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 maintenance specifications independently
• 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 maintain a trail that meets the specifications.
• Demonstrate 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

Learn More

Documents and Media for Tread Maintenance - Mechanized Equipment

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.

Introduction to Foundations of Sustainable Trails: A Trail from Start to Finish

A Trail from Start to Finish is an introductory, short "micro-learning" targeted to developing trail workers. Anticipated to take about 15 minutes to complete, this microlearning discusses what it means for a trail to be sustainable and describes…

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…

Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tread and Alignment​

Explore foundational concepts related to the principles and applications of trail tread and alignment—all through the lens of developing and maintaining a sustainable trail. This course will introduce basic trail design elements as well as processes…

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Tread Maintenance - Mechanized Equipment

Trail Bumps: Lessons Learned from Removing 1,000 Bumps

This webinar focuses on lessons learned from removing over 1,000 bumps from an 18-mile paved trail.

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Further Education

Training Programs for Tread Maintenance - Mechanized Equipment

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…

Foundations of Sustainable Trails e-Course Series

This five-part series of online micro-learning courses is intended to provide those new to the trails workforce with a baseline understanding of terminology and concepts that give them a solid foundation to support future trails education and…

Chinook Associates Trail Consulting

Chinook Associates offers stewardship skills workshops covering recreational trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and visitor management. Courses are available either in-person, with fully customizable content combining classroom…

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…

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