The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina, Eastern Segment

Project Description > Greenways Incorporated was commissioned by the State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to prepare an Action Plan for the Eastern Section of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail.  The corridor, which extends along the Neuse River for 230 miles, begins in Raleigh at the Falls Lake Dam and links to the existing coastal section of the MST at Cedar Island.  GWI conducted a participatory process that involved meeting with residents and local government officials to solicit input.  We crafted an action plan that provides a framework for project implementation.  The Eastern Section of the MST will be both a land and water trail, will link rural communities to urban centers and will enhance economic activity within some of the nation’s poorest counties.

We worked with the Departments of Environment, Transportation and Commerce to implement a program of action that includes an organizational framework, funding program, development initiative and operations program for the project.

In 2006, we were once again commissioned by the State, in partnership with Johnston County, to prepare a more detailed plan for the MST through the County. Our plan produced an implementation strategy for the County and municipalities to begin conserving and protecting land and developing sections of land and water trails along the Neuse River.