They are animated by the pursuits of their builders and their users. Water trails connect people with places and simultaneously enrich and protect both. By identifying and interpreting places, both natural and constructed, the water trail brings the user into contact with the whole ecology of the corridor. The interpretation and preservation of our cultural heritage is no less important than the protection and conservation of the earth, the sky, and the plants and animals with which they are intertwined. 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.