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published Jun 2022

Assessing the Condition and Sustainability of the Trail System at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

by U.S. Geological Survey

This research assessed the condition and sustainability of the trail system at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a National Park Service unit that partners with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the management of this unit.


published Dec 2019

The Influence of Layout on Appalachian Trail Soil Loss, Widening, and Muddiness

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey, Jeremy Wimpey, Ph.D. with Applied Trails Research

This research investigates the influence of layout and design on the severity of trail degradation.


published May 2018

Land Ethics for Equestrian Trail Users

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


published Nov 2016

Assessing the Influence of Sustainable Trail Design and Maintenance on Soil Loss

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey, Jeremy Wimpey, Ph.D. with Applied Trails Research

Results from a review of the literature and three scientific studies are presented to model and clarify the influence of factors that substantially influence trail soil loss and that can be manipulated by trail professionals to sustain high traffic while minimizing soil loss over time.


published Mar 2016

A Review and Synthesis of Recreation Ecology Research Supporting Carrying Capacity and Visitor Use Management Decisionmaking

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

This article reviews the most recent and relevant recreation ecology studies that have been applied in wildland settings to avoid or minimize resource impacts.


published Dec 2008

The influence of use-related, environmental, and managerial factors on soil loss from recreational trails

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

This research investigated the influence of several use-related, environmental, and managerial factors on soil loss on recreational trails and roads at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service.


published Nov 2008

All-Terrain Vehicle Sustainability Assessments

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

The sustainable management of ATV use is an expensive proposition requiring careful design, construction, and maintenance of ATV trails.


published Dec 2004

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics

The Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) is a 45-mile long transportation and recreation corridor running from Arlington, Virginia, west to Purcellville.


published Oct 2001

Nebraska Rural Trails: Three Studies of Trail Impact

Documenting the impact of Nebraska’s developing trail system, using surveys to learn more about usage patterns, public safety, property values, and community quality of life along three rural rail-trails.


published Nov 1998

Mohawk-Hudson Trail Analysis of Use, Regional Benefits, and Economic Impact

The primary purpose of this report is to heighten awareness of the regional, recreational, and economic asset and to bolster current efforts to extend and improve the facility.


posted Jun 4, 2019

New York's Breakneck Ridge: A Challenge for Hikers Becomes a Challenge to Sustain

by Chris Morris with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Hank Osborn with New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, Sara Hart with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

This presentation will showcase elements of a comprehensive planning effort underway, and will focus on specific management actions including data collection, trail stewardship, maintenance, and a Leave No Trace hot spot event.