WILKES-BARRE -- Many residents of Luzerne County have developed a love affair -- with trails.

The area’s existing trails are well used and cared for by residents and organizations, but the relationship with them is about to change because of a proposed expansion project that would link trails throughout the Wyoming Valley.

Two master plan proposals, called the Luzerne County Trails and Greenways Expansion Project, will be revealed 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the ballroom of the Henry Student Center in Wilkes-Barre.

Event coordinator Carol Hussa said the goal of the event is to get information out to the public on what current trails exist and plans to link them to provide better access to communities.

“The goal is to celebrate what we have, what we are planning and how to get involved,” Hussa, coordinator of the Wilkes-Barre YMCA’s ACHIEVE project, said.

By using old inactive railroad beds and some passages along streets, the proposals would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to weave their way through Kingston and it’s neighboring municipalities as well as Wilkes-Barre, Plains Township and Wilkes-Barre Township.

“About 100 miles of trail are already developed,” Hussa said. “Plans are to connect them all.”

Design consultant, George White of Kempton, will present the proposed trail corridors. The aim of the project is to connect the existing trails to allow citizens to move throughout the communities safely.

Judy Rimple from the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association will be on hand to provide information on local trails including the Back Mountain Trail, the Susquehanna Warrior Trail, the Black Diamond Trail and the West Side Trail. Ellen Ferretti of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will discuss the next steps to bring the vision to reality.

White said there is no defined timeline on the completion of the overall project or even phases at this point.

He said identifying potential trail routes is the first step. The second step is finding funding and seeking easements in the few areas where the trails encroach private property.

“There are several funding courses available,” White said. “There are federal and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grants available.”

Trying to use mostly public property, only a few easements maybe needed where trails encroach private property, White said.

Many measures are planned to keep the trails and residents who use them secure. Street cross walks, extra signs, lighting and trail patrols are some of the measures being considered.

Janet Sweeney, project manager with the Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Council said safety precautions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Tying the regional trails together will take time but the effort will have many benefits for the overall health of the community. White said that besides giving residents a safe place to enjoy the outdoors, the trails can boost the local economy.

Sweeney said she has read several economic studies on tourism that show trail systems do increase tourism and generate economic activity with small-business owners.

“Where trails currently exist, they are valued,” Sweeney said.

Master plans are available for viewing at www.wenviro.com/Wilkes-Barre.html and www.wenvir.com/Kingston.html.