Trail Skills College Course Curriculum
To help our volunteers succeed in their trail work, PCTA collaborated with many partners to develop a Trail Skills College curriculum.
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Skill Definition
Clear the corridor and prepare the site in preparation for construction using proper pruning techniques
Entry Level Performance
- Safely remove rocks, stumps, and debris from identified trail corridor using appropriate hand tools with supervision
Full Performance Level
- Use hand tools and power tools, to safely and efficiently remove rocks, stumps, debris and deposit appropriately in preparation for construction independently
Expert Level Performance
- Assess the project corridor clearing needs and select and use the most efficient tools and techniques to safely remove/stage rocks, stumps and debris in preparation for construction
Resources for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Documents and
Media
• Training Programs
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Documents and Media for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
North Country Trail Handbook
The North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) extends for thousands of miles across seven states. Its layout, design, construction, and maintenance require the participation of a myriad of individuals and groups.
Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds
This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.
Introduction to Trail Maintenance
An online PCTA training covering the fundamentals of trail maintenance.
Desert Brushing Techniques
In the second video of this series, we take a look at how to clear the trail corridor of brush, focusing on techniques specific to the desert environment. Keeping the corridor clear allows users to stay on the trail safely, protecting the…
Forest Brushing Techniques
In the fourth video of this series, we take a look at how to clear the trail corridor of brush, focusing this time on trimming larger branches and trees. Keeping the corridor clear allows users to stay on the trail safely, protecting the…
Further Education
Training Programs for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Foundations of Sustainable Trails e-Course Series
This five-part series of online micro-learning courses is intended to provide those new to the trails workforce with a baseline understanding of terminology and concepts that give them a solid foundation to support future trails education and…
Advancing Trails Webinar Series
American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…
Chinook Associates Trail Consulting
Chinook Associates offers stewardship skills workshops covering recreational trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and visitor management. Courses are available either in-person, with fully customizable content combining classroom…
Trail Technician 1 Exam
The Trail Technician multiple-choice exam evaluates foundational knowledge in trail development, aligned with the progression from entry-level to full Trail Competency standards.
Trail Fundamentals Video Series
The Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) has launched the development of the Trail Fundamentals Video Series—a free, entry-level educational resource designed to support sustainable trail development and trail trainings worldwide.
IMBA Trail Care Schools
Trail Care Schools equip volunteers and organizations with the skills necessary to maintain modern mountain bike trails in partnership with the local land management. This course will begin with sustainable trail design principles, such as drainage…
Skill Library
Trail Construction
Trail Sustainability Principles
Safety/Site Management
Construction Specifications
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Corridor Clearing: Pruning/ Side-Cutting/ Brushing
Corridor Clearing: Felling/tree removal; Chainsaw/ Crosscut
Corridor Clearing: Material and Debris Management
Hand-Built Trail Construction
Mechanized Trail Construction
Trail Finishwork
Water Management/Drainage Features
Water Crossing Structures
Retaining Walls
Tread Hardening and Surfacing
Decommissioning Trails
Custom Trainings
There are 97 trainers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Hire Workers
There are 466 workers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
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Contact Us
Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.
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