Client:

FDOT Central Office

Location:

Leon, Wakulla and Franklin Counties, FL

Size:

53 Linear Miles 

Service:

Parks & Recreation

Highlights:

• Engineering Design and Permitting
• Landscape Design
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

Gopher, Frog and Alligator Trail

Genesis provided Project Development and Environmental services for conversion of a 52-mile former railroad corridor through the Apalachicola National Forest into a pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle trail. The corridor follows the historic Georgia, Florida, and Alabama rail line from Tallahassee to Carrabelle. The initial design concept called for aligning the trail within the existing railroad bed. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the project required analyses of socioeconomic, transportation, historical and environmental impacts. Specific alignments along the corridor were identified to minimize impacts to private properties and environmentally sensitive areas as well as to provide access to public use areas such as schools, parks and community centers.

The project required an extensive public involvement program which included community meetings, citizen advisory groups, technical resource committees, local government presentations and two public hearings.