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

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Documents and Media for Project Cost Estimation

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.

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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…

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Further Education

Training Programs for Project Cost Estimation

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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