Entry Level Performance

• Demonstrate understanding of natural and stormwater induced drainage effects on trails
• Restore the function of existing trail drainage features by re-establishing outslope, de-berming, and clearing organic material and rocks out of drainage features
• Construct all types of drainage features with minimal supervision
• Identify locations and the appropriate drainage feature with supervision

Full Performance Level

• Demonstrate understand the application of different drainage features for managing water volumes and velocities
• Identify locations for appropriate drainage feature independently
• Identify trail drainage features that are not functioning and need restoration independently
• Construct the full suite of drainage features independently
• Oversee a crew that is maintaining and installing drainage features on a trail segment/system

Expert Level Performance

• Create and/or implement a comprehensive drainage plan for a trail and/or trail system

Learn More

Documents and Media for Drainage Features/Water Management

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.

Trail Fundamentals:The relationship between trails and water

This educational video from PTBA (Professional TrailBuilders Association) explores one of the most crucial elements in sustainable trail planning and design: managing water and drainage. Using visual examples, including topographic map overlays and…

How Volunteers Manage Water on the Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail volunteers play an active role in managing water on the footpath since moving water and standing water can damage the tread surface and surrounding areas. This video presents concepts of trail alignment, presents how to mitigate…

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.…

Surface Water Control Techniques for Trail Maintenance

Surface Water Control Techniques for Trail Maintenance - USDA Forest Service 1992 - 0823-2D01-MTDC - Missoula Technology Development Center. Learn routine maintenance to prevent water erosion on trails.

Tread and Drainage

Water and gravity constantly threaten our trails and thus we must learn how best to deflect them. This course begins with basics of hillside hydrology and how trails work when they shed water properly. Includes introduction of “trail eyes” and basic…

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Drainage Features/Water Management

Vegetation Design for Trailbuilders: Controlling Erosion and Creating Habitat with Minimal Horticulture Experience and Resources

With the increasing public demand for native plants and a push to find alternatives, learn from one landscape architect’s experience developing prairies in a variety of environments.

Sustainable Equestrian Trails From Grant Funding to Project Success

This webinar aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of managing a sustainable horse farm. This is part two of a two-part series related to sustainability.

Barn to Trail: Managing Sustainability on Equine Properties

Hosted in partnership with the Equine Land Conservation Resource, this webinar aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of managing a sustainable horse farm. This is part one of a two-part series related to sustainability.

Water Management on Legacy Trails

This webinar will discuss the challenges of legacy trails, examine with photos and commentary commonly built trail features, and applying the SET test to them. It will also discuss the renovation of existing features and the construction of new…

Porous Flexible Pavement, Asphalt, or Porous Asphalt: Lessons Learned for Multi-Use Trails in the District of Columbia

This webinar will discuss the various types of materials used for paved, multi-use trails in the District of Columbia. We will discuss different projects where we used flexi-pave, asphalt, or porous asphalt and our experience with each material. How…

The Third Mode Bonus Chapters: Progress in Walking, Bicycling, and Micromobility for Transportation

A decade after initial publication, The Third Mode author will provide an update to discuss recent accomplishments that tie into the central concept of “the third mode” including his co-founding of Citi Bike, building the Empire State Trail, and…

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Further Education

Training Programs for Drainage Features/Water Management

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 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…

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…

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 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…

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