Today’s techno-savvy trail users expect to be able to plan and preview their trail experience with accurate GPS and GIS data viewed in programs like Google Earth.
by J. Scott Groenier, PE, Project Leader, Structures, USDA Forest Service, Chip Young, Trail Specialist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Today’s techno-savvy trail users expect to be able to plan and preview their trail experience with accurate GPS and GIS data viewed in programs like Google Earth. Trail managers also expect to use modern technology like time-lapsed video from a basic digital camera to detect changes in trails or trail use over time. This session will address some of those technologies, and it will also describe how the US Forest Service’s Technology Transfer program keeps track of these emerging uses of technology and lets users and land managers know how to find and use such technologies.
J. Scott Groenier began working for MTDC in November 2003 as a civil engineering project leader for structures. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a master’s degree from Montana State University. He started working on trail projects over 30 years ago for the Youth Conservation Corps and has worked for the USDA Forest Service for over 20 years on trails, trail bridges, and other recreation projects.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is a Florida government agency founded in 1999 and headquartered in Tallahassee. It manages and regulates the state's fish and wildlife resources, and enforces related laws.
FAQ: Apps for Trail Management and Volunteers
posted May 19, 2021
Information on apps that can be used for trail management that would be suitable for volunteer-type organizations.
posted Dec 22, 2020
This study aimed to compare conventional mountain bike and eMTB use. This was done by investigating 2 questions: (1) What proportion of exercise response is retained for an experienced mountain biker while using an eMTB when compared with a conventional mountain bike? and (2) What are the perceptions and beliefs of experienced mountain bikers toward eMTBs both before and after riding an eMTB?
Perceptions of Conflict Surrounding Future E-Bike Use on the Arizona Trail
posted Oct 27, 2020
On average, the majority of survey respondents disapprove of e-bikes being allowed on the trail. This remains true across the board for each of the major user groups; however, mountain bike rider respondents are less likely to disapprove of allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails and equestrian respondents are more likely to disapprove.
Trail Use and Management of Electric Mountain Bikes: Land Manager Survey Results
posted Aug 13, 2020
In order to better guide research into the range of potential social and environmental impacts and benefits related to the use of eMTBs on natural surface trails, IMBA and the BPSA are interested in what questions land managers have regarding this new use. The survey explicitly targeted land managers’ experiences and concerns regarding eMTB use on natural surface and/or singletrack trails – not paths or bikeways – although some land managers are responsible for both types of trail infrastructure.
685 views • posted 02/19/2018
