The weather is warming and it is time to get out on the trails for another season!

Linn County Trails Association works to promote trails, trail maintenance and construction of new trails. An important means of doing this is by measuring trail usage to demonstrate demand for more and better trails. We need you to read and report the trail counts. Trail counters are at 12 locations within the Metro trail system as listed below. The counters may be recognized by two brown or blue posts located across from each other. The tallest post has a window on the top with a 6 digit display of the accumulated count. Simply record and report the number.

The easiest way to report a trail count is with a smart phone while at the trail counter location. Type into your browser linncountytrails.org/trailcount and fill in the form. The counter location is shown on the post and date and time are automatically recorded when reporting at the counter. If you store the trailcount URL link on your home page, you can save the effort of retyping it every time. Alternatively, you can also install a free QR code reader on your phone and read the QR code on the post to automatically bring up the form and chose the counter location. These instructions are also on the counter post.

While you are reporting, please run a test to verify that the counter is working, by slowly waving your hand across the beam between the two post and verify that the count increments. There is a check box on the reporting form for “counter is not working”. We do struggle  to keep  fresh batteries in the counters.

 Last year saw completion of Cedar Valley Nature Trail paving through Center Point which was supported by a $103,000 donation from LCTA. This year we are working to a) support funding for an extension of the Lindale Trail to connect the Cedar River Trail and b) support engineering planning for the Hwy 100 Trail near Xavier High School going towards the Cedar River and eventually across the river at the old railroad bridge pilings downstream from the Hwy 100 bridge. Through demonstrated trail usage and financial contributions from LCTA supporters, we can speed up the development of these trails.

Thank you
Linn County Trails Association