Group seeks public input for master plan on Door County trail network
The idea of creating a network of interconnected trails for hikers, walkers and bikers across communities in Door County is taking another step toward reality. Door County Trails’ nationwide Strategic Master PlanAn initiative in which the public is invited to participate.
Door County Trails is gathering input for the Strategic Master Plan and the public is invited to participate through an online survey or community outreach meetings. The group is working on an initiative to create a network of connected trails for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the county, as proposed in this map by the Egg Harbor (and Beyond) Trails Initiative for a possible 18 miles of trails from Egg Harbor to Fish Creek starting in 2024.
The master plan, unveiled Dec. 15, will provide a framework for future multi-use bike and pedestrian trail development, community connectivity, accessibility and outdoor recreation across the Peninsula once the plan is completed. Members of the public can take part in a community survey to help set priorities and shape long-term trail planning.
According to a news release from Door County Trails, the Strategic Master Plan will develop a vision for the trail network that it says will support transportation, healthy living, environmental stewardship and recreation, taking into account public participation as well as input from municipalities, community organizations and businesses.
The main goals of the plan are to create a nationwide vision for connected, multi-use bicycle and pedestrian paths; improving coordination between municipalities and organizations; identifying future trail corridors and expansion opportunities; Strengthening accessibility and inclusivity in road design; supporting safe transportation; guiding long-term financing decisions and investment strategies; and to ensure sustainable, environmentally responsible trail development.
“This is a turning point for Door County,” Susan Stauber, Door County Trails board president, said in the news release. “The community has been clear. People want more multi-use trails, better connections and safe places to walk, bike and explore. This planning effort will ensure that growth is intentional, coordinated and reflects what our Door County community values most.”
The Door County Trails group is a non-profit organization formed by the combined forces of the Egg Harbor Trails Initiative and the Town of Gibraltar, which aims to create a network of offroad biking and hiking trails connecting individual communities. At the same time, a special purpose group was conducting similar discussions. Door County Community Foundation’s Green Fund, and the three groups combined their efforts to form Door County Trails.
An online survey for the master plan is available on the Door County Trails website, and the group will also hold community outreach meetings to gather input. A draft of the plan is expected to be presented in early 2026, followed by additional opportunities for public feedback before the final plan is adopted.
“Roads are central to Door County’s quality of life,” Stauber said. “With community collaboration, this plan will help us create a multi-use trail network that will serve future generations.”
To learn more about Door County Trails and the Strategic Master Plan, visit: doorcountytrails.org. To participate in the online survey, visit: forms.office.com/r/DCMPLzqrWQ. The survey took approximately four to five minutes to complete, the news release said.
C.Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com.
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This article first appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette: Group seeks public input on master plan for Door County road network
