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
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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
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 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…
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
Custom Trainings
There are 79 trainers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Alexander De Lucia
Bretton Woods, NH
Director of Trails & Recreation Management
Appalachian Mountain Club
Hire Workers
There are 324 workers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Stefani Osborne
Athens, GA
Program Specialist Natural Surface Trails
Athens-Clarke County Trails and Open space
Suggest a Resource
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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