From that day forward the trail will be known as the Lisa M. Durham Memorial Trail, in honor of the late Lisa Durham and her contributions to the project, her love of outdoors, and her commitment to both her family and serving the community. Lisa served the Fort Randall Project through the Corp of Engineers from 19942021. “The trail system honors Lisa by providing opportunities for others to experience many of the things that Lisa held near and dear to her heart. It ultimately encourages others to get outdoors and to create shared memories with friends, family and loved ones, 'the USACE Fort Randall Dam Project shared.

The project first came to light when Russell Gall approached the Corp of Engineers looking for a trail/place for his daughter to run as she was a cross-country runner. Planning began in 2018 with actual construction beginning in 2020. Kelsey Kniffen became the coordinator for the project. Even though the project is not fully completed yet, the Fort Randall Project is ready for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Lisa M. Durham Memorial Trail currently features four loops and one link. The loops include Sumac, Yucca, Cedar, and Cottonwood. The Bur Oak Link is the only current link, but adding the Chalk Rock Link is in the planning/ pre-construction phase. Each of the loops features a different type of trail material. The Sumac is gravel, Yucca is grass to gravel, Cedar is wood mulch and grass, and Cottonwood is wood mulch and gravel. The Sumac Loop features a bench with an overlook of the Corp of Engineers Reservoir as well as grassland trails. If looking for downstream views and grassland trails then the Yucca path would be the best choice. Cottonwood and Cedar Loops are located below the dam and offer woodland scenery. When all of the trails and loop construction is completed, it will be five miles long in total.

When asked about what walkers, bicyclists, and runners should be aware of when using the trails, Coordinator Kniffen mentioned three things. The first is that people using the trails should be aware that there can be different trail surfaces throughout the trail. The second is that the Bur Oak Link does have some steep portions to it which may be more difficult for some trail users. Finally, as it is a nature trail, one should be aware that local wildlife could be on or near the trail which does include snakes.

No driving of ANY motorized vehicles on the trails, which includes golf carts, E-bikes, UTVs, etc, is permitted. This restriction is in place to prevent erosion and maintain the trails. There is also no camping, no fires, no fireworks, and no littering on the trails.

Among the list of improvements still needing to be completed are improving habitats and getting native prairie grasses to grow. Though it is a long process (three to five years), once established it will be worth the work and wait. After the habitat improvements, the plan is to develop interactive panels that allow trail users to learn more about the area’s wildlife and native vegetation. A boardwalk is also in the works.

Lisa worked diligently for the Fort Randall project for 27 years, beginning as a clerk working her way through the ranks to retire as an Administrative Officer. During her lengthy career for the Corp, she had many accomplishments and achievements including completing the Omaha District Leadership Development Program as well as receiving the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, not once but twice in 2004 and 2020. Under Lisa’s leadership, the Fort Randall Administrative Section became a model of efficiency and had numerous program changes come about.

The trail dedication ceremony will include a welcome and introduction by Russell Keiffer, remarks and official naming presented by Colonel Robert Newbauer, Thomas Curran as the guest speaker, Robert Durham speaking on behalf of Lisa’s family, and Cody Wilson giving the closing remarks. This will be followed by the ribbon cutting. Afterwards, Coordinator Kniffen will lead anyone who wishes on a short trail walk.

Lisa’s kindness and big heart showed through her hard work and dedication, and although Lisa is no longer with us, her memory lives on in the hearts of her loved ones and all of the lives that she touched. It is most fitting that a beautiful trail be named and dedicated to such a beautiful person.