Laws, Regulations, and Policies Skills and Competencies

Specific skills used in Interpreting regulations and legislation; applying federal laws on environmental, historic issues; providing accessible routes under the Americans with Disabilities Act; developing and enforcing trail regulations; responding to legal and liability issues.

by American Trails Staff

Applying laws, regulations, and policy is another challenge for trail planners and managers

Skills for Interpreting Regulations and Policies

  • Understanding and working with agency requirements
  • Working with trail users and other interest groups to develop policies
  • Develop manuals and handbooks, supplements, guidelines and prescriptions

Skills for Applying State and Federal Laws

  • Applying the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)
  • Applying the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Apply National Trails System Act and related legislation for federally designated trails
  • Analyzing and assesing proposed legislation that would affect trails and related lands

Skills for Developing and Enforcing Trail Regulations

  • Promoting trail etiquette
  • Writing or adapting sets of regulations
  • Working with law enforcement
  • Trail patrols and peer enforcement

Skills for Legal and Liability Issues

  • Maintaining surfaces and facilities for safe public use
  • Risk assessment for trail activities and facilities
  • Signs, waivers, and documentation for trail liability
  • Responding to legal issues and concerns

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