Developing Woodland Trails
description
Transcript of Developing Woodland Trails
![Page 1: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Developing Woodland Trails
John ExoUW-Extension
![Page 2: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Learning Objectives
• Know how to design and construct a trail that meets your needs
• Know how to maintain your trails
![Page 3: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Topics For Today
• Planning• Design • Maintenance
![Page 4: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Many Benefits of Trails
• Expand recreational opportunities• Provide access for
multiple management uses
Did You Know? Approx. 42,000 miles of recreational trails in WisconsinSource: Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2000-2005. WI-DNR.
Photo by Matthew Davis
![Page 5: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Ways of Developing Trails
• Improve existing trails• Establish during
forest management events• Build from
scratch
![Page 6: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
7 steps :• Determine the purpose• Inventory your property• Design the trail• Scout the trail corridor• Clear the trail• Construct the trail tread• Mark the trail
Photo by Matthew DavisSource: Recreational Trail Design and Construction. University of
Minnesota-Extension.
Building trails on your property
![Page 7: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Starting Out: Planning your Trail
• What is its purpose?• What kind of trail do you want?• Where do you want it to go?
Kind of Trail
Purpose of Trail
Location of Trail
![Page 8: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Your Trail’s Purpose
• Nature Trail • Access Trail• Recreational Trail
These are not mutually exclusive
![Page 9: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Single vs. Multiple Use Trails• Trails built for a single use.
• Trails built for a combination uses:
Think about seasonal considerations.
SnowmobileHike-snowshoeHorse-ridingCross-country skiingFirebreaks
ATV’sMountain bikingWheelchair useBird-watching
![Page 10: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Inventory your property
1. Get a map of the topography2. Walk your entire property3. Mark key features on the map
Other useful tools: aerial photos, soil maps, forest management plan
![Page 11: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
![Page 12: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Topographic photo
![Page 13: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Designing your trailFactors to consider:• Trail layout & length• Clearing width & height• Tread width• Trail surface• Turning radius• Percent grade• Sight distance & lines• Water crossings
Photo by Matthew Davis
Source: Recreational Trail Design and Construction. University of Minnesota-Extension.
![Page 14: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Design Specifications: Layout and length
Layout options:– Linear trails– Loop trails–Connector and
spur trailsTrail Length:–Desired experience
and average speed
Image from UM-Extension
![Page 15: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
• Hiking• ATV• XC Skiing
Design Specifications:
height
widthtread
Clearing width, height and tread width
![Page 16: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Design Specifications:
• Hiking• ATV• XC Skiing
Photo by Matthew Davis
Trail surface
![Page 17: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
• Bicycling• XC skiing• Snowmobiling
Image from UM-Extension
Design Specifications:Turning radius
![Page 18: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Slope steepness
• Hiking• Horseback riding• Bicycling• XC Skiing
Design Specifications:
![Page 19: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Sighting distance
Horseback riding Bicycling XC Skiing Snowmobiling
Design specifications:
![Page 20: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
• Horseback riding• XC Skiing• Snowmobiling
Image from UM-Extension
Design specifications:Water crossings
• Cross perpendicular to streams• Check for permit requirements!
![Page 21: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Scouting the trail route
1. Walk the route with a map
2. Identify potential problem areas
3. Examine the land’s drainage in the spring
4. Mark the route with bright flagging tape
![Page 22: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Clearing the trail• Remove trees, brush, and rocks from the
treadway• Treat stumps with herbicide?• Prune overhanging branches• Scatter debris to the side of the trail
![Page 23: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
The trail’s treadway
• Ideal surface is natural soil free of stones, stumps, and protruding roots
• Leveling soil surface is recommended
![Page 24: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
The trail’s treadway
• Protect the treadway from erosion-woodchips, mulch, grass seed, etc. -crushed stone or asphalt
![Page 25: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Dealing with water problems
• Address existing erosion before moving soil.
• Design trail to minimize contact with water bodies
![Page 26: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Dealing with water problems
Factors affecting erosion:
Numerous ways to combat erosion
Grade Soil type Curve radii Shading
Trail usage Vegetation Trail misuse
Sidehilling
![Page 27: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Puncheon
Wet Area
Treadway
Cut in half
![Page 28: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Marking your Trail
• Blazes – paint, plastic, or metal markers.
• Signs (if appropriate)– basic information, directions, distances, etc.
![Page 29: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Trail Maintenance
• Maintenance just as important as construction.
• Annually or as needed.• Family activity or group project like scout
troops
![Page 30: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Popular Trail Maintenance Equipment
• Chain saw• Brush mower• Tractor-mounted brush mower/hog• Hand tools
Photos by Stihl, Country Home Products, John Deere, and Forestry Suppliers
![Page 31: Developing Woodland Trails](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022061223/54c524894a7959ed7f8b4587/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Next Steps:
• Evaluate existing trails for better functionality
• Layout new trails to address multiple needs