Entry Level Performance

• Demonstrate ability to field check (ground truth) corridors identified through the spatial analysis and identify additional positive or negative control points, with supervision
• Demonstrate understanding of the spatial data that informs the field check of corridors (location maps, slope, soils, hydrology, natural and cultural resource data)
• Demonstrate ability to communicate the results of the field collected data with the project supervisor

Full Performance Level

• Interpret spatial data that informs the corridor identification including: location maps (boundaries, access), roads/access, topography, slope, soils, hydrology, and natural resource and cultural inventory data
• Demonstrate ability to field check (ground truth) corridors identified through the spatial analysis and identify additional positive or negative control points independently
• Implement and supervise the plan to field check (ground truth) potential corridors identified during spatial analysis

Expert Level Performance

• Analyze and evaluate complex spatial data (to identify trail corridors that are sustainable, avoid sensitive ecosystems, and meet the project purpose
• Create a plan to field check potential corridors based on the spatial data analysis including: access locations, parking, boundaries; sustainability principles; natural/cultural resource avoidance; special management areas; viewsheds, and adjacent land uses
• Integrate and evaluate spatial data and field-collected data to identity and recommend trail corridors, delivering GPS coordinates and/or field flagging to the land manager

Learn More

Documents and Media for Corridor Planning

USFS Standard Trail Plans and Specifications

The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications reflect current Forest Service trail management efforts and the agency’s Trails Data Dictionary for constructed features and tasks.

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.

Wildlife Crossing Structure Handbook Design and Evaluation in North America

This handbook provides numerous solutions to wildlife-vehicle interactions by offering effective and safe wildlife crossing examples.

Introduction to Foundations of Sustainable Trails: A Trail from Start to Finish

A Trail from Start to Finish is an introductory, short "micro-learning" targeted to developing trail workers. Anticipated to take about 15 minutes to complete, this microlearning discusses what it means for a trail to be sustainable and describes…

Sustaining Wildlife With Recreation on Public Lands

A Synthesis of Research Findings, Management Practices, and Research Needs

The Value of Trail Assessments

Hosted in partnership with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, this webinar will cover not only the importance of conducting trail assessments but also how to turn those assessments into descriptive reports that facilitate trail…

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Corridor Planning

From Concept to Construction: Building a Long-Distance Adaptive Trail

This webinar shares the story of how Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina came to pursue an adaptive trail design, the construction techniques and lessons learned along the way, and how they are continuing to advance the project through outreach…

Natural Surface Trails as Transportation

This webinar outlines the benefits, planning considerations, and implementation strategies for incorporating natural surface trails into greenways and public trail systems.

National Collaboration Efforts on Federal Trail Data and Tools

This presentation will introduce interoperable trail spatial data standards, MAPLand Act efforts, as well as provide updates on the USGS trail data and tools.

Connecting Recreational Benefits with Transmission Corridors: Partnerships, Collaboration, and Multifunctionality

Researchers will share their findings, including case studies and best practices, and discuss how co-locating recreational amenities alongside transmission infrastructure can enhance community well-being, generate sustainable economic growth, and…

Plan Trails to Minimize Wildlife Disturbance

A summary of best practices for trail groups who plan, design, and manage nonmotorized trails to minimize disturbance of or conflict with wildlife, specifically large carnivores.

Trail Planning and Design: Foundations of Success

This webinar will review several common approaches and technologies for trail planning and design projects and provide attendees with real world examples.

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Further Education

Training Programs for Corridor Planning

Jacksonville State University - Trail Science Institute (TSI)

The TSI focuses on the promotion of recreational trails, primarily in the State of Alabama, by providing educational experiences and providing services such as assessment, monitoring, management, planning, and construction. The TSI defines trails as…

The Harbinger Consultancy Timeline Institute Online Courses

The Harbinger Consultancy's Timeline Institute Online Courses combine instruction, coaching, group learning and step-by-step templates based on 30+ years of working with communities, regions and supporting organizations. They offer you guided access…

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…

Sustainable Trails Development

The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.

PCTA Trail Skills Course

Because wildfires, wind storms, floods, gravity, and vegetation growth are constant threats to the PCT, the annual maintenance and reconstruction of the trail is a never-ending and monumental undertaking. Such work, historically carried out by…

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