filed under: tools & tool use
Non-traditional hybrid contracting concepts bring equipment and volunteers together.
Presenters: Gerry Wilbour, President, Northwest Trails, Inc.; Willie Bittner, Great Lakes Trailbuilders, LLC
Public demand for trails coupled with competitive pressures in the private marketplace for trail services has dramatically increased labor productivity, reduced cost, and improved skills for trails. The use of mechanized, right-sized equipment is an important trend, as is the use of youth crews and volunteers to accomplish trail work. By merging the enthusiasm and community involvement of volunteers and youth corps with the efficiency, expertise, and heavy lift capability of private industry, the non-traditional hybrid contracting concept brings these trends together to deliver some excellent results, but also some challenging situations.
Let’s talk about grubbing and raking tools! You might have heard the term grubbing before, but if you’re new to trail building, it may be unfamiliar. Grubbing is when you are removing earth and topsoil. Basically digging into the first while removing vegetation in the process. Trail builders may also call this process hogging.
There are a few options for striking tools that you may see out on a project. Some like the sledge hammer will be seen more, while others may only be pulled out for special projects.
This manual was created to accompany the Crew Leader training program developed by the Ozark Trail Association (OTA). It serves as an aid to volunteer Crew Leaders working with other volunteers to build and maintain single-track natural surface trails in the Ozarks region of Missouri. This manual is designed to serve as a baseline for trail construction and maintenance and as an introduction to leading small groups of volunteers on natural surface trail construction and maintenance events.
North Country Trail Crew Leader Handbook
The Crew Leader Handbook is designed to provide information for Crew Leaders organizing and overseeing projects on the North Country National Scenic Trail. This Handbook is intended as a compliment to the in-person North Country Trail Association Crew Leader training program, which is available to all volunteers looking to expand their skills sets and gain new leadership skills.
