Trail Skills College Course Curriculum
To help our volunteers succeed in their trail work, PCTA collaborated with many partners to develop a Trail Skills College curriculum.
Water Crossing Structures
Skill Definition
Develop a water crossing structure (e.g., boardwalk, puncheon, turnpike, bridge, ford) to span drainageways or wetland areas and raise the trail above the high water line while maintaining uninterrupted hydrology beneath the constructed feature
Entry Level Performance
- Demonstrate understanding of basic physical signs of water flow and/or inundation
- Identify different types of water crossing structures and their appropriation application
- Perform tasks to further the construction of a water crossing structure (i.e. install decking, measure and cut lumber, haul materials) with supervision
Full Performance Level
- Construct a variety of water crossing structures to meet the hydrologic conditions and construction specifications/engineering plans
Expert Level Performance
- Work with engineering plans, drawings, etc. to construct structures according to specifications
- Identify the appropriate water crossing structure if not specified -Implement appropriate tools and techniques to efficiently and effectively construct water crossing features
- Plan to transport and stockpile the appropriate materials for efficient and safe implementation
Resources for Water Crossing Structures
Documents and
Media
• Video Trainings
• Training Programs
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Documents and Media for Water Crossing Structures
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.
Wetland Trail Design and Construction
In this manual we have described the common techniques for building a wetland trail. We have also included information on some of the more unusual materials and tools.
Drainage Crossings
The PCT and its feeder trails cross water courses of every conceivable size and type. Because bridges are time consuming and expensive, whenever possible it is better to build simpler structures that are more durable. Learn to build and maintain two…
Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Structures
This course serves as an introduction and overview to usage, construction, and form of critical trail structures. It begins with a focus on five main types of water crossings. Participants will be introduced to planning decisions based on trail…
Trail Skills Training Library
Recorded Trainings for Water Crossing Structures
Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer Bridges and Boardwalks
The webinar will address pertinent specifications ranging from ASTM to AASHTO as they relate to Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridges and boardwalks.
Further Education
Training Programs for Water Crossing Structures
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…
Skill Library
Trail Construction
Trail Sustainability Principles
Safety/Site Management
Construction Specifications
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Corridor Clearing: Pruning/ Side-Cutting/ Brushing
Corridor Clearing: Felling/tree removal; Chainsaw/ Crosscut
Corridor Clearing: Material and Debris Management
Hand-Built Trail Construction
Mechanized Trail Construction
Trail Finishwork
Water Management/Drainage Features
Water Crossing Structures
Retaining Walls
Tread Hardening and Surfacing
Decommissioning Trails
Custom Trainings
There are 76 trainers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience
Jeremy Poore
Old Fort, NC
Coordinator - Trail Construction and Maintenance
McDowell Tech Community College
Hire Workers
There are 294 workers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience
Caitlin Mccarthy
Northampton, MA
Trail Programs Manager, Southern New England
Appalachian Mountain Club
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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.
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