TREC was formed to investigate the need for recreation trails in the county. The purpose of the organization is:
- Providing the citizens of Effingham County, and any visitors to Effingham County, a place where they can walk and ride their bicycles, be outdoors, and contribute to their health and well being, away from hectic, and sometimes dangerous, roads.
- Physically improving the trail systems through signage, trail construction and maintenance operations.
- Facilitating the acquisition and administration of trail easements by public agencies or the acquisition of trail easements directly by the corporation for the use and benefit of the public.
- Educating the public on matters relating to land use planning and conservation practices in the use and improvement of land, particularly with respect to multi-use trails and trails systems.