published Oct 1997

When Snowmobilers Meet Others on the Trail

Practical problem solving for shared use winter trails.

published Aug 2019

Why You Might Consider Conservation Corps on Your Next Trail Project

by Hannah Traverse with The Corps Network

Why trail managers often engage Conservation Corps on maintenance projects, and why you might see more Corps on our trails.

published Sep 2019

Why YOU Should Submit Your Trail for National Recreation Trail (NRT) Designation

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Find out more about the National Recreation Trail program and the steps needed to apply.

published Aug 2019

Wildlife and Trails Checklist — Introduction

by American Trails Staff

The Wildlife and Trail Planning Checklist is a sequence of wildlife-related questions and possible steps to consider in planning a trail.

published Sep 2018

Wildlife and Trails Checklist — Step A: Getting the Whole Picture

by American Trails Staff

Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind

published Sep 2018

Wildlife and Trails Checklist — Step B: Considering alternatives

by American Trails Staff

The checklist focuses specifically on wildlife issues of trail planning and is designed to mirror comprehensive planning processes.

published Sep 2018

Wildlife and Trails Checklist — Step C: Building & Managing the trail

by American Trails Staff

The checklist focuses specifically on wildlife issues of trail planning and is designed to mirror comprehensive planning processes.

published Sep 2018

Wildlife And Trails Primer - I. What happens to plants near trails

by American Trails Staff

Encouraging visitors to stay on the trail is the most important issue, and is made easier by providing attractive, well-designed trail systems. Managers should also identify populations of plants that have been designated as threatened, endangered, or sensitive.

published Sep 2018

Wildlife And Trails Primer - A. Trails and their zones of influence

by American Trails Staff

A trail’s area of influence should be planned and managed as an integral part of the trail. This influence zone should provide recreationists with meaningful interactions with nature, without infringing on sensitive habitat.

published Sep 2018

Wildlife And Trails Primer - B. Avoiding large natural areas

by American Trails Staff

Protecting large, undisturbed areas of wildlife habitat should be a priority. Deciding whether or not to build a trail that may contribute to fragmentation is a tradeoff that the local community or land manager will have to make.