The first RTAC meeting of 2025 was held in Hendersonville on Feb. 12; the January meeting was cancelled.

Representatives of the Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) reported that trail merchandise featuring the new logo is now available at the Mast General Store. Other potential businesses in Brevard and along the trail also are being considered as outlets for the merchandise.

FOET is also making several improvements to its website, including an interactive trail map that will be completed by the time the first 6 miles is open. The organization is also coordinating trademark protection for its new logo.

A representative of Brevard’s Ecusta Trail Advisory Board reported that planning for their portion of the trail is now 30 percent complete. The group is also working on planning parking areas along the trail and finalizing trail amenities (benches, bike repair stations, etc.).

Restoration of the extensive trail damage caused by Helene is nearly complete and the revised completion date for the first section of the trail is this June.

After extensive review and revisions, the Rules & Etiquette for the Ecusta Trail was reviewed and approved. The rules are now posted on the FOET website (https://www.ecustatrail.org/about-the-trail/#trail-etiquette).

Henderson County planning staff has created a survey to establish communication and collect feedback from the business community and raise awareness for the Trail Partner program. They are asking FOET to provide volunteers for distributing and collecting the survey. It was reported that the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce may be interested in working with the Trail Partner program in the future.

The next RTAC meeting will be held Wednesday, March 12, at 10:00 a.m. in the 100 King Street meeting room.