How to resolve AdBlock issue? SARATOGA SPRINGS—The group Saratoga Preserving Land and Nature (PLAN) has released the latest countywide trails dataset, and the information is publicly available.
Saratoga County boasts over 280 miles of recreation trails, and new trails are added or improved each season. Saratoga PLAN is the keeper of a countywide trails dataset, which was originally compiled in 2011 and was updated through this year.
According to John Kettlewell, a Saratoga PLAN spokesman, the updates were made possible due to a network of tireless volunteers, important partners, and two skilled interns: Amy Marshall and Abigail Larkin.
The dataset is available to local and county planners, conservation organizations, and individual trail enthusiasts from PLAN’s website (www.saratogaplan.org), the New York State Geographic Clearinghouse (gis.ny.gov/gisdata), or a website provided by Saratoga County (www.maphost.com/saratoga/).
Knowing the location, condition, and allowable uses on a given trail is imperative for recreation planning by everyone from the casual or serious user to local and countywide planners.
Saratoga County is known for its trail diversity, including the urban Saratoga Greenbelt Trail, the historic Champlain Canalway trail, the nature trails of Moreau Lake State Park, and the more local loops offering enjoyable outdoor experiences in Saratoga PLAN’s Coldbrook and Ballston Creek Preserves.
Eventually, as new trails are developed, such as at Corinth Reservoir Recreation area, Anchor Diamond Park, or around Lake Bonita in Moreau Lake State Park, they will be mapped and added to the countywide trails dataset.
Kettlewell said Saratoga PLAN could not have completed this project without help from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; the state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; Saratoga County and municipalities; Skidmore College; The Nature Conservancy; Wilton Wildlife Preserve; or the many volunteers and friends of Saratoga PLAN.
