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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - skills and training topics

Specific skills used in management of natural resources that host trails and greenways: monitoring impacts of visitors and natural processes; acquistion and protection of trail corridors; conservation and restoration of habitat and natural areas. See below for training and resources links for RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

The following is a list of skills and competencies for this category of trail-related work.

Skills for Resource Management

• Identifying impacts of trails and related facillities natural resources and habitat
• Identifying, monitoring, and controlling invasive species by appropriate methods
• Document and preserve historic trails' cultural properties, artifacts, and traditions
• integrating outdoor recreation planning with natural resource conservation at federal, state and local levels

Skills for Corridor Monitoring

• Reviewing proposed development for compatibility and potential impact
• Monitoring the condition of cultural, historical, and archaeological resources
• Using tools such as GIS and GPS to accomplish effective resource monitoring

Skills for Acquisition and Protection of Trail Corridors

• Identifying opportunities for corridor acquisition or trail protection
• Collaborating with landowners, agencies, and organizations to acquire land, easements, or other protection for trails
• Working with land trusts and conservation organizations
• Using basic mechanisms for controlling and managing land ownership and land uses
• Monitoring rights of way and conservation easements for compliance
• Monitoring other land use adjacent to corridor to evaluate it effects on trail use and purpose

Skills for Habitat Conservation

• Identifying critical habitat areas and species of concern
• Measuring levels of visitor use, impacts on resources, and carrying capacity
• Conducting vegetative treatments, including fire management, to enhance natural ecosystems

TRAINING and RESOURCES for natural resource management

Links will take you to specific training opportunities, training providers, and other educational resources for both urban and backcountry trails. See the Online Training Calendar for current opportunities, featured training providers, and resources in each state.

Courses on Resource and Corridor Management

See providers of training on trail design below
Check the online Calendar for current scheduled training
Search the NTTP training database by keyword, state, or provider

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy Volunteer Trail Skills workshops cover Trail Maintenance, Corridor Monitoring, and tool and construction skills
• Carhart National Wilderness Training Center provides courses in Managing Visitor Use in Wilderness, Resource Monitoring, Wilderness Stewardship, and Site Restoration
• Outdoor Stewardship Institute (formerly COTI): course in "Sustainable Mountain Trails: Assessment, Planning & Design"
• IMBA Trailbuilding Schools: sponsored by Subaru of America and directed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, to teach sustainable trailbuilding
• Marshall University Park and Recreation Resources program of Huntington, WV, teaches courses in off-highway vehicle recreation and resource management via the internet
• Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society provides a variety of courses on Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance
• National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council provides statewide workshops on motorized recreation management, planning, and resource protection
• Professional Trailbuilders Association sponsors the annual Trailbuilders Conference with workshops on technical aspects of planning, development, and management
• Student Conservation Association teaches skills in trail design, construction, and maintenance
• Tread Lightly! sponsors the Tread Trainer program to train visitors and instructors in responsible trail use
• Trail Management: Plans, Projects and People: week-long interagency training for trail planning, design, development, and management
• Universal Trail Assessment Process training teaches trail assessments for accessibility maintenance, and visitor management
• See more training providers
• Check for training providers in your state

Resources for Resource Management

The Trail Building Index provides a wealth of articles, projects, and resources on design and construction issues.

BOOKS on Resource Management

The following books are available from the American Trails Store. Also see the American Trails Bibliography.

• Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding; by the International Mountain Bicycling Association
• Lightly On The Land : The SCA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual, 2nd Edition; the trail building and maintenance "Bible," updated and expanded to meet new techniques and new realities of the 21st century
• Natural Surface Trails by Design Physical and Human Design Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails; by Troy Scott Parker

• Trails for the Twenty-First Century: Planning, Design, and Management Manual for Multi-Use Trails; by Charles Flink , Kristine Olka , Robert Searns; focus on urban and rail trails
• Greenways: A Guide to Planning, Design and Development; by Charles A. Flink, Robert M. Searns, Loring LaB Schwarz

BOOKS on Off-Highway Vehicle Trail and Facility Management

• Management Guidelines for OHV Recreation; by Tom Crimmins; by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
• Park guidelines for off-highway vehicles: A resource guide to assist in the planning, development, enhancement, and operation of OHV recreation facilities; by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council

TOOLS for Trail Maintenance and Management

An illustrated compendium of many of the tools commonly used for trail maintenance; compiled by Jim Schmid. Includes drawings, uses, and safety tips.

The National Trails Training Partnership is an alliance of Federal agencies, training providers, nationwide supporters, and providers of products and services. Visit the online calendar of training opportunities, access hundreds of trail-related resources, read the news, learn how you can help, and see training resources in your state.

RESOURCES and TRAINING for trail construction:

Courses
Books
Articles & projects
Bibliography
Glossary
Calendar
Products & services

CATEGORIES of SKILLS for trails and greenways work:

1. Trail Design
2. Construction
3. Maintenance
4. Management
5. Policies
6. Planning
7. Administration
8. Organizations
9. Partnerships
10. Resources
11. Information
12. Outreach

National
Trails Training Partnership:

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