2019 Site Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the Connecticut Trail Census (CTTC)!  Please read the attached program information carefully and respond to this communication by completing the attached Site Application Form no later than Sunday, January 13 , 2019.  For existing sites: to ensure that we are making best use of program resources, we are re-evaluating where the infrared (IR) pedestrian counters are installed.  Sites will be reviewed by our Advisory Committee and the Connecticut Greenways Council.  Priority trail sites will:

  • Have a primary contact person with capacity to oversee the program
  • Demonstrate community/volunteer commitment to fulfilling data collection requirements Completing 10 hours of manual counts, periodically checking/monitoring and clearing debris from the IR counter housing box, and collecting intercept surveys. Manual counts are essential for ensuring that the data is accurate. Both manual counts and counter monitoring help to reduce the frequency and likelihood of data loss. See Roles & Responsibilities below.
  • Be multi-use in nature
  • Demonstrate a need for the data

We hope trail sites will:

  • Demonstrate commitment to connectivity with other trails and or community amenities
  • Demonstrate how the trail will be promoted, used, or engaged as a community amenity
  • Demonstrate commitment to engaging a diverse range of users

HOW TO APPLY: All sites, existing and new, are asked to complete the 2019 online application.  In 2019 we hope to be able to provide more support to our sites in completing their program requirements.    Please complete this form online, noting any support needed, no later than Sunday, January 13 , 2019. If your site no longer wishes to participate in the program, please contact any of the program contacts shown above as soon as possible and we will be follow-up via phone.

WHAT IS A MULTI-USE PATH OR TRAIL?

A multi-use trail/path supports multiple forms of recreation and transportation such as walking, bicycling, equestrians and users with a diverse range of abilities. Motorized vehicles are normally prohibited. It is typically surfaced with asphalt, concrete or packed crushed aggregate and physically separated from motor vehicular traffic with an open space or barrier.  These paths are designed to include pedestrians even if the primary anticipated users are cyclists.

HOW IT WORKS

The Connecticut Trail Census (CTTC) is an innovative, statewide data collection and education program on multi -use (shared use) trails and paths in Connecticut. The goals are to understand when, who, how, and why people make use of trails and to obtain multi-year data about use, user demographics, economic impacts, health impacts and trail amenities for identification of patterns and trends. The CTTC uses s a train-the-trainer model to engage volunteers in data collection by training 1-2 Trail Site Coordinator(s) in data collection methods and preparing them to train a volunteer team. Data is collected by volunteers throughout the year and analyzed during the winter by Trail Census staff for reporting in early spring. The program is a partnership between the University of Connecticut, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, the Connecticut Greenways Council, and local trail advocacy organizations.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING

  • Understand how many people are using your trail and how it compares to others across the state
  • Learn your trail use patterns and user demographics through reports and an online data portal
  • Engage your community leaders and local residents in understanding trail use and opportunities
  • Use the data to make informed decisions about trail maintenance and needed amenities

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trail Site Coordinators are the primary contacts for the program.

TRAIL SITE COORDINATOR/COORDINATING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in 1-2 hour counter installation and maintenance training held in person at counter site
  • Participate in 1-2 hour data collection training held in person at various locations across the state
  • Periodically check the Infrared Counter for functionality and report issues to cttrailcensus@gmail.com I We recommend opening and cleaning the counter bi-weekly.
  • Coordinate and train volunteers to collect surveys (goal= 100) throughout the year and submit via mail using provided pre-paid envelopes.
  • Recruit, coordinate and train volunteers to complete at least 10 hours of manual counts.  These are submitted  electronically by mail with surveys.
  • Track, verify & record volunteer hours online at www.trackitforward.com/site/connecticut-trail-census (sites contribute an estimated 52 volunteer hours to complete program requirements).
  • Communicate with CTTC staff
  • Use and communicate the results to community leaders

TRAIL CENSUS PROGRAM STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Coordinate and offer Trail Site Coordinator training
  • Visit each counter quarterly and perform data download of user counts
  • Integrate counter data into aggregated data set and apply calibration factors based on manual counts
  • Publish raw data onto the online data portal
  • Manually enter survey and manual count data
  • Publish annual reports of aggregated survey data and community reports for sites with 100 or more surveys received.  Additional data analysis may be available on request.
  • Work closely with Trail Site Coordinators to address issues and opportunities as they arise
  • Develop and teach public education programs related to multi-use trails and user data
  • Publish monthly newsletters with trail related resources and data updates
  • Administer program funding and staff