Scott County researching for hiking, biking trail

BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County government is seeking ideas and volunteers to work on a cross-county hiking and biking trail.

The idea is still in the research phase, said county developer Joel Evans, with much more information needed to actually begin any work in earnest.

"This is a complicated process, and it's something we'll only have an opportunity to do once, so we want to make sure we'll do it right," Evans said.

But the county is serious about the possibility of establishing a trail within its borders that would attract tourism and provide recreational opportunities for those living in the county. The county Web site, scottcountymo.com, currently has a link for people to submit ideas for a trail or register to be part of a volunteer committee that will oversee the effort, likely beginning early next year.

Evans said the idea is one that's been discussed for about a year, prompted by the availability of grant money to build trails.

No specific funding sources have been identified, Evans said, and the needs of the county in regard to a trail are yet to be determined as well.

A route hasn't been identified either, Evans said. That responsibility would rest with the committee and the input the county receives.

Evans said the trail could link to some of the communities in the county.

If Scott City were to link with the trail, it would likely be at the end because the city is the county's northernmost municipality. Scott City Mayor Tim Porch hadn't heard of the idea yet Monday night, but said that depending on a few factors, like finding a funding source, he thinks the Scott City government would likely get behind the idea of hosting a trailhead.

"I'm sure we would definitely support something of that nature," Porch said. He said he thinks the city council would also support dedicating some city funds to such a project if a match was required.

Many communities that have hiking and biking trails tout the economic benefits derived from increase tourism and recreational opportunities.

In Southern Illinois, the Tunnel Hill Trail that opened in 2001 had about 80,000 users in 2005, some of them from Europe and Asia, Tunnel Hill Trail State Park site superintendent Bill Reynolds told the Southeast Missourian in August 2006.

Missouri is home to one of the country's longest hiking and biking trails, the 225-mile Katy Trail that runs from St. Charles to Clinton. State officials tout the economic benefits of the trail, saying it has revitalized small communities on its path.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Scott County trail effort can visit the county's Web site or e-mail Evans at ocd@scottcountymo.com.