STATE TRAIL (F3ST

The Fonta Flora State Trail (FFST) is proposed to span approximately 100 miles and connect Morganton to Asheville through Burke, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties. In McDowell County, the Fonta Flora State Trail leads east and west as it roughly parallels the Catawba River and passes directly through the City of Marion and Town of Old Fort. Approximately five miles of existing trail and 33 miles of planned trail are located within McDowell County.

B.1.1 Partnerships and Planning

The primary partners in the Fonta Flora State Trail effort include the Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail, City of Marion, Town of Old Fort, McDowell County, and the McDowell Trails Association. Additional partners should be considered as planning work is completed from the McDowell House in Marion to the Buncombe/McDowell County border.

ACTION ITEMS: • Participate in planning and development of a

Fonta Flora State Trail master plan that outlines recommendations from Marion to the Buncombe/

McDowell County border.

B.1.2 Trailheads

In order to leverage funding and maximize benefits, trailhead development efforts should focus on areas where the Fonta Flora State Trail coaligns and connects with other state-designated trails and connectors. Branding, signage, wayfinding, and trail support facilities should be developed and implemented as outlined in current planning documents.

ACTION ITEMS: • Develop and implement trailheads at recommended Upper Catawba River Paddle

Trail access areas and within the Main Street

Communities as outlined in County-wide

Connections and Main Street Communities tourism areas recommendations.

B.1.3 Trail Implementation

In order to leverage funding and maximize benefits, trail implementation efforts should focus on areas where the Fonta Flora State Trail coaligns and connects with other state-designated trails and connectors. The FFST is coaligned with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail as it extends from the Black Bear Boating Access Area east to Burke County.

ACTION ITEMS: • Support implementation of the current Fonta Flora

State Trail master plan from Lake James to Marion by working with partners to acquire easements/ land from willing landowners. • Work with partners to design and construct a sustainable trail alignment within the planned and secured corridor.

FRIENDS OF FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL (F3ST) EXH 18

The mission of F3ST is to bring together communities and volunteers to build, maintain, and promote the Fonta Flora State Trail connecting Burke, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from each of the three counties plus designated seats for representatives of the Friends of Lake James State Park, Inc., the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, Inc., the YMCA of Western North Carolina, NC State Parks, and a member from the WNC Bridge Foundation. The Board is supported by an Executive Director and Advisory Council, with employees and volunteers from the various stakeholder groups and local governments working to get the trail on the ground. The F3ST has a goal to complete construction of the entire trail in 10 years.