Resource Library:

Risk Management



published Feb 2020

Maintenance Management Systems for Trails

by Lois Bachensky with USDA Forest Service

Trails work on federal lands is planned through a maintenance management system.


published Jul 2009

Solving Policy Issues for Trail Systems

by Terry Whaley with Ozark Greenways, Inc.

While developing policies and regulations for a trail is not a fun task, it will become a necessity in time with any successful trail project.


published Nov 1990

Trail Use Policies

A comprehensive document to guide use policies and regulations for a large suburban trail system south of the Bay Area.


published Jun 1998

How Agencies Manage Multi-use Trails

Multi-Use Trail Management Policy: User-Group Conflict and Resource Impact Issues.


published May 2018

Mountain Bicycling in Wisconsin Surveyed and Analyzed

Survey of mountain biking users from the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) trail system located in northwestern Wisconsin.


published Oct 2003

Natural Resource Impacts of Mountain Biking

A summary of scientific studies that compare mountain biking to other forms of trail travel.


published Jun 2011

Sustainable Trails: More Than Maintenance

by Karen Umphress with UP! Outside

So what makes a trail wholly sustainable? According to Tom Crimmins there are four keys aspects: Resource Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Experience Sustainability, and Political Sustainability


published May 1999

Burke-Gilman Trail Vegetation Management Guidelines

Approaches to vegetation management and restoration, including native character, views, tree planting, invasive species, soil erosion control, and hazard tree management.


published Feb 2018

Operations, Maintenance, and Stewardship 101

by Robert (Bob) Searns with Robert Searns and Associates, Inc.

It's not as glamorous as building the trail. There is no ribbon cutting for a maintenance program and seldom does upkeep win a national award. Yet, operations, maintenance, and stewardship are essential to the safe use, enjoyment, and long-term success of any trail.


published Jan 2003

Maintenance Costs for the Schuylkill Trail

The tables show estimates of time needed to maintain the Montgomery County, PA, trail.