Understand and apply common construction specifications/trail management objectives such as corridor height/width, tread width, cross/outslope, protrusions, obstacles, and compaction.
Clear the corridor (brushing, logging out, hazard tree removal, rock/stump removal) in preparation for construction using proper pruning techniques.
Using hand tools, construct a trail with a full bench, raised tread, and/or combination that meets the construction specifications.
Safely use and maintain mechanized trail construction equipment (i.e. mini-excavators, skid steers, trail dozers, compactors, etc) to construct trail that meets construction specifications.
Utilize tools, often mechanical (i.e. excavators, harrow rakes, compact utility loaders, compactors), to meet specifications for final tread surface and backslope preparation and compaction, construction spoils management, and erosion control stabilization.
Construct drainage features that decrease erosion , including grade reversals, berms, ditches, and sheet drains.
Construct a water crossing structure (i.e. puncheon, turnpike, bridge) to span drainageways or wetland areas and raise the trail above the high water line while maintaining uninterrupted hydrology beneath the constructed feature.
Construct stone or wood retaining walls to bolster unconsolidated soils, gain elevation, or transition tread from rocks/natural barriers.
Install the appropriate treadway hardening technique for a trail given the slopes, soils, available material (wood, rock, gravel) and designed use, including advanced hardening techniques (i.e. turnpiking, rock culverts, boulder causeway, rock drains).
Build and maintain trail heads, parking lots, kiosks, sanitary facilities, camping facilities, traffic barriers, and directional signage.
Demonstrated ability to plan and implement the closure, reclamation, and revegetation of a trail segment.
Learn More
Skill Library
Improve this skill
September 10 - August 31, 2024
Custom Trainings
Trail builder with the Forest Service for over 15 years. Have worked on a mobile trail crew for all…
I have over 32 years of experience performing conservation, trails, and construction related…
Larry Knutson, founder and President of Penn Trails LLC, specializes in sustainable, natural…
Steve has worked in parks and natural areas for nearly 20 years, around San Francisco, Milwaukee,…
Member of Center for Protected Area Management and Training at Colorado State University,…
I manage the Volunteer program at the Arizona Trail Association, organizing over 20,000 hours of…
Hire
Twenty-four ongoing years of professional experience working and managing iconic and high-use trail…
Experienced Contractor and retired military. Heavily involved in trail building through local IMBA…
I am a landscape architect with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation…
With conservation corps, and USFS trail Crew experience under my belt I have shifted to the…
I have trail maintenance and construction experience through Timberline Trailcraft LLC as a Trail…
Conservation Trail Services LLC. Working with private, non-profit, and…
Suggest a Resource
Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.
Let us know
