Craig Rennie

The Commissioner of NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Sarah L. Stewart, is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig D. Rennie as the new chief supervisor of N.H. Bureau of Trails.

The Trails Bureau Chief Supervisor is responsible for management of the bureau’s 1000 miles of wheeled off-highway recreational vehicle trails, over 300 miles of state owned rail-trails, and 7,422 miles of snowmobile trails. The Chief also supports the multiuse trail system in the state for hiking, cycling, equestrian and sled dogs.

“New Hampshire’s trail systems attract motorized and non-motorized enthusiasts each year, providing abundant opportunity to explore our great outdoors,” said Stewart. “Managing our trail network and supporting local trail user clubs is an important contributor to our tourism industry and to the high quality of life Granite Staters enjoy.”

Rennie comes to NH Trails Bureau with 24 years’ experience in natural resource management, holding positions with NH Department of Environmental Services (NH DES), NH Fish and Game Department and other outdoor conservation organizations.

“First and foremost, I am an avid outdoor recreation enthusiast, both motorized and non-motorized,” said Rennie.

The chief supervisor assists organizations, municipalities, and trail clubs with the development of trails on both public and private lands. With the vast majority of both NH OHRV and snowmobile trials on privately owned property, developing landowner relationships is an important part of the Bureau’s Chief Supervisor’s duties.

“During my tenure at DES, I’ve had the great privilege to work with many applicants and landowners from around the state, particularly in the North Country,” Rennie said. “My work and effort at DES has always been focused on the successful outcome of landowner’s application requests, as well as balancing the applicant’s needs.”

Rennie’s interactions with the Trails Bureau and his experience working for NH DES has prepared him to promote the trails Bureau’s programs and mission and at the same time protect New Hampshire’s natural areas.

“I have worked closely with the Trails Bureau staff for many years to develop trails around the state,” Rennie said. “My work at DES brings essential knowledge that

will be an asset in promoting the growth, maintenance and improvement of our trail network.”

The motorized trail systems of New Hampshire attracts thousands of snowmobile and OHRV enthusiast each year. According to the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) 2017 annual report, snowmobiling alone had an economic impact of $586 million in NH, with OHRV use generating $572 million to the state.

“The Trails Bureau Chief position is an exciting and unique opportunity to share mutual passions with others from around the state,” Rennie said.

Rennie added, “I look forward to getting to know and supporting the clubs who put countless hours into the management of these trails and I look forward to building my relationships with the many generous landowners who make our trail system possible.”

Rennie starts his new position as the NH Bureau of Trails chief supervisor on May 21.

Bureau of Trails is set up to work with all trail users and the different types of trails that are designated for public use. The bureau provides guidance and financial support through grants programs to private groups, trail clubs, municipalities, and state and federal agencies for a variety of trail projects and issues.

For more information on NH Bureau of Trails, visit www.nhstateparks.org/about-us/trails-bureau.

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