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In response to the loss of open space in the nation's urban areas, the Rivers and Trails Con- servation Assistance Programs of the National Park Service recently initiated a program to establish greenway systems in metropolitan areas. This initia- tive emphasizes the protection of natural, cultural and histori- cal resources; citizen participa- tion in guiding a community's future growth and develop- ment; connecting citizens to natural environments as well as providing close -to -home recre- ation opportunities; and con- necting open space and park resources through the creation of linear parks. Greenway sys- tems will benefit a community's ,recreation, transportation and tourism needs, helping to define its identity, protecting its cul- tural heritage and promoting economic vitality. To address the complex demands of designing greenway networks in the met- ropolitan environment, the Na- tional Park Service is guided by three principles. The first prin- ciple is the development of a shared community vision. The community must participate in each step of the process. The goals of the project must be developed by the community and recognized as the communitv's vision for a de- sired future course of action, not that of the National Park Ser- vice. Second, project implemen- tation must be a paramount consideration from day one. The goal of the project is a `y-reenwav system on the ground, not the preparation of a conceptual plan. To fully em - Greenway systems will benefit a community's recreation, transportation and tourism needs, helping to define its identity, protecting its cultural heritage and promoting economic t i vitality. t brace the project and promote its completion, each citizen must know what the greenway system will look like and what benefits it will afford the com- munitv. Such an understanding of the project can only be achieved by the early develop- ment of demonstration areas permitting area residents to use small segments of a greenway. Third, the planning process must generate broad-based public support. The process must be inclusive of all seg- ments of the community allow- ing residents to be involved and have ownership of the ideas and concepts put forth in the pian. Even though conflicts arise, community priorities change or funding sources are interrupted, community ownership of the Pian and broad-based public ,upport provide stronz assur- ances that the greenwav system %vill be completed. The planning process is designed specifically for each metropolitan area in order to adequately address unique cir- cumstances and accommodate regional differences. Therefore, the actual process used will vary from city to city. How- ever, the following steps apply to all metropolitan greenway planning efforts in which the National Park Service plays a role: • Organize a group of local greenway enthusiasts, resource experts and decision -makers to direct project planning and implementation. • Document in writing the agreement between the Na- tional Park Service and princi- pal cooperators outlining the project scope and work assign- ments. • Formulate a public par- ticipation strategy to ensure broad-based public support and acceptance. • Identify issues and goals through an open process and establish a shared community vision for a metropolitan greenwav system. • Conduct an inventory of significant community values typically involving natural, cultural, recreational and his- torical resources. • Develop a conceptual greenways plan and implemen- tation strategy based on the shared community vision and the analysis of resources. • Prepare reports, bro- chures and maps to promote implementation of the greenwav system. To ensure program success, it was decided that the planning process should be initiated in