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Idea to send:	Topic Tourism and Economic Development Content I read in the fall issue of "Rails-to-Trails" magazine, the magazine of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, of the economic benefits of rail trails. The report detailed the economic impact of a rail in northeastern Pennsylvania. The report is available on the "resources" section the RTC web site, www.railstotrails.org. After reading the report, I thought of the numerous active and abandoned rail lines through Oklahoma. Many of these rail lines have their origins in our state's oil fields. I think walking, bicycyling, and equestrian trails along these active and abandoned rail lines could be developed along an oil field history theme. Such development would bring tourism money into many economically challenged areas of Oklahoma. With an oil theme, perhaps private and public monies could be combined to develop the trails. One such trail is near realization. The Osage Trail spans between OSU-Tulsa and Skiatook. Once this trail extends to Barnsdall, the trail could tell the oil history of Barnsdall and of Osage County. Once the trail reaches Barnsdall, opportunities will present themselves for businesses that cater to bicyclists, walkers, and horseback riders. Once at Barnsdall, a next extension of the rail trail could go to Pawhuska with its deep oil and Native American roots.