filed under: maintenance best practices
Results from Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area
This report describes results from a comprehensive assessment of resource conditions on a large (24%) sample of the trail system within Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area (BSF).
Components include research to develop state-of-knowledge trail impact assessment and
monitoring methods, application of survey methods to BSF trails, analysis and summary of results,
and recommendations for trail management decision making and future monitoring. Findings reveal
a trail system with some substantial degradation, particularly soil erosion, which additionally
threatens water quality in areas adjacent to streams and rivers. Factors that contribute to or influence
these problems are analyzed and described. Principal among these are trail design factors (trail
topographic position, soil texture, grade and slope alignment angle), use-related factors (type and
amount of use), and maintenance factors (water drainage). Recommendations are offered to assist
managers in improving the sustainability of the trails system to accommodate visitation while
enhancing natural resource protection.
Published February 2006
The National Park Service (NPS) was created in 1916 and today manages over 390 units found in all 50 states and some of the U.S. territories. NPS supports and operates trails in three interlocking arenas: trails in parks, technical assistance to States and communities, and administration of much of the National Trails System.
Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona Crew Leader Manual
This manual has been written to aid crew leaders working with trail work volunteers. It assumes the following priorities, in order of importance, for every volunteer trail work event: 1) Safety, 2) Enjoyment, 3) Quality product, 4) Productivity.
Colorado Trail Foundation Crew Leader Handbook
As a crew leader you represent the CTF. One of your main jobs is to convey the CTF’s thanks to the volunteers for their commitment to making and preserving The Colorado Trail as a national treasure.
Appalachian Mountain Club 2022 Outdoor Leader Handbook
Outdoor leadership skills can be developed and improved over time through a combination of self-study, formal training and experience. Leadership trainings are offered frequently by volunteers and staff of the AMC. The trainings range from a single day to a weekend. If you are looking for additional training, the AMC offers several courses each season through the Guided Outdoors program.
A Call for Expanding Trails Research
Trails research can help support trail management decision-making and funding by providing objective, quantitative information describing trail users, their numbers and demographics, preferences, and economic expenditures.
