BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: John Payne, Berryton
785-409-9964 | kanzatrails@gmail.com
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Vice President: Keith Payne, Berryton
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Treasurer: Linda Schniedewind, Lyndon
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Secretary: Kareen King, Lawrence
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Scott Allen, Council Grove
Scott Averill, Overbrook
Clark Coan, Lawrence
Owen Harbison, Ottawa
Jay Schniedewind, Lyndon
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Cheryl Thomas, Lyndon
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Doug Walker, Osawatomie
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Andy Fry, Topeka
Andy Gisi, Topeka
Ted Craig, Michigan Valley
ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
The Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy (KRTC) converted two former rail lines into non-motorized public trails and wildlife areas in Northeast Kansas. We are a grassroots, non-profit organization of local volunteers. Over 110 miles of the Landon Trail and the Flint Hills Trail are developed.
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We are volunteers using donations and grants to convert these out-of-service rail corridors into non-motorized trails for public use. We are developing former Missouri Pacific Railroad lines. Known affectionately as the “Mo-Pac”, these lines are over 135 years old and figured prominently in the development of Kansas. We are developing connections and partnerships wherever possible. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation holds a lease to the trail within the Topeka city limits (it’s all developed in the city limits). We are part of a nationwide system of rail-trails comprising many thousands of miles in trails for public use.
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We rely on membership annual dues, donations, and charitable grants to fund development and operations. Volunteers do much of the actual work and local contractors are hired in some instances. Materials, equipment, and services are many times donated or provided at a reduced rate in developing the trails. Each local area has a “division” of volunteers who work to plan and carry out projects in development and maintenance of trail in their area. As each division builds outward along the trail, the sections will connect into one trail. This method was borrowed from the volunteers who successfully developed the Wabash Trace Rail Trail in Iowa. This gives local communities a sense of connection.
Kanza has adopted the following policy on vehicles:
Only Class I and Class II E-bikes are allowed. These pedal-assisted bikes do not exceed 20 mph. Other classes and bikes or scooters that are completely electric are not allowed unless the rider has a mobility issue covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All motorized vehicles, conveyances or devices are prohibited except for maintenance vehicles and equipment.