Technical Vision
The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails (FDEP/OGT) hired E Sciences,
Incorporated in January 2005 under Contract GM120 to provide General
Environmental Consultant Oversight for the development of the Florida Keys
Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT, the Trail).
The first Task under this contract was to develop this Permitting Plan
to give design engineers, contractors and other consultants a common vision for
developing the FKOHT. This permitting
plan accomplishes this task both by providing broad guidance that applies over
most segments and aspects of the Trail, and by providing specific data that has
overlapping applications, which can be used to streamline the Trail design and
permit application process.
Guidance from the FDEP/OGT for the FKOHT falls into four main
categories:
- Safety,
- Environmental protection,
- Sustainability and
- Education.
Trail Overview
The FKOHT is being developed by the FDEP, Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT), and Monroe County. This partnership was
formalized by three agreements:
The FKOHT will be a world-class, multi-use bicycle and pedestrian
facility that will traverse the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key
West. Upon completion, the FKOHT will include an integrated system of
educational kiosks, roadside picnic areas, scenic overlooks, fishing
piers, water access points, and bicycle and jogging paths serving both
residents and visitors to the Florida Keys. The FKOHT will link
communities by providing a safe and continuous multi-use path, offer an
alternative form of transportation, help mitigate congestion, promote
health opportunities and provide a mechanism for the preservation and
use of the historic Flagler Railroad Bridges. Trailheads and rest areas
are being identified approximately every five miles. Many of the
identified rest areas include local businesses that will cater to Trail
users and be a part of the local support for the Trail. In addition,
typical intersection treatments for Trail side streets and driveways
have been developed within the safety upgrade design. The Trail will
also provide outstanding educational opportunities for both residents
and visitors to learn about the unique history of the Florida Keys and
the importance of sustainable development by offering cultural,
historical and ecological interpretation as users traverse the
historical railroad bridges and the many conservation areas between Key
Largo and Key West. The Trail is supported by the Florida Governor as
one of the top three Trails in the State of Florida.
