Public Outreach, Marketing, and Interpretation Skills and Competencies
Database management; website development; trail and facility inventories; trail assessment and maintenance records; identifying and gathering needed information.
by
American Trails Staff
Safety and low-impact riding techniques are taught by the Wyoming State Trails Program
Safety and low-impact riding techniques are taught by the Wyoming State Trails Program
Skills for Signs and Communications
- Create a well-designed system of trail signs, interpretive services, and brochures
- Provide appropriate signs with clear information in the right places while avoiding clutter
- Inform trail users on rules, allowable uses, fees, and ways to participate in management recommendations
- Use GPS, cell phone, iPod and other new technologies to deliver trail interpretive messages and advisories
Skills for Public Information
- Identifying information needs and goals for online information
- Provide the information needed through newsletters, emails, and websites
- Create public presentations on key topics
- Develop reports and updates for funders, elected officials, communities and organizations
Skills for Marketing and Publicity
- Market trails effectively to build support for individual trails and trail systems
- Use annual events and festivals as both education and marketing tools
- Present trail plans, successes, and needs to community organizations and businesses
Skills for Interpretation and Education
- Develop programs both on and off the trail to interpret natural, cultural, and historical resources
- Preparing and delivering interpretive talks to the public and site visitors
- Identifying needs and opportunities for interpretation and planning facilities
- Writing, developing, publishing, and distributing written interpretive materials
- Designing, building, and installing exhibits, displays, and markers
- Develop and conduct stewardship education programs, including "Leave No Trace" and "Tread Lightly!"
 
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