Transcript PPT
USFS
Trails Fundamentals
Required Training Materials:
(print before continuing training session)
Trail Fundamentals Reference Package
Posted at:
www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trailmanagement/trail-fundamentals/
USFS
Trails Fundamentals
The
Cornerstones...
Trail Fundamentals
Trail Type
Trail Class
Managed Use
Designed Use
Design Parameters
CASM
FY00-FY04 National Trails Program
Emphasis
Review, revise and improve
national database
(Infra Trails)
Develop complimentary trail
condition survey process
(TRACS)
Objectives
Effective and efficient tool that’s
useful for trail managers
Accurate and accountable data to
meet planning, public information
and upward reporting needs
How?
Start from a Common Point of
Reference
Link the Pieces
FSM/FSH Definitions & Direction
FS Standard Drawings & Specifications
Trail Management Business Rules
GIS Spatial Data
Deferred Maintenance Protocols
Federal Trail Data Standards
Establishing a Common
Point of Reference…
Trail Management
Objectives (TMO)
TMOs
Documentation of the intended
purpose and management of a
National Forest System Trail based
on management direction, including
access objectives.
Trail Management
Objectives
TMO
Trail
Definition
TMO
Trail Type
Trail Type
A category that reflects the
predominant trail surface and
general mode of travel
accommodated by a trail.
Trail Types
Standard / Terra Trail
Snow Trail
Water Trail
Standard/Terra Trail
Predominant foundation is ground
Designed and managed to
accommodate ground-based trail
use
Snow Trail
Predominant foundation is
snow or ice
Designed and managed to
accommodate snow-based trail use
Does not include winter “play
areas”
Water Trail
Predominant foundation is water
Designed and managed to
accommodate water-based trail
use
May include overland portage
segments
Trail Types
Only one Trail Type per trail.
Allow managers to identify specific
technical specifications, management
needs and the cost of managing the trail
for particular uses and/or seasons by trail
or trail segment.
What about overlap?
When two Trail Types are on same route:
Identify each trail with it’s own Name,
Number, and Trail Type.
Identify them as Linked Routes so
mileage duplication can be filtered out
during queries.
Trail Type
Trail Class
Trail Class
Trail Class
The prescribed scale of
development for a trail,
representing its intended design
and management standards.
Trail Class
Reflects the management intent for a trail,
based on the land management plan,
travel management decisions, trail-specific
decisions, and other related direction.
Takes into account Managed Uses, user
preferences, setting, sensitive resources,
and other management activities.
May or may not reflect the current
condition of the trail.
Trail Classes
Only one Trail Class identified per trail
or trail segment.
Trail Classes reflect “typical”
scenarios of combined factors, and
deviations may occur for any factor.
Choose the one that most closely
matches the management intent of
the trail.
Trail Class Matrix
Trail Class Examples
Trail Type
Trail Class
TMO
ROS / WROS
Recreation / Wilderness
Recreation Opportunity
Spectrum
TMO
Designed
Use
TMO
Managed
Use
Managed Use
The mode(s) of travel that are
actively managed and appropriate,
on a trail, based on its design and
management.
Managed Use
Managed Use indicates a management
intent to accommodate a specific use.
There can be more than one Managed
Use per trail or trail segment.
Managed Uses are usually a small
subset of the allowed uses on a trail.
Managed Use
There is a direct relationship between
Managed Use and Trail Class.
Identify the Managed Uses for each trail
or trail segment based on applicable
land management direction, travel
management decisions, trail-specific
decisions, and other related direction.
Managed Uses
Standard/Terra Trail Uses:
Snow Trail Uses:
Hiker / Pedestrian
Cross Country Ski
Pack and Saddle
Snowshoe
Bicycle
Snowmobile
Motorcycle
Water Trail Uses:
All Terrain Vehicle
Motorized Watercraft
4WD > 50” in Width
Non-Motorized
Watercraft
Trail Type
Trail Class
Managed Use
From Managed Use…
Managed Use A
Managed Use B
Managed Use C
…Designed Use
TMO
Designed
Use
Designed Use
The Managed Use of a trail that
requires the most demanding design,
construction, and maintenance
parameters and that, in conjunction
with the applicable Trail Class,
determines which Design Parameters
will apply to a trail.
Designed Use
Although the trail may be actively
managed for more than one use, and
numerous uses may be allowed...
…there is only one Designed Use per
trail or trail segment.
Designed Use
Determines technical specifications for
trail design, construction and
maintenance
For each Designed Use and applicable
Trail Class, there’s a corresponding set
of nationally standardized technical
specifications….
Designed Uses
Standard/Terra Trail Uses:
Snow Trail Uses:
Hiker / Pedestrian
Cross Country Ski
Pack and Saddle
Snowshoe
Bicycle
Snowmobile
Motorcycle
Water Trail Uses:
All Terrain Vehicle
Motorized Watercraft
4WD > 50” in Width
Non-Motorized
Watercraft
Trail Type
Trail Class
Managed Use
Designed Use
TMO
Design
Parameters
Design Parameters
Technical guidelines for the
survey, design, construction,
maintenance, and assessment of
a trail, based on its Designed Use
and Trail Class.
Design Parameters
Standardized set of construction and
maintenance specifications.
Local deviations may be established
based on trail-specific conditions,
topography and other factors….
….provided that they are consistent with the
general intent of the applicable Trail Class.
Design Parameters
Design Tread Width
Design Surface
Design Grade
Design Cross Slope
Design Clearing
Design Turns
Design Parameters
Trail Type
Trail Class
Managed Use
Designed Use
Design Parameters
TMO
Target
Frequency
TMO
Access & Travel
Management:
Managed Use
Prohibited Use
TMO
Special
Considerations
Special Considerations
Shared System
Accessible
Mechanized Tools/Equipment Prohibited
T&E / Sensitive Species
Heritage Resource
Easement, Permit, Agreement
etc…
TMO
Remarks &
Reference
Information
Remarks &
Reference Information
Document additional clarification
Cite reference decisions &
materials
Footnote!
TMO
Line Officer
Approval
Line Officer Approval
1. Trail Manager: Prepare draft TMO
for reviews & finalization
2. District Ranger: Review and
approve official TMO
3. If subsequent TMO changes,
revise the TMO (following steps 1 & 2)
TMOs
Documentation of the intended
purpose and management of a
National Forest System Trail based
on management direction, including
access objectives.
TMOs
TMOs may or may not reflect the current
condition of a trail.
TMOs are not management decisions.
TMOs can be changed.
During other data validation updates, do
not inadvertently change an approved TMO
or MVUM.
Training is important.
TMO’s
Pulling
it all together
Next Step
TMO: Point of Reference
Apply Design & Maintenance
Standards
Trail Condition Assessments
Collect Field Data
What data to collect?
How much is enough?
Trail CASM
Condition
Assessment
Survey
Matrix
Trail CASM
Efficient and appropriate inventory and
condition surveys
Survey frequency and accuracy
commensurate with level of
development and investment
Applicable to Infra data entry
Applicable to public information
Trail CASM
Trail Fundamentals
Trail Type
Trail Class
Managed Use
Designed Use
Design Parameters
CASM
FTDS: Federal Trail Data Standards
FSTAG: FS Trail Accessibility Guidelines
Where to find it?
www.fs.fed.us
Recreational
Activities
Special
Programs
Trail
Management
Where to find it?
http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/rhwr/ibsc/index.shtml
Trail Fundamentals
Cornerstones of…
Efficient Trail Planning &
Management
Consistent, Quality Data
Accurate, Accountable
Inventory & Costing