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
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…
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.
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 55 trainers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience
Marc Hildesheim
Post Falls, ID
Program Director
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
Alexander De Lucia
Bretton Woods, NH
Director of Trails & Recreation Management
Appalachian Mountain Club
Hire Workers
There are 221 workers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience
Walter Opuszynski
Barre, VT
Forest Recreation Specialist
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation
Jeremy Poore
Old Fort, NC
Coordinator - Trail Construction and Maintenance
McDowell Tech Community College
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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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