Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Monday announced selection of nine 2020-2021 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) “Conserve Georgia” grants for conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Among those projects advancing to the Second Level Application stage is construction of 6.75 miles of the Firefly Trail, a planned 39-mile rail-trail along and near the abandoned rail bed of the historic Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad between Union Point and Athens.
 
The Firefly Trail GOSP application was submitted by Greene County in partnership with the cities of Maxeys, Union Point and Woodville, Firefly Trail, Inc., and the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association’s Athens chapter. Project partners received assistance from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission in preparing Pre-Application materials last fall.
 
“It has been exciting to watch the Firefly Trail project emerge through the legislative process and become a reality,” noted Rep. Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro), a strong supporter of the Firefly Trail since well before being elected to represent the citizens of Georgia House District 120 in 2014. “It is a very fine example of public and private entities working together towards an end product that will enhance the lives of many,” Rhodes continued. “It will provide health and fitness, entertainment, and economic development for years to come. I am very proud of the cooperative work that Greene County, Union Point, Maxeys, and Woodville have done to bring the Firefly Trail to life. I also want to say a special thank you and congratulations to all the volunteers who have worked many years to make this a reality.”
 
“Greene County is very excited about the Firefly Trail project and the outdoor recreational opportunities the trail provides to our citizens and visitors,” stated Gary Usry, Chairman of the Greene County Board of Commissioners and a member of Greene County’s Firefly Trail Local Action Committee. “We look forward to working with the DNR and all of the principal stakeholders to keep the momentum going on this project,” Usry continued, “and we are very thankful to have been selected to advance to the Second Level Application for the grant funding.”
 
Georgia DNR will provide $2,109,375 toward the $2.83 million project according to stipulations of the reimbursable GOSP program. Project partners have together committed to contributing $721,625 in cash and in-kind match.
 
The Second Level Application stage, with runs through May, will involve preparation of more detailed project plans and cost projections as well as compliance with environmental review requirements. Project agreements will be signed during the summer and the grant term will be 24 months. Greene County has enlisted the PATH Foundation to assist in completing this portion of the project. The PATH Foundation has been a key partner in the creation of several of Georgia's most significant multi-use trails, including the Silver Comet Trail and the Atlanta Beltline.
 
Four segments of the Firefly Trail, each approximately one mile in length, have been completed to-date in Athens, Maxeys, Union Point and Winterville. Several additional miles of trail are now under construction in Athens-Clarke County, but the GOSP award will more than double the completed trail mileage. The project's goal is to complete the trail in Union Point, Woodville and unincorporated Greene County, and extend the existing Maxeys section to that city's southern city limits.
 
Firefly Trail, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to promote the trail’s creation and use, has worked diligently for a full decade advocating, fundraising, working with local governments and building a network of supporters.
 
“All of us at Firefly Trail Inc. are ecstatic about the news,” stated FTI President Mark Ralston upon receipt of the DNR announcement. “We are ready and eager to work with our partners in Greene County, Union Point, Woodville and Maxeys to build this newest section of the Firefly Trail and begin the process of linking our existing segments together. We are deeply grateful to our partner communities, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Rep. Trey Rhodes, and want to extend a special thanks to the hundreds of trail supporters, especially the Riverview Foundation, who have made it possible for us to help our partner communities with the matching funds required by this grant. Together, we are making it happen.”
 
DNR’s Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, which supports a variety of conservation and recreation projects across the state, was established by passage of the 2018 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act (HR 238) and a Constitution Amendment supported by 83% of the electorate in the November 2018 general election. The inaugural GOSP funding cycle occurred during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Grant and loan requests for local park and trial projects, ranging from $500,000 to $3 million, are reviewed annually. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments, recreation authorities and state agencies, and certain non-governmental entities.
 
A total of 51 GOSP Pre-Applications, requesting a total of $81 million in funding, were reviewed by DNR staff and the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees this winter. A preliminary slate of proposals was selected and passed along for review and approval by the Board of Natural Resources and the Appropriations Subcommittees of the State House of Representatives and State Senate.
 
In announcing the nine projects chosen to advance toward funding, DNR Commissioner Mark Williams stated, “It has never been more important than here in 2021 for Georgia to preserve and expand conservation efforts as millions of Georgians head outdoors for mental and physical health during these trying times. These grants go a long way to support this vitally important mission.”

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic crushed many of the plans and fundraising events for Firefly Trail Inc., in 2020.  Despite this, we and our trail communities moved forward and accomplished many important milestones.

From the beautiful completion of Winterville's Model Mile, to the extension of the trail in Maxeys, to construction of the Model Mile in Union Point, we and our community partners achieved tremendous goals this year.  As we plan for 2021, we need to sustain our ability to seek grant opportunities and be ready with matching funds to help our local communities in need.  Now, more than ever, it is critical we stay on track with our efforts and keep the momentum moving forward.  To do so, we must shore up lost funding if we are to achieve our goals for 2021.

