F3ST Update

The November-December newsletter told the story of Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail (F3ST) getting started. Thanks again to FLJSP for having the vision that this group was needed to ensure the Fonta Flora State Trail continues to move forward. To show that we are continuing your vision and will not let you down, here are some of our successes:

Funding from Municipalities – To hire an executive director, we received $32,000 in support from McDowell County, City of Marion, Town of Black Mountain, Town of Old Fort and Town of Glen Alpine. This allowed a part-time hire of Beth Heile for six months. Burke County and City of Morganton are considering support in their upcoming budgets. If that happens, the position will continue. At the same time, F3ST President Judge Hunter is working with the Great State Trails Coalition for the state to provide funding for this position in the future. This would be funding for all state trails.

Started Membership and Partnership Programs – Our membership program was launched in early February. The annual options are; Individual - $25, Family - $50, or $500 for a Lifetime membership. Thanks to the many FLJSP members who have joined! Members help support our mission by covering operation costs and receive a cool decal! In March, an option for local businesses to support our Trail on the Ground fund was made available. For $100 or $500, a business can show they support the trail. For their annual support, they will receive a partnership decal for their window and promotion on our web site, newsletter and social media. The Trail on the Ground fund is used for matching grants when municipalities and counties need it. This will double or triple the donor’s investment.

Old Fort Grant – We have made great strides on a new FFST trailhead and park in Old Fort. A Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant application is being submitted for $330K to help in funding. This grant requires an equal match and that will come from $100K each – McDowell County, Town of Old Fort, an anonymous donor, $25K from McDowell Trails Association, and $5K from community donations. In addition to 0.25 mile of tree-lined, paved FFST, the trailhead will include restrooms, parking, a dog park, bike garden, central green, picnic pavilion area and ADA compliant walkways and access.

Hike and Learn Series – To help people learn where you can hike or bike the FFST, we are hosting these events every other week. In addition to learning about and exploring the trail and local area, participants will learn from a related speaker about each particular trail section.

Strategy – F3ST is in the process of meeting with the municipalities and counties that will host sections of the trail to document the trail status (completed, in the planning, seeking funding and the like) to make sure this trail is finished in 10 years. Burke County, McDowell County, Marion and Morganton officials met at Lake James State Park in March. Black Mountain, Asheville and Buncombe County will be meeting this month.

Want to help? Visit FontaFloraStateTrail.com to donate.