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posted Aug 5, 2019

Planning Trails With Wildlife in Mind - Wildlife and Trails Primer

by American Trails Staff

The Primer provides discussion of broad wildlife topics, plus key concepts and rules of thumb to help with trail planning and management.

posted Jul 28, 2020

A Landscape-Scale Approach to Refuge System Planning

by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Team (PIT) was chartered to address this recommendation from Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and the Next Generation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 21st century strategic vision for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Our charge was to investigate how Refuge System planning will address large-scale conservation challenges such as climate change, while maintaining the integrity of management and conservation delivery within our boundaries.


posted Jul 1, 2021

Are horses responsible for introducing non-native plants along forest trails in the eastern United States?

Horses have been suggested to be an important source for the introduction of non-native plant species along trails, but the conclusions were based on anecdotal evidence.


posted May 16, 2018

Environmental Aspects of Horses on Trails

by American Trails Staff

Does equestrian use have an impact on stream and lake water quality?


posted Nov 25, 2023

Environmental Impacts of Winter Recreation

by Winter Wildlands Alliance

Regardless of our intentions, many species perceive humans as a threat and respond accordingly. In general, animals respond to threats by first increasing vigilance (time spent looking around versus foraging), and running away if the threat is perceived to be imminent.


posted Sep 26, 2019

Funding Needs For Wildlife, Working Lands, and Recreation In Montana

A study shows that from 2014 to 2018, there was a $6.8 million gap between trail projects proposed to RTP and funding awarded.


posted May 23, 2018

Geosynthetics for Trails in Wet Areas: 2008 Edition

Guidelines for use of Geosynthetic materials in trail construction.


posted Sep 18, 2023

Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways

by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

These guidelines are designed to assist resource managers in conducting management activities that enhance the quality of natural plant communities, wildlife habitat, regional landscape integrity and visual quality, particularly as related to planning, development, and maintenance of trails, water trails, and water access sites.


posted May 16, 2018

Horses in Ecological Reserves

by American Trails Staff

The perception of horse impacts in ecological reserves.


posted May 16, 2018

Land Ethics for Equestrian Trail Users

Increasing numbers of equestrians on public lands require more awareness of impacts.


posted Nov 24, 2023

Modeling Large-Scale Winter Recreation Terrain Selection with Implications for Recreation Management and Wildlife

Winter recreation is a rapidly growing activity, and advances in technology make it possible for increasing numbers of people to access remote backcountry terrain. Increased winter recreation may lead to more frequent conflict between recreationists, as well as greater potential disturbance to wildlife.


posted Sep 10, 2018

New Trails for a Significant Texas Playa Wildlife Preserve

by American Trails Staff

Design for trail system provides wildlife viewing and teaches about playa resources.


posted Sep 8, 2018

Planning Trails With Wildlife In Mind - CASE STUDIES and PROJECTS

by American Trails Staff

See examples of trail design in habitat areas, techniques for managing visitors, trail system planning, habitat restoration, trails as part of habitat conservation, and education on the value of wildlife and habitat.