With the majority of Jackson County’s population of over 200,000 concentrated within two miles of Bear Creek, the importance of the Greenway trail system cannot be overstated. The Bear Creek Greenway is beneficial to local businesses because relocating businesses and new residents view the Greenway as an indicator that our community is committed to maintaining a high quality of life. Furthermore, the Greenway follows an ancient travel route used by the Shasta and Takelma Indians over centuries of moving amongst seasonal food sources. In addition to maintaining a high quality of life, today’s trail also holds promise for the future, by lessening pollution and lightening the burden on nature and our air shed.