American Trails

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Upcoming Webinars

April 22: Effective Programs to Improve Access and Use of Trails for Youth from Under-Resourced Communities
April 29: Assessing Trails: LiDAR Assisted Trail Topography Evaluation (LATTE)
May 06: Introduction to Trail Planning (Part 1 of 3)
May 13: Integrating Trails into Park Planning
June 17: Introduction to Trail Design and Development (Part 2 of 3)
August 26: Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)

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

Published December 05, 2019

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