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.

Caelan

Caelan Parker

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Mccall, ID

I am an early-career trails professional with the Forest Service. I have seven Agency field seasons…

Brooke

Brooke Scatchard

Sinuosity

Contractor Trainer

Morristown, VT

Brooke’s many years of experience in planning, building, and riding mountain bike trails provide a…

Marc

Marc Hildesheim

National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Post Falls, ID

Mike

Mike Riter

Trail Design Specialists (Georgia)

Contractor Trainer

Danielsville, GA

We are a full service trail company. Our services include trail design, construction and…

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Hire Workers

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

Kay

Kay Emery

Mountains to Sound Greenway

Nonprofit

Cle Elum, WA

As the Kittitas Stewardship Coordinator, Kay works with land managers within Kittitas County to…

Scott

Scott Shipley

USDA Forest Service

Agency

Walker, MN

Joshua

Joshua Simpson

USDA Forest Service

Agency

Mccall, ID

Recreation Program Manager for past 20 years; most recently on the Payette NF, in McCall ID where i…

Scott

Scott Johnson

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Forest Grove, OR

Trail builder with the Forest Service for over 15 years. Have worked on a mobile trail crew for all…

Isabel

Isabel Roberts

Agency

Bayfield, CO

Justin

Justin Blackstead

USDA Forest Service

Agency

Sun Valley, ID

I have building and maintaining trails since 2008. Most of my experience has been in motorized and…

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Contact Us

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