Ohio officials are seeking grant funding to develop a world-class trail system in Coshocton County.

According to a press release, officials from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) recently held a meeting that included stakeholders, including elected state and local officials, economic development representatives and trail groups. The MWCD is seeking funding from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Grant Program to convert abandoned mine lands in Coshocton County into a world-class trail system. The new trail system is expected to stimulate the economy in the surrounding communities.

“Outdoor recreation is a growing industry throughout the country, and our region is no exception,” said Craig Butler, MWCD executive director. “We are working to diversify outdoor recreation opportunities and believe this proposed trail system, along with the Bailey’s trail in Chauncey, Ohio and the trails on/near our lands in Ashland and Richland Counties will become a world-class ‘Triangle of Trails,’ attracting families from across the region and country to enjoy.”

At the meeting, MWCD unveiled plans that showcased 10-15 miles of world-class hiking and biking trails. Funding would also be used for a trailhead, parking, campgrounds, restrooms, and infrastructure for the facilities.

“The exact size and layout of the trail system is to be determined and would be part of the planning phase that this grant would fund,” said Dylan Sayre, MWCD trails coordinator. “The suggested plan would be the first phase of a trail system that would extend to over 100 miles of trails in the future.”

If any money should be awarded, project design and planning could begin as early as 2023.

More information about the the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) can be found on its website.