The document proposes using a GIS model to help identify an ideal corridor for a proposed hiking trail network stretching across western Alabama. Key points: - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society wants to create a trail from Fort Morgan to the Natchez Trace near Florence. - GIS software will analyze parcel data on ownership, size, value and land cover to classify and weight areas according to suitability for trails. - An initial test of the model focused on the northwest corner of Lauderdale County to identify a potential corridor between the Natchez Trace and Tennessee River. - The model provides a way to systematically evaluate land for the trail while accounting for important factors like accessibility, size and environmental conditions. It

1. Proposed Alabama Hiking Trail: A GIS Approach Dr. Greg Gaston Dr. Steve McKinney Kevin Buttrum Matthew Staudt Lee Terry Kelli Cole

2. Introduction The Alabama Hiking Trail Society has proposed a network of hiking trails that will stretch along the western corridor of Alabama from historic Fort Morgan on the Gulf Coast to the Natchez Trace Trail in North Alabama near Florence.

3. The Trail It will take much discussion and mutual agreements in order to acquire access to thelands necessary to complete this project. We hope to create a useful GIS model to identify an ideal corridor. Bankhead National Forest

4. The Trail Another goal of this project is to highlight Points of Interest in Alabama such as: Fort Morgan Historic Site Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Gulf State Park Lillian Swamp Miller’s Ferry Talladega National Forest Bankhead National Forest Sipsey Wilderness Cane Creek Preserve Joe Wheeler State Park Natchez Trace Trail

5. GIS Index Model Using ArcGIS Software, an Index Model was created to identify a suitable corridor for the proposed hiking trails. Parcel data was collected that contained information such as Parcel Size, Ownership (Public vs. Private), Parcel Value, and Land Cover. We then classified these variables and weighted them according to how well the parcel fit our criteria for the corridor.

6. Model Assumptions Public Land is more accessible for trail construction than Private Land. Large Parcels should be easier to access than small Parcels and are less likely to be developed. Forested areas are better than agricultural fields or developed areas. Parcels with a lower assessed value would be easier to gain access.

7. The Data Ownership, Size, and Assessed Value come from the County Department of Revenue’s database. Land Cover Data comes from USGS National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD)

8. Study Area The Area that was chosen to test the model was Lauderdale County, AL

10. GIS Index Model The following scale was use to weigh our variables: 5– Unacceptable(≤50 Acres) 4– Less Acceptable(≤75 Acres) 3– Average (≤100 Acres) 2– Good (≤125 Acres) 1– Best ( >125 Acres)

11. Testing the model: The Extreme NW Corner of Lauderdale County was selected to test the model. We assumed a corridor from the Natchez Trace to the NW Corner of Alabama Near the Tennessee River.

12. IndexModel: Class 5

13. Land Cover

14. An Example of selecting for a specific landcover type

15. Points of interest (parks in the test area)

16. Public Land vs. Private Land

17. Land Value

18. Parcel Size

19. Final Parcel Grid

20. Least Cost Path

21. Least Cost Path Alternate

22. Additional Data that can be considered to improve the results of the model output Aerial Images Topographic Maps

23. Results The preceding demonstration highlights how a GIS Model can be implemented to assist in indentifying an ideal corridor for the proposed network of trails. This model is not concrete or set in stone; it is a fluid model that can be modified at any point to include or exclude any areas. Any Comments or Questions??