filed under: maintenance best practices
Haleakala National Park
Changing visitor use levels and patterns have contributed to increasing visitor use impacts to natural and cultural resources in specific areas at Haleakalā National Park.
At Haleakalā National Park, changing visitor use levels and patterns have contributed to an increasing degree of visitor use impacts to natural and cultural resources in specific areas of the park. To better understand the extent and severity of these resource impacts and identify effective management techniques, the park sponsored this research to develop monitoring protocols, collect baseline data, and identify options for management strategies.
Park managers operate under legislative mandates to provide appropriate recreational opportunities while protecting and preserving park resources and natural processes. While a variety of recreational uses, including trail-related activities, are clearly appropriate, park managers must also ensure that they avoid significant impairment of natural and cultural resources. As described in the Introduction section, park managers are charged with applying their professional judgment in evaluating the type and extent of recreation-related impacts when judging what constitutes impairment. This report provides useful information for rendering such determinations and provides a basis for decisions to enhance the management of visitors and resources to avoid or minimize recreation impacts.
This research developed and applied state-of-the-art recreation site and trail condition assessment and monitoring procedures and applied them to the park‘s backcountry recreation sites and trails.
A variety of recreation site and trail condition indicators were identified in consultation with park staff for potential use in the future in the NPS Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) carrying capacity planning and decision-making. Protocols were developed, field-tested, and applied with results fully summarized for use in selecting standards of quality. Park staff participated in the field assessments and were trained for future application of monitoring procedures.
Published May 2009
Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey has evolved over the ensuing 125 years, matching its talent and knowledge to the progress of science and technology. The USGS is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. It is sought out by thousands of partners and customers for its natural science expertise and its vast earth and biological data holdings.
TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK
Horses are prey animals and naturally can be afraid of unfamiliar people and objects. Horses have natural "flight“ survival instincts and prefer to move their feet towards an exit route. Therefore, people with horses should pass at a walk while other trail users remain STOPPED until passed.
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.
