LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Konocti Regional Trails (KRT) team is pleased to announce that the KRT Web site at www.KonoctiTrails.com has been awarded the Social Media, Websites and Technology Award from the California Trails and Greenways Foundation.

The award is given for “achieving excellence in design and creative approaches in developing trails or greenway information systems using technology, social media or Websites.”

The KRT Web site was first created in 2010. This past year, the site was updated by Lake County Trails Coordinator Gigi Stahl, partnering with the Lake County Marketing Program with the intent to increase tourism and economic development.

Through the creative use of social media, calendaring, blog posts, videos, phone apps, electronic newsletters, QR codes and downloadable trails maps, the group has been able to maximize a global presence, drawing recreational enthusiasts to Lake County with minimal expense.

KRT's use of Google Analytics propelled the Lake County Marketing Program to place more emphasis on trails and outdoor recreational activities.

Working together, KRT has promoted local recreational retail and rental businesses, outdoors events such as the well-known Konocti Challenge and the local Road Scholar wildlife and birdwatching tours, as well as support of local photography and music talent.

All KRT outreach combines information on outdoor activities, blended with cultural, historical, geographical and environmental facts, providing each visitor with a better understanding and appreciation of Lake County's special qualities.

KRT also has encouraged regional destination tourism by collaborating with neighboring trails organizations through links, blog posts and events.

“Receiving a California Trails and Greenways Conference Merit Award is a great honor, and we're very grateful to our supporters,” said Stahl. “This year's competition included large California entities with deep resources. The KRT Website was put together with a part time trails coordinator and a core of generous, dedicated volunteers.”

The award will be presented at the annual California Trails and Greenways Conference Awards Dinner on April 23 at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. This year's theme is on “Building Connections: Enhancing the Links between Communities and Trails.”

The mission of the California Trails Conference Foundation is to inspire recreational trail leadership through the annual California Trails and Greenways Conference in collaboration with California Dept. of State Parks.

The California Trails and Greenways Conference Awards acknowledge and show appreciation for worthy individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses that, through their hard work, integrity and social responsibility, have made outstanding contributions to promote, enhance or expand public awareness and use of trails and greenways in California during the year.

The Web site is located at www.KonoctiTrails.com . Besides locating trails for hiking, horseback or bike riding, and paddling, visitors can sign up for the email/newsletter distribution list, trails events notifications and volunteer opportunities.