Government Advocacy

The Buckeye Trail Association is a proud founding partner of the Ohio Trails Partnership, which also includes the Ohio Horseman's Council, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the Ohio Mountain Bike Alliance and the American Canoe Association. The BTA and the Ohio Trails Partnership advocate for the non-motorized trails in Ohio, aiming to improve the quality, quantity, safety, and sustainability of all of Ohio’s trails through education, advocacy, and volunteerism.

The BTA and the Ohio Trails Partnership have an Ohio Trails Reception every year at the Ohio Statehouse following a legislative day speaking with state legislators about the needs of Ohio’s trails, working closely with the Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus. The co-chairs of the Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus are currently State Senator Steve Wilson (R-7) and State Representative Phillip M. Robinson (D-19).

In addition to trails advocacy at the state level, the BTA has been active at the federal level with the passage of a National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study bill from the U.S. Congress in 2022. Passage of this bill will begin the process of conducting a feasibility study of the Buckeye Trail for possible designation as a National Scenic Trail. The federal agency that will be conducting this study will likely be under the U.S. Department of the Interior.

If you are interested in helping with advocacy with the BTA, send an email to Advocacy@BuckeyeTrail.org.