
For trails to be considered “sustainable” they must meet these recreational needs while providing adequate protection to the environment while minimizing trail maintenance.
by Jeffrey Marion, Ph.D., Federal Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey
Trails act as the primary transportation network for roadless portions of protected natural areas. They
encourage the public to get out and enjoy natural settings without harming them. For trails to be considered
“sustainable” they must meet these recreational needs while providing adequate protection to the
environment while minimizing trail maintenance. Poorly designed trails require frequent maintenance and
are often susceptible to excessive erosion, muddiness, and tread widening. Poorly designed trails are also
less enjoyable and less safe to hike due to these impacts and to steep grades.
Published July 2022
An insightful story about Tony Cacela, former NAVY SEAL, founder of Camelot Tools LLC, and creator of the versatile SITEMASTER tool.
County of Los Angeles Trails Manual
The purpose of this Trails Manual is to provide an accessible resource that can be used for trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance within the County of Los Angeles
Market Research: Equity of Access to Trails
This study has been conducted in response to the imperative offered by the JEDI Task Force.
Fort River Birding and Nature Trail
The Fort River Birding and Nature Trail is a universally accessible trail. It was presented with the 2014 Paul Winske Access Award by the Stavros Center for Independent Living.