Entry Level Performance

• Demonstrate understanding of trail sustainability as it relates to physical durability, resource conservation, user expectations and experience, and ongoing management
• Demonstrate ability to read a contour map and interpret trail sustainability and control points (e.g.. identify fall-line trail, contour trail, stream crossings, etc)

Full Performance Level

• Assess and integrate local conditions and situations into the application of sustainability principles (i.e. drainage, sheet flow, slope, soil types, user type/skill levels, maintainability, local weather conditions, management and stewardship capacity)

Expert Level Performance

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate complex and challenging trail sustainability contexts
• Demonstrate ability to articulate and communicate the compromises and tradeoffs between multiple sustainability issues and principles and inform challenging or controversial management actions

Learn More

Documents and Media for Trail Sustainability Principles

Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook

An updated edition of the industry standard, "Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook," first released in 1996.

Basic Trail Maintenance

Missoula Technology Development Center. Learn the basics of trail maintenance and how to select the right tool for each task.

Search for more resources ->

Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Trail Sustainability Principles

The Science of Sustainable Trail Design and Management

This webinar will describe the three most common forms of trail impact, identify the most influential factors to develop and maintain sustainable trail networks, and discuss methods for rating trail sustainability.

Current and Future Trends in Equestrian Trails

Sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority. This equestrian forum offers an excellent format and opportunity to interact with panel experts and learn more about trending equestrian trails topics today and looking forward to the future.

Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Trails: Crawford Path Case Study

This webinar will discuss new, innovative approaches for a more sustainable future on trails.

Designing Near Wetlands, Streams, Forests, and Other Environmental Resources

This presentation discusses the seven biggest considerations for planners and designers when designing near wetlands, streams, forests, and other environmental resources.

Towards a Mountain Trail Sustainability Ethic ~ Part 3 of 3

The goal of a trail sustainability ethic is the protection of natural and cultural resources, inspired by federal land management agency trail management traditions, and implemented with consideration to a wilderness ethic of minimum alteration of…

Build a Sustainable Trail that Lasts 100 Years

This webinar explores the critical components and processes necessary for truly sustainable trail design and construction.

Search for more recorded trainings ->

Further Education

Training Programs for Trail Sustainability Principles

Trail Sustainability Institute

The Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI) is NWTA’s internal training classes for everything related to trail building. We want to make sure our trail builders are knowledgeable in not only how to build/maintain fun trails, but ensure those trails…

IMBA Trail Solutions Advanced Trail Building School

Partner with IMBA Trail Solutions and create with confidence. By deploying a complete range of skills–including visioning, detailed design, professional construction, and training for stewardship–our comprehensive approach saves resources.

Trails Certificate

Gain insight into best practices related to the design, construction and maintenance of trails. Learn about and apply techniques that can enhance, rehabilitate and protect trails and greenways. Participants will also learn about trail…

Sustainable Trails Development

The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.

PCTA Trail Skills Course

Because wildfires, wind storms, floods, gravity, and vegetation growth are constant threats to the PCT, the annual maintenance and reconstruction of the trail is a never-ending and monumental undertaking. Such work, historically carried out by…

Advancing Trails Webinar Series

American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…

See all training programs ->