The Gardiner Trail Alliance (GTA) presented the town board with a proposal for a multi-use trail on Steve’s Lane that will provide residents with an outlet to exercise and experience nature.

“It would be a free place for people to hike, walk, bike, cross-country ski, bird watch and enjoy beautiful views of the Shawangunks,” GTA president Mike Albright said.

The three-mile long trail would provide access to the Town of Gardiner, the riverfront, numerous hills, open grasslands and upland areas of the forest.

The recreational trail would be available for people to walk, bike, hike, cross-country ski, bird-watch and more. The trail will promote sustainable recreation use, environmental awareness and physical fitness.

The project would come at no cost to the town, as GTA volunteers would build and maintain the trail. Fats in the Cats Bicycle Club is working with the GTA is develop the trail.

The property has approximately a half mile of waterfront with beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge. It also has hardwood forests and open grasslands, which are excellent bird-watching habitat.

The trail would be accessible for all non-motorized user groups.

It will be carefully designed, following best-recommended practices of the International Mountain Biking Association and US Forest Service to ensure the long-term sustainability of the trail. It would be carefully planned to minimize impact to natural surroundings and highlight interesting natural features of the land.

Located entirely on town property, Albright said the trail would also act as a conservation measure, preserving the land from other uses.

The GTA is in negotiations with the town highway department to construct a parking lot at the end of Steve’s Lane. The trail is also a short distance from the rail trail, which has existing parking on Steve’s Lane.

GTA volunteers would make regular visits for maintenance of the trail and to serve as the “eyes and ears” to ensure the well-being of the trail system and visitor safety.

Albright said the trail will take about three weeks to build, although the proposal still needs to gain final approval from the town board.

The GTA is a group of outdoor lovers who are interested in working with the town to develop and maintain trails on its property.

“We want to promote sustainable recreational use, environmental awareness and the preservation of the natural integrity of this open space,” the trail proposal states. “We can help make the amazing features of this property available for all muscle powered groups to enjoy.”

For more information on the GTA, contact Albright at michaelalbright906@gmail.com.