Update of Master Plans
The Carolina Thread Trail, collaborating with our partners and stakeholders, is conducting a process through the spring of 2027 to update each of the previously adopted county-specific CTT master plans. The initial adoptions occurred between 2009 and 2015, according to locally-driven processes, and over time the Thread Trail and local governments have amended some of the plans as needed. Given many changes in the region in the last 10-15 years, a thorough assessment of the regional network is due. Our current process will allow us to recognize changes in existing networks, reevaluate opportunities, and identify persistent barriers for continuing to advance the regional connectivity of CTT. The goal is to determine what re-alignments or additional alignments are recommended for specific connections in the CTT master plans. After concluding this planning process in spring of 2027, the Carolina Thread Trail will request each County Commission to adopt the updated CTT master plan for their county.
Elements of the Process
- Steering Committees: To guide the whole process, we are working with geographically-based groups of representatives from the towns, cities, counties, non-profits, and other entities that build and maintain segments of the CTT land trails and blueways.
- Network Evaluation: Using input from the steering committees as well as data from other plans, we will develop recommendations to revise, add, or omit trail alignments in the current CTT master plans. For instance, new trail being built off of the current CTT network may be recommended for inclusion, in place of a less feasible corridor nearby that has not advanced towards implementation.
- Public Survey and Public Meetings: Mid-way through the process, members of the public will be able to review and comment on the draft recommendations in a user-friendly, map-based survey. In-person public meetings, located throughout the 15-county area, will provide additional opportunities for dialogue with CTT staff and the planning consultants.
- Stakeholder Workshops: We will engage with other entities, such as neighboring regional trail organizations and various advocacy groups, whose work impacts or relates to the CTT master plans.
- Final Plans: The process concludes in the spring of 2027 with 15 separate countywide master plans that our Board and each appropriate County Commission will consider for adoption.
Point of Contact
Jane Love, AICP
Trail Development Manager
jane@carolinathreadtrail.org