published May 2004

Environmental Aspects of Horses on Trails

by American Trails Staff

Does equestrian use have an impact on stream and lake water quality?

published Jan 2016

Environmental Impacts from Mtn Bicycles, Electric Mtn Bicycles, & Motorcycles

by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

The emergence of electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, is a rapidly growing component of the bicycle market in the US. As a transportation option, they represent an opportunity to reduce vehicle use and emissions, as well as the physical barriers to cycling. For use on trails, they present similar opportunities to reduce barriers to cycling but, as a new use, present new challenges for trail management.

published Jan 2004

Environmentally Sustainable Trail Management

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

This guide considers the environmental impacts of particular activities, viz., hiking and camping, off road vehicles and recreational boats, as well as impacts specific to certain ecosystems.

published Feb 2011

Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

Equestrian and other nonmotorized recreational use may be allowed on shared use paths and trails that use Federal-aid transportation funds.

published Dec 2007

Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds

by Jan Hancock with Hancock Resources LLC, Federal Highway Administration, USDA Forest Service

This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.

published Sep 2020

Equestrian Etiquette - Protecting Trees and Park Structures

by Lora Goerlich with Equestrian Trails and Facilities Consultant LLC

Responsible equestrians should actively protect trees and other park structures when out on the trail. Equine expert Lora Goerlich gives her take on this topic.

published Mar 2005

Establishment Proposal, Environmental Assessment, Conceptual Management Plan, & Land Protection Plan

by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This plan establishes the purpose and need for action to develop the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge opened on April 13, 2019.

published Sep 2001

Estimating the Benefits and Costs to Mountain Bikers of Changes in Trail Characteristics, Access Fees, and Site Closures: Choice Experiments and Benefits Transfer

Tens of millions of North Americans and Europeans own mountain bikes and millions of them are avid trail riders. The growing popularity of mountain biking in many areas has led to increased trail degradation and conflicts among users on single track. This study could be used as a template to estimate benefits and costs to other users (hikers and equestrians), a critical component of any analysis of the types of policies managers must consider.

published Dec 2006

Evaluation of ATV Use On Groomed Snowmobile Trails

by International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA)

The growth in ATV numbers has driven a desire for more places to operate them recreationally on trails. In some areas of the Snowbelt this has led to a growing interest for ATV operation on groomed snowmobile trails during the winter season. This can be a challenge for land and trail managers.

published Jul 2006

Evaluation of Safety, Design, and Operation of Shared-Use Paths (Final Report)

by Federal Highway Administration

Shared paths are paved, off-road facilities designed for travel by a variety of nonmotorized users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters, joggers, and others. Shared-path planners and designers face a serious challenge in determining how wide paths should be and whether the various modes of travel should be separated from each other.