Trail Planning Skills and Competencies
Specific skills used in planning individual trails and greenways; identifying routes and experiences for park systems; developing plans for regional and statewide systems; developing goals and objectives for trail projects.
by
American Trails Staff
Skills for Natural Surface Trail Planning
- Identifying goals, activities, routes, and alternatives
- Sustainable trail planning
- Planning for different trail activites or shared uses
- Analyzing resources and visitor needs as part of trail system planning
- Planning for off-highway vehicle parksand use areas
- Using and interpreting aerial photographs
Skills for Urban Trail and Bike/Ped Planning
- Planning greenways and river corridors
- Including trails in utility and transportation corridors
- Planning systems of on-street and trail facilities
- Planning intermodal bicycle/pedestrian facilities
Skills for Regional and Statewide Trail Planning
- Identifying uses, needs, and opportunities
- Conducting surveys and public input on plans
- Identifying and mapping potential corridors
Skills for Multi-objective Planning
- Working with utility, transportation, and other corridors to include trails
- Participate in land use planning process at the county, state, and regional levels
- Plan trails in conjunction with driving tours, scenic byways, and other tourism program
- Provide advice in the evaluation and study process for proposed national scenic and historic trails
- Using public involvement strategies and designing and evaluating public involvement processes
