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9 <br /> Project Overview <br /> The Orange County Trails Plan (OCTP) provides a The plan is intended to support consistent, <br /> coordinated approach for connecting residents to long-term investment, giving the County and <br /> the daily destinations that matter most—from parks its partners a common reference point for <br /> and natural areas, to schools and libraries, to town evaluating opportunities, coordinating across <br /> centers and transit. It combines a physical network jurisdictions, and pursuing grants. It also provides <br /> concept with policy guidance for prioritizing, clarity for residents and landowners by showing <br /> funding, and delivering projects.The OCTP how individual trail concepts fit into a larger, <br /> consolidates years of planning work into a single comprehensive network of connectivity. <br /> guide, aligning what we learned from fieldwork, <br /> GIS analysis, and public engagement across Most importantly, the Trails Plan reflects what <br /> multiple touchpoints. community members said they value: <br /> This plan also establishes a shared framework • Safe places to walk and bike; <br /> Access to nature close to home; <br /> for how Orange County will approach trail • <br /> planning moving forward. By identifying the • Connections between towns and rural areas; <br /> most meaningful destinations to connect and the • And progress toward completing the <br /> conditions that shape where trails can and should Mountains to Sea Trail (MST). <br /> go, the plan creates a clear foundation for future BUILDING ON PRIOR PLANNING <br /> decisions. It clarifies what types of trails fit best <br /> indifferent parts of the county, the principles to Previous local plans and initiatives have <br /> follow to ensure users feel safe and welcomed provided strong starting points for the Trails <br /> on trails, and how to balance access with the Plan. By bringing them together,the Trails Plan <br /> protection of natural resources. aligns previous efforts with current community <br /> priorities and ensures network continuity across <br /> jurisdictions.The following previous and ongoing <br /> plans have been considered in depth,with findings <br /> ". outlined in Section 02: Existing Conditions. <br /> Chapel Hill Greenways Master Plan (2013) <br /> Orange County 2030 Parks & Recreation <br /> (: Master Plan (2014) <br /> Orange County Mountains to Sea Trail (2018) <br /> Eno-New Hope Connectivity Plan (2021) <br /> • Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan (2022) <br /> • NCDOT Great Trails State Plan (2022) <br /> • Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 (2023- <br /> 2026) <br /> • Orange County Strategic Plan FY2025-2029 <br /> (2024) <br /> Everywhere-to-Everywhere Greenways <br /> Feasibility Study (2025-2026) <br /> Orange County Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan <br /> View of a Blackwood Farm Park picnic shelter and open green (2025-2026) <br /> space,observed during the Trails Plan fieldwork <br /> • J Branch Rail Trail Feasibility Study (2025-2026) <br /> 6 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />