Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

 

In August 1997, “The Old Keys Bridges Task Force” was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles in response to public demand to use the old bridges for pedestrian and recreational activities. The recommendations of the Task Force sparked support for funding from the state legislature to keep the bridges open for public use and study the long-term maintenance requirements associated with creating a trail along US 1 for bicycle and pedestrian use—the Overseas Heritage Trail that would follow Henry Flagler’s historic old railroad route. Traveling US 1 from Key Largo to Key West provides access to: scenic, environmental, recreational, cultural, historical and archeological resources that are unique and treasured by residents and visitors alike. Feedback from the public supported the concept of a well-planned, developed and maintained Overseas Heritage Trail.

Clean Florida Keys (CFK), Inc. applied for and received a small seed grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to develop a draft plan for one small segment of the trail—Key West to Sugarloaf – MM 0 to MM 20. CFK formed a partnership among FDEP, FDOT, Monroe County, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the National Park Service. A draft plan was then developed utilizing the partnerships and the professional services of Michael Design Associates—specialists in trail design. This draft plan was discussed in two public meetings and input from the public was incorporated into the revised draft.

Feedback from the public received at many public meetings and presentations strongly supports the concept of collaboration and teamwork. Partnerships were essential to the Florida State Scenic Highway designation. And for overall planning of the Overseas Heritage Trail, government agencies liked the idea of developing a cooperative vision.  The County received matching grants both from FDOT and FDEP to complete a Trail Master Plan for the entire length of the Keys. A second round of six public meetings were held throughout the Keys in December 1999 and May 2000.

The Overseas Heritage Trail (OHT) Master Plan was approved in August 2000 and includes recommendations for trail planning, implementation, and management. The Master Plan provides Monroe County and its planning partners with a unified vision and common goals to develop a valuable environmental, cultural and economic resource.    The Master Plan describes eight phases in the implementation process for the OHT: complete existing projects, install signage on existing trail, develop new trail, establish trail furnishings in communities, points of interest, identification and signage of side structures, develop boardwalks in constrained areas, and renovate old bridges. The alignment of the proposed Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, along with many recommendations for bridge treatments, trailheads, signage, and descriptions of other trail amenities are found in the Master Plan document.

Working with the Monroe County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, the FDOT 5-Year Work Program, and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Master Plan, the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) has agreed to design, construct and maintain the trail beginning in 2002. The plan is to "bridge the gaps" between Key West and the Upper Keys, and make a continuous connection where none presently exist. Once the new segments are completed, the OGT will go back and widen the trail on existing sections in the Upper and Lower Keys.

Currently, maintenance responsibilities include 60 miles of existing bike paths. As additional segments of the trail are completed, they will be designated and maintained by the Office of Greenways and Trails. The municipalities of: the City of Marathon, Islamorada, Village of Islands and the City of Key West are coordinating improvements and designating sections of the trail along with their ongoing visioning process.

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