OMAHA, Nebr. – Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton today announced that three Indiana trails are being added to the National Recreation Trails System. They are among twenty-seven trails in fifteen states that are being added to the National Recreation Trails system on National Trails Day.

Secretary Norton made the announcement at the Get Fit With US celebration held in St. Paul, Minnesota. The event highlighted the successes of the President’s HealthierUS initiative encouraging Americans to recreate on public lands and waters to live better, longer lives.

"Our efforts to promote trails for health and recreation are part of a larger partnership initiated by President Bush," Norton said. "These partnerships are using the vast interconnected outdoor recreation network of federal, state and local lands and waters as a resource that can help provide inexpensive, enjoyable exercise for all Americans."

The Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage is located in Vanderburgh County. This 3-mile trail and greenway is part of a planned 42-mile greenway trail system that will encircle the county and serve the entire city of Evansville. Bicyclists, hikers, and kayakers are just some of the groups who enjoy what this trail has to offer in an urban setting. The project has inspired thoughts of a multi-county regional trail plan in the future.

The National Recreation Trails System is a network of 920 trails created to provide for outdoor recreation needs, promote the enjoyment, appreciation and preservation of open-air, outdoor areas and historic resources and encourage public access and citizen involvement. The system is administered by the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service with support from the lead nonprofit partner, American Trails. Approximately 982 miles of trail were added to the trails system today.

"What better way to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle than to set aside wonderful trails near their homes where they can enjoy nature or uncover local history," said Fran Mainella, Director of the National Park Service. "We’re pleased to work in cooperation with state, local, and private interests to make these opportunities available to the American public."

In order to be nominated for designation as part of the National Recreation Trails System, a trail must be open to public use for at least 10 years after designation and must be designed, constructed and maintained according to best management practices and in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws. NRT designation must also be supported by the landowners whose property the trail crosses.

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program is the community resource of the National Park Service that works with local citizens groups to preserve open space, conserve rivers and develop trail and greenway networks. More information is available online at http://www.nps.gov/rtca.