Decommissioning Trails

Skill Definition

Demonstrated ability to plan and implement the closure, reclamation, and revegetation of a trail segment

Entry Level Performance

Demonstrate understanding of the basic techniques of trail decommissioning including stabilizing and revegetating
Perform material management, staging, tread stabilization including recontouring old trail to original slope as appropriate, and revegetation with supervision

Full Performance Level

Perform material management, staging, tread stabilization including recontouring old trail to original slope as appropriate, independently

Expert Level Performance

Assess and plan the closure, reclamation, and revegetation toward natural hydrology, slope, and vegetation, along with planning management techniques to minimize further use.

Resources for Decommissioning Trails

Documents and Media • Training Programs
Find Trainers • Find Workers

Learn More

Documents and Media for Decommissioning Trails

Trail Skills College Course Curriculum

To help our volunteers succeed in their trail work, PCTA collaborated with many partners to develop a Trail Skills College curriculum.

Trail Decommissioning & Wildland Restoration

Learn how to put a campsite and section of trail to bed so that it returns to nature without erosion. Some call this “trail magic,” or “Zen and the Art of Wilderness Gardening” because, if properly done, the old scars disappear, replaced by a…

Search for more resources ->

Further Education

Training Programs for Decommissioning Trails

Foundations of Sustainable Trails e-Course Series

This five-part series of online micro-learning courses is intended to provide those new to the trails workforce with a baseline understanding of terminology and concepts that give them a solid foundation to support future trails education and…

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…

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 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…

See all training programs ->

Skill Library