published Jul 2017

Unpaved Non-Motorized Trail Guidelines

by Florida Office of Greenways and Trails

We all know a good trail when we’re on one. We’re not disoriented due to lack of signage or markers. We’re not climbing over downed trees or ducking under branches, and we’re not slogging through water or mud unless we’ve been forewarned beforehand. A good trail is one where we can fully enjoy our surroundings while challenging ourselves if that is our intent. Trails should provide for a variety of trail distances, loops, ecosystems, scenery and degrees of difficulty. As trail professionals, we should strive to make the best possible experience for users and learn from the past.

published Jan 2018

Urban Nature for Human Health and Well-Being

by USDA Forest Service

This report summarizes some of the most prominent research related to nature and public health to help urban natural resource professionals, urban planners, architects, educators, health professionals, and community groups effectively communicate the health benefits of urban nature to their constituents.

published Jan 2003

USDA Forest Service Agreements Desk Guide

The Forest Service has a tradition of partnership as old as the Service itself. In the broad sense, partnership denotes sharing a common interest with the Forest Service in National Forest values and a relationship in pursuit of those common interests. Please keep in mind that this is just a guide. It is not meant to replace, supersede or compete with FSM 1580 or FSH 1509.11. The guide provides direction to reference sources. It also may alleviate research, but not eliminate it. Its biggest value may be in helping develop creative thinking about partnerships and what is possible within the authorities now in place. The information provided in this Desk Guide is current up to its 2003 date of publication, but keep in mind that like everything else things change, so always refer back to the appropriate FSM or FSH for any updates to agreement provisions and direction.

published Apr 2014

Use and Nonuse of a Rail Trail Conversion for Physical Activity: Implications for Promoting Trail Use

The purpose was to examine 9 adult activity settings in 25 community parks to determine the most and least frequently used by gender, physical-activity (PA) intensity, and ethnicity.

published Aug 2003

Used Steel Well Casings Make Better Culverts

The next time you need some culverts on your trail try used steel casings. You'll like them!

published Aug 2012

USFS Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails

by USDA Forest Service

This guidebook was written to help designers and managers apply FSORAG and FSTAG to their work and to pro- vide guidance for integrating accessibility into outdoor recreation site and trail projects.

published Nov 2014

USFS Standard Trail Plans and Specifications

by USDA Forest Service

The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications reflect current Forest Service trail management efforts and the agency’s Trails Data Dictionary for constructed features and tasks.

published Jun 2009

Using Crushed Rock to Improve Trail Drainage and Stability

An Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

published Oct 1995

Using Partnerships and Cooperation to Get What You Need for Trails

by Skye Ridley with American Trails

Keynote Address to the Arizona State Trails Conference

published Feb 2019

Utah Avalanche Center

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

The state of Utah has used innovative programming to keep their citizens safe from avalanche dangers. Although they cannot completely prevent avalanches from occurring, they are educating the public through the Utah Avalanche Center about ways to avoid triggering an avalanche, and how to stay safe should one occur.