Installation and Serviceability Results: Governor Dodge State Park, Wisconsin
Trails made with wood chips are difficult for those who use mobility aids because the surface is soft, uneven, and shifting.
This report describes the development of a concept for stabilizing engineered wood fiber (EWF) to improve wheelchair and walker accessibility for outdoor recreational trails where traditional paving would be costly and would detract from the natural aesthetics. The applicability and field performance of two binderñEWF systems previously developed for an outdoor playground were tested on a beach path and two bridle trails. The stabilized EWF (SEWF) system enhanced accessibility and should reduce erosion and maintenance costs for trail systems. Overall, the two systems performed well on the beach path but were not adequate for the bridle paths. Cost estimates and step-by-step instructions are provided for installing SEWF.
Published November 30, 2004
To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
How Permeable Pavers Make a Difference
Permeable Pavers provide stable, low-impact pathway through Rookery Bay Research Reserve.
Environmental Impacts from Mtn Bicycles, Electric Mtn Bicycles, & Motorcycles
The emergence of electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, is a rapidly growing component of the bicycle market in the US. As a transportation option, they represent an opportunity to reduce vehicle use and emissions, as well as the physical barriers to cycling. For use on trails, they present similar opportunities to reduce barriers to cycling but, as a new use, present new challenges for trail management.
What is a sustainable trail? Building a sustainable trail system takes into account many factors. Most importantly, a sustainable trail should have as little impact to the environment as possible; this is accomplished through proper trail planning, design, construction and maintenance. A properly built trail will last for generations to come with little maintenance needed and will blend into the natural surroundings.
Preventative Maintenance for Recreational Trails
The growth in recreational trails owned by the State, Cities, Counties, and Park systems over the last 20 plus years has exploded. Most if not all efforts related to recreational trails over these years has been focused on construction of new trails. There have been little organized efforts in trail preservation and or preventive maintenance (PM) methods to extend the usable life of the trails. The agencies that have a PM programs for their recreational trails rely on treatments that started out as highway or street treatments that may have been modified for use on the trails.
