Project Preparation Skills Include:

Land Use Plan Alignment

Identify elements of the general management, forest, or comprehensive resource management plans as they relate to the trail project.

Define Purpose and Need of Project

Use primary data (e.g., stakeholder outreach, trail use data, trail counters) and secondary data (e.g., planning documents, natural and cultural resource survey information, and site-specific resource limitations including soils, hydrology, geology, slope) to define the purpose of the proposed project and the need that it will meet.

Corridor Planning

Identify potential areas (broad corridors) that meet the purpose and need of the project. Work with staff and partners to assess the proposed corridor(s) by analyzing resource data and management plan alignment.

Stakeholder Engagement

Identify all the external interested individuals, agencies, and private organizations to inform an outreach strategy. Integrate public education opportunities throughout planning, construction, and maintenance efforts.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Principles

Engage with local and regional communities, as well as groups representing ethnically, socially, and economically diverse populations, to address specific trail management issues.

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Resources for Project Preparation

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.

SCA Leader Teams Handbook

This handbook defines the role of the SCA and the Programs’ policies and guidelines. It is to be referred to and followed. There are three sections- general information, a section specifically for the Leader Team Crew Leader, and a section…

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.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI): Part 2 (JEDI Strategies For Your Organization)

You will leave the webinar with a map that can help you identify priorities for your organization and areas where you need more support. This webinar is hosted by the Partnership for the National Trail System, the National Wilderness Stewardship…

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI): Part 1 (The What and Why of JEDI)

This webinar will help you articulate what you mean when you are talking about JEDI and why it is important to your organization. This webinar is hosted by the Partnership for the National Trail System, the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance,…

Engaging New Leaders

Developing volunteer leaders who are able to effectively manage other volunteers is one of the most important ways you can strengthen and build a strong volunteer program. This guide focuses on the recruitment of volunteer leaders, specifically…

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Trail Skills Training Library