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

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Documents and Media for Decommissioning Trails

Trail Decommissioning & Wildland Restoration
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…


Further Education

Training Programs for Decommissioning Trails

Trail Technician 1 Exam
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
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
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…

IMBA Trail Management Schools
IMBA Trail Management Schools

This school is typically two days in length with IMBA instructor(s) traveling to your location to deliver the class to staff or members. Instructors arrive the day before to assess the site and do any necessary preparations. Organizations, clubs, or…

Sustainable Trail Building One Year Certificate Program
Sustainable Trail Building One Year Certificate Program

In this one-year certificate program, you’ll have boots-on-the-ground at Northwoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston, VT for three individual week-long intensive classes. You will grow your knowledge base and connect with trail building…

Trail Academy
Trail Academy

Trail Academy is our free class series that teaches students how to tackle any trail-related challenge. Courses are hosted both in the field and online, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to become a certified Trail Crew Leader or…

Custom Trainings

There are 74 trainers on TrailSkills
with Decommissioning Trails experience

Hire Workers

There are 280 workers on TrailSkills
with Decommissioning Trails experience

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Trail Skills Collaborators
Federal Highway Administration USDA Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management
American Trails Professional TrailBuilders Association Partnership for the National Trails System Northern Vermont University Northwest Arkansas Community College Eppley Institute Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Washington Trails Association