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.
Project Cost Estimation
Skill Definition
Estimate the cost of project construction, maintenance and related oversight, permitting and planning (including tools, consumables, volunteer and staff time, contractors and consultants, equipment, materials)
Entry Level Performance
- Demonstrate understanding of line items included in a project cost estimate
Full Performance Level
- Determine an estimated project cost for labor, materials, oversight, and equipment based on the concept design and field design
- Create an accurate cost estimate for the project that includes current rates for trail construction (based on trail specifications), structures, and features, as determined by the concept design and field design.
Expert Level Performance
- Provide recommendations on the strategy for drafting, soliciting and evaluating contract proposals, balancing cost and other proposal elements
- Demonstrate understanding of the current ‘market rates’ in the region to minimize divergence between the cost estimate and the contract proposals
- Effectively organize and communicate cost estimates, strategies to control and sequence a project towards implementation including guidance on grant or fundraising activities
Resources for Project Cost Estimation
Documents and
Media
• Video Trainings
• Training Programs
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Trail Skills Training Library
Recorded Trainings for Project Cost Estimation
Making the Case for Tourism-Oriented Mountain Bike and Adaptive Recreation
This presentation provides an overview of an economic impact analysis for an accessible tourism-oriented mountain bike trail network in Tennessee’s State Park system.
Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success
This webinar will provide a foundation to assist with trail construction cost estimating.
Trail Construction Cost Realities
This webinar will deliver a simple, cost estimating tool and provide a list of the key factors associated with trail construction costs. The methodology presented in the webinar applies to ALL trail construction projects, though the examples shown…
Further Education
Training Programs for Project Cost Estimation
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…
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…
Skill Library
Project Planning and Design
Trail Sustainability Principles
Define Purpose, Need, and Feasibility of Project
Stakeholder Engagement
Land Use Plan Alignment
Corridor Planning
Trail Specifications
Conceptual Trail Plan Development
Field Design: Trail Alignment Identification and Marking
Project Cost Estimation
Trail Plan Development
Compliance and Permitting
Implementation Plan
Interpretation
Trail Inventory and Assessment
Operations and Maintenance Plan Development
Custom Trainings
There are 87 trainers on TrailSkills
with Project Cost Estimation experience
Rick Landenberger
Morgantown, WV
Service Associate Professor and Science & Management Specialist for the West Virginia Land Trust
West Virginia University
Hire Workers
There are 340 workers on TrailSkills
with Project Cost Estimation experience
Neal Hamilton
Columbia, SC
State Trails Coordinator
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Morgan Hartsock
Glen Jean, WV
Roads & Trails Maintenance Supervisor
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Jonathan Szalewicz
Craftsbury Common, VT
Trails Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Appalachian Mountain Club
Danielle Berry
Taylorsville, CA
Stewardship Project Manager
Sierra Institute for Community and Environment
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