Entry Level Performance

• Safely work around mechanized trailbuilding equipment/crews
• Operate basic mechanized equipment (e.g. mechanized wheelbarrow, plate compactor, tracked dumper), with supervision
• Perform basic maintenance on equipment
• Minimize unintended impacts on and off trail, and use techniques to repair unintended impacts with supervision

Full Performance Level

• Safely use and maintain mechanized trail construction equipment to construct full sections of trail that meet construction specifications independently across multiple types of terrain, soils and ground conditions
• Successfully minimize and remediate unintended impacts on and off trail

Expert Level Performance

• Utilize a suite of mechanized equipment and techniques to efficiently and effectively construct trail that meet the construction specifications across numerous types of terrain, soils and ground conditions including difficult and challenging types.
• Perform equipment fleet or assemblage safety and maintenance, including field repairs
• Demonstrate precision and accuracy with equipment tasks and/or organization without any unintended off trail impacts

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Documents and Media for Mechanized Trail Construction

Sustainable Trail Bridge Design

Designing trail bridges based on trail-specific Trail Management Objectives (TMOs) is essential for providing the desired trail experience, for ensuring user safety, and for maximizing bridge longevity.

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.

Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds

This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.

Off-Highway Vehicle Trail and Road Grading Equipment

The Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) was asked to find a good way to maintain a 40-mile (64-k) motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) trail on the Francis Marion National Forest in coastal South Carolina. Heavy use leaves a…

Innovations in Mechanized Trailbuilding

Innovative, cutting edge machinery for building recreational trails has revolutionized the trail industry over the past 30 years, from specialized trail dozers and miniature excavators to crawler carriers and ATV/AWD moto harrows. The advantages of…

Mechanized Trailbuilding: A Primer

Through a combination of field footage and expert speakers, this webinar will provide a primer on mechanized trailbuilding equipment.

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Mechanized Trail Construction

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…

Mechanized Trailbuilding: A Primer

Through a combination of field footage and expert speakers, this webinar will provide a primer on mechanized trailbuilding equipment.

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Further Education

Training Programs for Mechanized Trail Construction

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…

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

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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