Water Crossing Structures

Water Crossing Structures Skill Definition:

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.


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Resources for Water Crossing Structures

Wetland Trail Design and Construction
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
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
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…

Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike and Puncheon Construction
Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike and Puncheon Construction

Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike and Puncheon Construction - USDA Forest Service 1994 - 0823-2D01-MTDC - Missoula Technology Development Center. Learn about turnpikes and puncheons and which will work best for your wet trails.

North Country Trail Handbook
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.

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Upcoming Trainings for Water Crossing Structures

Trail Building and Stewardship for Non-Motorized Multi-Use Trails Boot Camp
Vermont State University
Vermont State University
Sustainable Trail Building One-Year Certificate Program
Sustainable Trail Building One-Year Certificate Program

September 09, 2024

Lyndonville, Vermont

Custom Trainings

There are 46 trainers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience.

Jed

Jed Talbot

OBP Trailworks, LLC

Contractor Trainer

Brunswick, ME

Jed Talbot is the owner of OBP Trailworks, LLC, a Maine based company that designs, builds, and…

Amy

Amy Lutsko

Morris County Park Commission, NJ

Trainer Agency

Morristown, NJ

Galeo

Galeo Saintz

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Plettenberg Bay

Galeo Saintz is the co-founder of South Africa’s two longest trail initiatives. For 10 years he…

William

William Jones

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Hood River, OR

In my sixth year working wilderness, motorized, and non-motorized trails for the Forest Service;…

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Hire Workers

There are 189 profiles on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience.

Fordyce

Fordyce Lux

Jefferson County Open Space

Agency

Golden, CO

After starting my trails career with the Student Conservation Association in Massachusetts, I have…

Uriah

Uriah Steber

Contractor

Pierre, SD

Benchmark Trails has experience with developing new trail construction projects. Site feasibility,…

Jon

Jon Underwood

Happy Trails, Inc.

Contractor

Fairbanks, AK

Trail designer, consultant, and builder since 2006, mostly in Alaska. Design and construction of…

John

John Beardshear

Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORBA)

Nonprofit

Salinas, CA

Bryan

Bryan G

Corps Nonprofit

Chicago, IL

I believe that everybody in this nature is placed in this world for a purpose. Placing…

Peter

Peter Banta

Hoosier Hikers Council

Nonprofit

Martinsville, IN

Worked with the HHC to Design and build hiking trails on state and land trust properties since…

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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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Trail Skills Collaborators
Federal Highway Administration USDA Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management
American Trails Professional TrailBuilders Association Partnership for the National Trails System Northern Vermont University Northwest Arkansas Community College Eppley Institute Corps Network