The AHET is a 36-mile bicycling and pedestrian “rail-trail“ from the City of Rensselaer to the City of Hudson in Rensselaer and Columbia Counties on an actively used National Grid owned right of way. Trail
by Hudson River Valley Greenway
This plan provides a detailed list of required trail maintenance activities, including the frequency of each task. Routine maintenance needs for the Trail are modest. The largest item is mowing a narrow 3 to 4-foot strip of grass along both sides of the trail and designated parking areas during the growing season. Similarly, weed whacking (with hand-held string 4 trimmers) will be required several times each year around benches, fences, signposts, and other amenities. Other needs include removing the occasional branch or tree that falls onto the trail and addressing any dumping of trash or litter (to the extent it occurs).
The plan provides two frequencies – “Required” versus “Enhanced” – for maintenance activities. For example, the grass margins and lawn areas along the trail should be mowed at least four times per year. However, an enhanced schedule of mowing every two weeks during the growing season is ideal (total of 10 times per year), if staffing resources are available.
A unique state agency created to preserve the scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources of the Hudson Valley.
posted Jul 15, 2022
For trails to be considered “sustainable” they must meet these recreational needs while providing adequate protection to the environment while minimizing trail maintenance.
Environmentally Sustainable Trail Management
posted Jul 15, 2022
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.
American Trails Webinar - The Science of Sustainable Trail Design and Management
posted Jul 15, 2022
This webinar describes the three most common forms of trail impact, identifies the most influential factors to develop and maintain sustainable trail networks, and discusses methods for rating trail sustainability.
Improving the Sustainability of the Appalachian Trail
posted Jul 15, 2022
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) is a unique internationally recognized protected natural area encompassing more than 250,000 acres and a 2,190-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia.
