Trails are often overlooked as elements of essential infrastructure for a resilient transportation system.1 In emergencies where other transportation facilities are shut down or inaccessible, people may use trails to get where they need to go.
by Federal Highway Administration
Trails are often overlooked as elements of essential infrastructure for a resilient transportation
system. In emergencies where other transportation facilities are shut down or inaccessible,
people may use trails to get where they need to go. Trails can also provide critical access in
emergencies for people without access to a car or transit service. Trails for both motorized and
nonmotorized use can provide access for search and rescue, fighting wildfires, or other
emergency response operations. The increase in trail use during the COVID-19 pandemic has
also demonstrated the importance of trails for improving health and wellbeing during public
health emergencies.
At the same time, many trails are located along rivers, in coastal areas, in forests, or along slopes, and are therefore particularly vulnerable to impacts from climate change and extreme weather, such as floods, wildfires, and erosion. To better respond to such impacts, trails can be designed, planned, and maintained to be resilient to natural hazards. Designing trails to be resilient to climate change has many benefits, including lower maintenance and repair costs and better access during emergencies and after severe weather. Trails can also enhance the resilience of surrounding communities by providing ecosystem services (e.g., stormwater management). Many trail designers note that well- designed, sustainably built trails are also more accessible for people with disabilities.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the US Department of Transportation, provides expertise, resources, and information to improve the nation's highway system and its intermodal connections. The Federal-Aid Highway Program provides financial assistance to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, other roads, bridges, and trails.
Trails as Resilient Infrastructure
posted Dec 19, 2023
This guidebook demonstrates how trails are part of resilient transportation infrastructure, how trails can be planned and designed to be resilient and sustainable, and how trails have a role in emergency planning and response.
ON FIRE: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission
posted Oct 2, 2023
The wildfire crisis in the United States is urgent, severe, and far reaching. Wildfire is no longer simply a land management problem, nor is it isolated to certain regions or geographies. Across this nation, increasingly destructive wildfires are posing ever-greater threats to human lives, livelihoods, and public safety.
Why Trails Matter: Resilience to Wildfire
posted Aug 9, 2023
Trails connect suburban and rural communities to wild places, and they can play an important role in landscape resilience, as wildfire becomes more frequent in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) where homes are increasingly being built.
Launching a Successful Civilian Climate Corps
posted Sep 23, 2021
This paper outlines ways to achieve two key goals: First, to create career paths for young people; and secondly, to improve the U.S.’ ability to counter, and adapt to climate change, especially in communities that have suffered from environmental injustices.
1,161 views • posted 04/12/2023
