Off the Rails for Nature Trails: Expansion of the Rails to Trails Program in Wisconsin

Abstract

Increasing the accessibility to nature trails is important in addressing the many public health initiatives geared toward exercise and mental health. Thus, we seek to identify potential sites for expansion of the Rails to Trails Program in Wisconsin, determining which railroads are abandoned in order to increase the network of trails in the state. We will prioritize rail lines for future expansion of the program, taking into account proximity to metro areas, number of intersections with existing trails, and cost of site acquisition.