
President of the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation
