Steve's Trail Blog: Introduction

Steve Kasacek | OSI Director of Trail Development & Education

Writing this first OSI Trails Blog for 2025 while watching spring snow come down between warm days reminds me that while we are eager to get out there, it’s not quite trail season yet! Which means I’ve got time to write to you all and let you know what exciting things lay ahead for OSI in 2025.

As you can see, this new Trails Blog is evidence of OSI’s continuing commitment to sustainable community trail development. OSI has been tackling the “how do we get good trails built and maintained in rural places” question for almost a decade. In 2025, we are applying our experience and knowledge across Maine for a variety of interesting projects and can’t wait to share that journey with you.

This first blog serves as an introduction to the work we do, what we’ve accomplished this past year, and what lies ahead. Check out this link for an overview of our team’s work around Maine and beyond. We have a very exciting year for trails here in Maine. In the fall of 2024, Mainers voted for a historic bond to fund trail creation and maintenance, we will see the first round of $7.5 million in funding released later this year.

In early 2024, Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation announced the Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance (CORA) grant. CORA utilizes US Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation State Grant funding to help Maine communities plan, design, and seek training to grow their outdoor recreation assets.

The timing of this grant could not have been better, with CORA’s focus on planning and design naturally setting up Trails Bond construction funding. OSI received CORA funding itself for a variety of work in the Katahdin region, including trail planning and design. OSI has also recently signed agreements with seven organizations across Maine to help them with trail planning, design, and education through their CORA awards.

So far in 2025, OSI’s trail partners include two municipalities, four land trusts, and five other non-profits. In the last two years OSI has provided many of these communities with planning work, ensuring that they are now moving into trail design and developing shovel-ready projects. These next steps show great forward momentum for their respective trail projects.

OSI’s trail education continues to evolve. Many partners’ CORA funding includes a training element to help build local capacity. OSI will be providing these trainings and a variety of specialized instruction for volunteers and land managers across the state.

OSI will continue its focus in the Katahdin region of Maine-- with grant support funding another 30 miles of trail design spread across five communities. The OSI Katahdin Region Trail Crew is itching to get in the woods, with secured funding for nearly five miles of new trail in Millinocket, Patten, and Island Falls, as well as funding to support rehabilitation to many Hammond Ridge favorites.

2025 is sure to be interesting. While there are many unknowns, OSI remains committed to helping communities develop high-quality, sustainable trails and the capacity to activate and maintain those trails long into the future.

The weather is still fickle but the work plans are being written, tools sharpened, and boots are getting laced up. We are ready to hit the ground running (or biking) and are excited to share our trail work throughout the year with you!