filed under: conservation
A TRAILSNext™ presentation
Wood is sustainable and renewable. We can extend the life of wood far beyond the time it takes to grow a new tree.
by Butch Bernhardt, Senior Program Manager, Western Wood Preservers Institute
Wood has a natural warmth that we as humans connect with. Treating it to last doesn’t change that connection. Wood is strong and resilient, yet light, making it easy to carry to places where it will be used. It’s very workable with basic tools. Yes, some maintenance may be needed for wood. But the small amount of time and work needed to do that pays off in protecting its longevity. Every material will require maintenance at some point. Wood embodies the spirit of our trails and environment more than any other material. Not only do we have a proven record of safe, long-lasting use, there’s just something about wood that we connect with as humans. With treating, we add to that sustainability by making wood last for decades, reducing the amount we need to harvest. We can extend the life of wood far beyond the time it takes to grow a new tree. This is the essence of sustainability and no other material offers this benefit.
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This research investigated the influence of several use-related, environmental, and managerial factors on soil loss on recreational trails and roads at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service.
All-Terrain Vehicle Sustainability Assessments
The sustainable management of ATV use is an expensive proposition requiring careful design, construction, and maintenance of ATV trails.
This research assessed the condition and sustainability of the trail system at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a National Park Service unit that partners with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the management of this unit.
The Influence of Layout on Appalachian Trail Soil Loss, Widening, and Muddiness
This research investigates the influence of layout and design on the severity of trail degradation.
