8.12.21 – Virtual Louisiana bootlace Trail Network Introduction Meeting

This meeting brought together a diverse group of planners, advocates, and agency representatives from across the state to begin a collaborative vision for a connected statewide trail network. Attendees shared current trail efforts, regional priorities, and ideas for coordination, emphasizing the importance of data sharing, cross-parish connectivity, and stakeholder inclusion—particularly in underrepresented areas like Baton Rouge and Livingston Parish. Key discussions included mapping existing and proposed trails, identifying funding opportunities such as the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), and ensuring collaboration with entities like the Corps of Engineers. Participants agreed on the need for ongoing communication, better visual tools (maps, one-pagers), and potential next steps like a listserv or future summits to maintain momentum and build regional alignment around trail development and advocacy.

Presenters

  • Dan Favre – Executive Director at Bike Easy – Intro
  • Miranda & Ruby –  – Trail Research

Attendees

  • Jennifer Ruley – City of New Orleans Department of Public Works 
  • Sharon Calco – Louisiana Office of Tourism and Governor’s Office
  • Mark Martin – Bike Baton Rouge
  • Susan Klees – Regional Planning Commission & St Bernard Parish
  • Merrill McCarry – St James Government
  • Hagon Hammons – Tangahoo Parish native
  • Frank Neelis – Manchac Greenway
  • Mike Ince – Intergovernmental Affairs of Governor’s Office
  • Mustafa – Fernstermaker
  • Wiliam Prince
  • Michelle Kendall – Hammond Development Downtown District
  • Karen Parsons – Regional Planning Commission
  • Michael Domingue – State of Louisiana Recreational Trails Director
  • Leslie Couvillion – Regional Planning Commission
  • Deborah Fagan – St Bernard Parish
  • Drew – Bike Baton Rouge
  • Gary O’Neal – Fernstenmaker
  • Sophie Vorhoff – Executive Director of Friends of the Lafitte Greenway
  • Lynn Dupont – Regional planning Commission
  • James – Manchac Greenway
  • Rene Pastorek – Planning Director for St John Parish 
  • Sam Buckley – Regional Planning Commission
  • Melissa Guilbeau – Planning Director if Slidell
  • Abrina Williams – Fernstermaker