Coalition for Recreational Trails

Education and Communication

Trail Planning, Design & Development Guidelines Book - Minnesota

A "how-to guidebook" for developing trails.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its Trail Planning, Design & Development Guidelines in March 2007.

The 300-page, spiral-bound publication provides a first-ever comprehensive "how-to guidebook" for developing all types of recreational trails.

These "best practices" for professional trail builders are intended to aid Minnesota land managers in applying new, innovative and environmentally "sustainable" approaches to trail planning, design and construction.

Development of the Minnesota Trail Guidelines was funded, in large part, by dedicated trail funds, with additional support from the RTP. The project was undertaken in response to the growing, changing demands for trails of all types, particularly the rapid growth in off-highway vehicle trail use.

The DNR expects this guidebook to prove useful for grant-in-aid trail clubs and volunteers, local government sponsors, educators, and both public and private land managers.the complex and its associated flora and fauna.

The guidelines address both new and existing trail corridors, summer and winter-use trails, and multi-use trails with paved or naturally surfaced treadways.

Practical, low-cost and "low-tech" solutions to the unique challenges faced by Minnesota trail builders are highlighted, recognizing the state's wide range of soil and site conditions, riparian area concerns and climatic extremes. Trail project planning, funding, permitting and environmental review steps are also discussed and references are provided for those wishing to learn more.

Purchase this book through American Trails