(a) In order to provide for the ever-increasing outdoor recreation needs of an expanded population and in order to promote public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoor, natural and remote areas of the State, trails should be established in natural, scenic areas of the State, and in and near urban areas.

(b) The purpose of this Part is to provide the means for attaining these objectives by instituting a State Trails System, coordinated with and complemented by existing and future local trail segments or systems, and by prescribing the methods by which, and standards according to which, components may be added to the State Trails System. (1973, c. 670, s. 1; 1993, c. 184, s. 1; 2015-241, s. 14.30(f), (m); 2019-20, s. 3(b).)