When you're building a 165-mile long trail, it's hard to do anything small. So, it should come as no surprise that the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Northeast Regional Office is doing its biggest "User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis" to date.

The RTC launched the six-month survey in June, aided by a $10,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Patricia Tomes, RTC Program Manager, said the survey will allow the RTC "to develop a complete picture of D&L Trail user characteristics including who uses the trail, where they come from, what they do on the trail, how long they are on the trail, which sections are most popular, how much they spend, what they purchase, and their perception of trail maintenance."

Tomes noted that results of the survey and a published report derived from it can be used as marketing tools for continued maintenance of the trail and additional trail connections to nearby towns. Tomes said the RTC has received over 300 surveys to date.

The D&L encourages trail users to pick up a survey at any of the trailheads and other locations listed to the right. Once completed, the survey should be returned to the RTC (it is a self-mailer with postage provided).

Pick up a Trail User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis at this box.

Trailheads & locations with surveys:

• White Haven, Lehigh Gorge State Park
• Glen Onoko, LGSP
• Carbon County Parking Lot, Jim Thorpe
  
• Marvin Gardens, East Penn Township
  
• Lehigh Gap Nature Center
  
• Slatington
  
• Cementon
  
• Sand Island, Bethlehem
  
• Hugh Moore Park, Easton
  
• Easton Dam, Delaware Canal State Park
  
• Raubsville, Delaware Canal State Park
  
• Lodi Hill, Delaware Canal State Park Office
  
• Virginia Forrest , DCSP
  
• Lock #14, DCSP
  
• Lock Tenders House, New Hope
  
• Bowman's Hill & Wildlife Flower Preserve
  
• Lock #7, DCSP
  
• Black Rock Road, Yardley DCSP
  
• Morrisville, DCSP