As a result,  we are launching the Firefly Trail Year-End Crowdfunding Campaign.  If you give $30 and encourage 10 friends/family to do the same, we can fill the lost revenue gap due to COVID-19.  Please take a look at our Year-End Challenge Crowdfunding page, donate and add your name to the list. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.
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Thank you so much for your continued support!  
TOGETHER, we are building OUR trail and connecting OUR communities. 

​An online public meeting with ACC Leisure Services will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Two informational in-person drop-in sessions are scheduled at Pittard Park (main picnic shelter), 115 Parkview Road, Winterville:

Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Attendees are reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. Time limits may be imposed if large numbers attend.

Details, including possible alternate routes, are at the ACC Listens website: https://www.accgov.com/leisureserviceslistens

Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Firefly Relay, held Oct. 30-Nov. 8 as a virtual time-trial. We had great participation for our low-key first effort, and thank everyone who participated, whether you were racing the clock or just having fun. Everyone who signed up can get your 2020 Firefly Trail t-shirt by contacting us. In addition, those whose names are in italics are award winners and can get your prizes by contacting us. Also, if you have suggestions to improve the event or route in 2021, please let us know. All proceeds from the relay will be used to advance the work of Firefly Trail Inc., to nurture the creation of the Firefly Trail from Union Point to Athens. Thanks for your support!

First Annual Firefly Trail Virtual Relay (October 30-November 8, 2020) – RESULTS
(1 Lap = 12.1 miles; 3 Laps = 36.3 miles) Italicized = Award WINNER

1 Lap “Sprint” U50 Female
1) Lisa Baynes 42:41
1 Lap “Sprint” U50 Male
1) Brad Frink 33:22
2) Brandon Grainy 33:27
1 Lap “Sprint” 50+ Female
1) Carol Myers 49:53
1 Lap “Sprint” 50+ Male
1) Steve Cummings 39:45
2) Mark Ralston 46:57
3) Rich Born 47:59
4) Michael Kraft 51:04
1 Lap “Sprit” Lanterne Rouge
Michael Kraft
3 Lap “Tour” U50 Female
No participants
3 Lap “Tour” U50 Male
1) Alex Balashov 1:35:37
2) Stephen Wolfson 1:41:25 
3) Lakin Garth 2:12:19
3 Lap “Tour” 50+ Female
1) Carol Myers 2:47:48
3 Lap “Tour” 50+ Male
1) John Kissane 1:55:56
2) Don McKim 2:14:05
3) Paul Meech 2:31:02
3 Lap “Tour” Lanterne Rouge
Paul Meech
Team 3x1 Lap Relay
No participants
Team 3x3 Lap Relay
1) Steve Cummings, Michael Herbert, Don McKim 6:27:46
2) John Kissane, Mark Ralston, Ken Sherman 6:34:50

​While 2020 overall has not been a banner year, the week of Oct. 11 will long be remembered by fans of the Firefly Trail and the people of the communities it will serve.

​In Winterville, Mayor Dodd Ferrelle, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz and Commissioner and Rails-to-Trails Committee Chairman Andy Herod cut the ribbon to officially open an already much-loved 1.2- mile section of the trail.

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In Union Point, crews continued clearing, grading, and pouring concrete as work progresses to complete a 0.6-mile segment of the trail connecting neighborhoods north of downtown to Greene County Primary School.

​In Maxeys, weeks of preparatory work came to fruition as crews laid asphalt on an extension of the
existing trail from Laurel Street to Cherry Street behind the historic Depot.

​In Athens-Clarke, work continued to clear the corridor from Old Winterville Road to Hancock Road, with a goal of finishing the 1.8-mile segment before the end of October 2021. This stretch will pass under the Loop and Winterville Road and will include a new bridge over a soon-to-be-built access ramp from Lexington Road to the Outer Loop. It also passes by a quarry ACC just announced it will purchase for a new water reservoir and park.

