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.
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Skill Definition
Clear the corridor and prepare the site (brushing, logging out, hazard tree removal, rock/stump removal) in preparation for maintenance 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 maintenance 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 maintenance
Resources for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Documents and Media
• Training Programs
• Calendar
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Documents and Media for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Operations, Maintenance, and Stewardship 101
Operations, maintenance, and stewardship are essential to the safe use, enjoyment, and long-term success of any trail.
Introduction to Trail Maintenance
An online PCTA training covering the fundamentals of trail maintenance.
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
IMBA Trail Management Schools
This school is typically two days in length with IMBA instructor(s) traveling to your location to deliver the class to staff or members. Instructors arrive the day before to assess the site and do any necessary preparations. Organizations, clubs, or…
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…
Sustainable Trail Building One Year Certificate Program
In this one-year certificate program, you’ll have boots-on-the-ground at Northwoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston, VT for three individual week-long intensive classes. You will grow your knowledge base and connect with trail building…
Trail Academy
Trail Academy is our free class series that teaches students how to tackle any trail-related challenge. Courses are hosted both in the field and online, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to become a certified Trail Crew Leader or…
Trail Sustainability Institute
The Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI) is NWTA’s internal training classes for everything related to trail building. We want to make sure our trail builders are knowledgeable in not only how to build/maintain fun trails, but ensure those trails…
Trails Certificate
Gain insight into best practices related to the design, construction and maintenance of trails. Learn about and apply techniques that can enhance, rehabilitate and protect trails and greenways. Participants will also learn about trail…
Skill Library
Trail Maintenance
Trail Sustainability Principles
Safety/Site Management
Maintenance Specifications
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Corridor Clearing: Pruning/ Side-Cutting/ Brushing
Corridor Clearing: Bucking, Felling/ Hazard Tree Removal; Chainsaw/ Crosscut
Corridor Clearing: Material and Debris Management
Tread Maintenance - Hand tools
Tread Maintenance - Mechanized Equipment
Drainage Features/Water Management
Training Calendar
Upcoming Trainings for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Invasive Plants: identification and management for trails
April 24 - 25, 2025
Old Fort, North Carolina
Custom Trainings
There are 66 trainers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Leanna Joyner
Asheville, NC
Senior Director for Partnerships and Trail Operations
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Marc Hildesheim
Post Falls, ID
Program Director
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
Hire Workers
There are 258 workers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Caitlin Mccarthy
Northampton, MA
Trail Programs Manager, Southern New England
Appalachian Mountain Club
Alex Degrenier
Orcas, WA
Amanda Lewis
Northampton, MA
MassTrails Program Director
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
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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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