New Jersey just received an end-of-the-year gift: more than $1.8 million in federal grants to develop, maintain and improve recreational trails throughout this state we're in.

The trails include everything from a handicapped-accessible beach boardwalk in Cape May to trail upgrades at Stokes State Forest in Sussex County, from a walkway along the Hudson River waterfront in Hudson County to a path and bikeway along an abandoned railroad corridor in Camden County. Some projects will link newly acquired open space with existing parks, while others will connect trails with other trails to create networks.

More and better trails just might be the stimulus folks need to spend more time in the great outdoors — hiking, biking, dog walking, playing, observing nature and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Unlike health clubs, almost all trails are free!

The trail grants come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, through gas taxes. Since the program began in 1993, New Jersey has received more than $9 million.

The first $833,000 goes toward 48 pre-approved trail projects, while an additional $1 million in grants will be awarded next year.

The 48 approved trail projects were chosen by the New Jersey Trails Council, a group of trail advocates, government representatives and organizations interested in hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing/kayaking and motorized trail use.

Here are a few examples: The southern trails extension of the Palisades Interstate Park in Bergen County, the Wiggins Park trail restoration by the Cooper's Ferry Development Association in Camden County, the Chestnut Avenue pedestrian/bikeway extension in Merchantville Borough, the Baldpate Mountain history trail at the Friends of Howell Living History Farm in Mercer County, the nonprofit New Jersey Youth Corps of Plainfield's improvement and maintenance of a trail through Green Brook Park in Union County, trail improvements in Atlantic Highlands Borough, the Monmouth County Park System's trail connecting Hartshorne Woods Park and a newly acquired property bordering the Claypit Creek, the West Morris Greenway Trail in Wharton Borough, trail improvements in Parvin State Park in Salem County, rehabilitation of the Sussex Branch Trail in Sussex County, and trail maintenance and restoration at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Sussex and Warren Counties.

All of these projects will improve residents' access to open space, enhance environmental resources and create corridors for more hiking, biking and horseback riding. New Jersey is fortunate to have hundreds of miles of exceptional trails, which contribute to our state's economy, and to our health. The federal government's new funds are a welcome investment in both.

To see a complete list of projects, go to www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/200 9/09_0028.htm.

And I hope you will consult New Jersey Conservation Foundation's website at www.njconservation. org or contact me at info@njconservation.org if you would like more information about conserving New Jersey's precious land and natural resources.

Michele S. Byers

Executive Director

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Far Hills