Pacific Crest Trail Association

Trail Decommissioning & Wildland Restoration

Summary

Learn how to put a campsite and section of trail to bed so that it returns to nature without erosion. Some call this “trail magic,” or “Zen and the Art of Wilderness Gardening” because, if properly done, the old scars disappear, replaced by a natural-appearing landscape. Methods include transplanting, seed collection, and rock placements. There are no prerequisites for this class, though students should have interest in working with plants and be willing to get dirty. Patience and a good eye for design help.

Overview

STUDENT SKILL OUTCOMES:

• Understanding how to stop erosion on old trails. • Restoring old trails back to nature.
• Safe transport and natural burial of large rocks. • Proper site closure and transplanting techniques.

KEY TERMS:

wildland restoration, trail decommissioning, abandoned trail, user trail, system trail, renegade trail, scarify, planted rocks, rock shopping, fall- line, check dam, transplanting, nurse log, borrow pit.

Trail Types Covered

General. All trail types are relevant.