(09/P13) TRENTON - As outdoor enthusiasts across New Jersey gear up to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Mark N. Mauriello today unveiled a comprehensive plan for shaping the future of the state’s network of recreational trails.

Reaffirming the value of trails and their myriad benefits, the New Jersey Trails Plan Update will serve as a blueprint for improving the state’s trails for recreation, transportation and quality of life. It provides decision makers and other officials at the state, county and local levels with guidance on a wide range of issues, including funding for trails, development, operation and maintenance.

The New Jersey Trails Plan Update, funded by the Federal Highway Administration through the New Jersey Department of Transportation, reflects a cooperative effort among the DEP, NJDOT, the New Jersey Trails Council and the Trails Plan Advisory Committee.

Representatives of New Jersey’s trail advocacy groups and members of the public also contributed to developing the new trails plan by participating in surveys, focus groups, open houses and workshops.

The public is encouraged to read the plan online at www.trails.nj.gov.

In celebration of National Trails Day, a variety of recreational events are planned Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, throughout New Jersey. For details on those activities, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/natural/trail_day.htm