And Greene County, Woodville, Maxeys, Union Point and Firefly Trail Inc. -- working with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission -- submitted an application for a nearly $3 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant. If awarded, the grant and matching funds from the partners will complete the trail in Union Point, Greene County, Woodville and Maxeys. 
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Cyclists, if you have been itching to put the hammer down during this COVID-hampered year, here’s your chance. Firefly Trail Inc. is hosting a virtual race on roads near the future route of the trail in conjunction with the opening of the trail in Winterville. For COVID safety, riders will ride individually and upload their times to Strava, individually or as “teams”, with race judges selecting winners based on uploaded times. Riders can complete their race at any time of their choosing between Oct. 30 – Nov. 8. (For safety, rides starting or ending at night will not be counted.)
And, of course, since it’s a Firefly event, non-racers are welcome, too. Just sign up, come out anytime during the 10-day virtual race “window” and have fun. Upload your time and, also just for fun, see if you qualify for the Lanterne Rouge prize as the slowest rider.
This virtual relay is being held to raise funds and awareness for the mission of Firefly Trail Inc. to foster completion of the Firefly Trail from Union Point to Athens. This Firefly Virtual Relay will create an opportunity for fun and friendly competition while promoting COVID-19 safety measures. 
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Event details and schedule

Click Here to Register

​The course

• Riders will ride a 12.1-mile course starting on Robert Hardeman Road near the historic Winterville Depot and ending on Main Street a few yards from the start.
• The preliminary routes are available here:
  • 12.1-mile/1 lap: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34046378
  • 36.3-mile/3 laps: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34046481
• The route will be marked with pavement markings and will be available for download from RideWithGPS and Strava. Cue sheets suitable for printing will be posted at www.fireflytrail.com.
• Riders can choose to ride solo or as a member of a virtual three-person team.
• Riders can complete their race at any time of their choosing between Oct. 30 – Nov. 8. For safety, rides starting or ending at night will not be counted.
• Individual riders can compete in a one-lap race (12.1 miles or a 3-lap race (36.3 miles).
• Teams can choose a “Sprint” option in which each member rides the course once, or a “Tour” option in which each member rides the course three times.
• Team members can also use their times to compete in individual categories.
• Free parking will be available at the Pittard Park gravel lot off Parkview Road or at the Winterville Community Center off N. Church Street.

 Registration

• Registration is $25 for the first category and $10 for each additional category. Winners of designated categories will be eligible for a small prize.
• Registration is open at Active.com through Oct. 28. There will be no day-of registration.
• Riders must sign the waiver online. A parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver for any participant under age 18 and must accompany them during the race.
• Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or other infectious illnesses should not ride.
• No refunds will be granted with one exception: If you are registered and develop symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu on or after Oct. 16, let the race organizers know and we will refund 100% of your entrance fee. We’ll even reserve your shirt for you. For a list of COVID-19 and flu symptoms, see cdc.gov.
• All participants who wish to compete for a prize (including Lanterne Rouge) must upload their results to Strava before 11:59 PM on Nov. 8. A free Strava membership is all that is needed; riders do NOT need a paid Strava membership.
• All miles of all laps must be completed in one continuous ride.
• Everyone who registers will receive a Firefly Trail t-shirt, which can be picked up at Georgia Cycle Sport after Nov. 9. Prizes for designated winners will also be available at GCS for a limited time.

Safety rules

• Riders must wear a helmet.
• Riders must obey all rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and yielding to oncoming traffic at turns.
• This event is unsupported. Riders must supply any fluids, food and other supplies that they will need. There are no SAG stops and no public bathrooms on the course.
• We urge all riders to carry a cell phone. In case of emergency, call 911.
• The course lies entirely on public roads that are open to normal traffic. Hazards such as motor vehicles, other cyclists, dogs, debris, and potholes should be expected, and inclement weather is possible. Riders are solely responsible for their conduct and safety.

Rules of the race

• Riders must use the official course. Rides in other locations cannot be counted.
• Only human-powered bicycles may be used. Riders may not use any kind of motorized assistance. However, any type of human-powered bike is permitted, such as unicycles, recumbents (including trikes and tadpoles) and tandems.
• For fairness and COVID-19 safety, no drafting is allowed. Participants should remain at least 10 bike lengths apart except when overtaking a slower rider. Teammates may gather before and after the ride, but may not ride together.
• Riders who encounter significant unavoidable delays (for example, a flat tire or a funeral procession) may ride their chosen number of laps again and submit their best time. A repeat ride must be completed before nightfall on Nov. 8.

Categories and awards

• Riders who compete in the 3-lap race can also compete in the 1-lap race with their best single-lap time
• Riders who are part of a team can also use their times to compete as individuals. Remember, drafting is prohibited.
• Prizes will be awarded to the first-place finishers in the Individual event categories (male and female, under 50 and 50-and-over, 1-lap and 3-lap races) and to all members of first and second place teams in the Sprint and Tour categories. The rider with the slowest time will be awarded the Lanterne Rouge prize. We may also award a prize for best team name.
• Winners will be determined by ride judges based on times uploaded to Strava. Judges may use Strava data to ensure riders followed the course, started and finished between sunrise and sunset, and did not ride as a group. The judges’ decisions are final.

Proceeds from the Firefly Virtual Race will support the work of Firefly Trail, Inc., a non-profit organization working with local supporters and governments to complete a 39-mile multi-purpose path from Union Point to Athens on or near the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch.