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 without supervision
• 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

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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.

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…

Introduction to Trail Planning

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART ONE: In the Introduction to Trail Planning we will discuss different types of trail plans including Master Plans Conceptual Plans,…

Evaluating Erosion

One important factor that we examine when we assess the condition of a trail is the effect that erosion is having upon the trail surface. This video covers three of the most obvious signs of trail erosion: loose rocks, cuts and areas of deposition.…

Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tread and Alignment​

Explore foundational concepts related to the principles and applications of trail tread and alignment—all through the lens of developing and maintaining a sustainable trail. This course will introduce basic trail design elements as well as processes…

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Corridor Planning

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.

Digital Transformation of Trail Management and Monitoring

Mike Linnane of Evolve Technologies and award-winning Trail Manager Eoin Hogan will present on the development path of the world’s first integrated digital trail management system. The webinar will outline the evolution from a paper-based trail…

An Equitable Approach to Trail Development: Circuit Trails Gap Analysis

In this webinar, PEC coworkers and co-creators of the Circuit Trails Gap Analysis will provide an introduction to the genesis, development, and implementation of the Gap Analysis, including a look at their online mapping portal and recent real-world…

Wilderness Trails: Special Places, Special Considerations.

This webinar will provide some basic information on trails in federally-designated Wilderness, examples of practical experiences, and resources to learn more. Presented by: Pete Irvine, retired, USDA Forest Service Dan Abbe, Wilderness Specialist,…

Trail Planning Technology

Learn how to use a variety of mobile and desktop based technologies to assess, plan, and design trails across the country. Presented by: Jon Altschuld, Founder and Principal, Chinook Landscape Architecture, LLC Tony Boone, COO, Timberline TrailCraft

Cultural Landscape Training Framework

This webinar will provide an exclusive first walk through of the Cultural Landscape Training Framework showcasing how outdoor professionals can embrace multiple perspectives of the Indigenous landscapes they work on.

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Further Education

Training Programs for Corridor Planning

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…

IMBA Trail Solutions Advanced Trail Building School

Partner with IMBA Trail Solutions and create with confidence. By deploying a complete range of skills–including visioning, detailed design, professional construction, and training for stewardship–our comprehensive approach saves resources.

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…

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…

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