In the process, the user learns and grows physically, mentally and emotionally, while the community grows in spirit, in economic health and in vitality. Water trails are individualistic. Each water trail exists in a unique natural setting, is inhabited by unique wildlife and serves a unique human population. Thus, a carefully wrought set of local purposes greatly enlarges the contributions that a water trail makes to its indigenous human and natural surroundings. Water trails don't just happen.
Most trails reflect the work of a committed trail coalition.
To realize the potential beauty and liveliness of each water trail requires the active intervention of trail builder, trail manager, and trail user from the beginning and their continuing vigilance throughout the life cycle of the trail. The water trail vision is best fulfilled when global principles, augmented by local purposes, guide trail development and use. Use them wisely to steer your course, to inspire your local purposes, and to gauge your progress. Guided by these principles, every water trail will manifest a spirit - an expression of values that capture the essence of community, of exploration, and of growing and of caring that is so characteristic of North America and its people.