For Royal Gorge Public Process July 21, 2013

Introduce Randy Martin of Trailscape

Why trails?The Real Estate Value

Added of Trails The parts of the trailPresentation on use

conflict and the causes of it

How to manage use via designations

How to manage use via design

Sample Projects14 miles Multiuse trail Susanville Ca. 200914 Miles Hiking Primarily Trail, Genoa 2011Guest Trail Builder Jamaica, 2009Sugarbowl, 6 miles design, 2 miles built from Disney to Lake Mary, 2010Tahoe Donner, Euer Valley, 2 miles, 2012

Market Studies and Premium Analysis

Advisory Board Hidden Falls Regional Park, CA

Frequent Speaker: California Trail

SymposiumCalifornia Park and

Recreation Society,Urban Land Institute International Trail

SymposiumProfessional Trail

Builders Association

Professional Highlights

• Brings people to a place of interest

• Keeps people away from sensitive areas

• Meet recreational needs of people

• Economic benefits• Public Health• Introduce people to

the outdoors

When constructing trails, the Land Trust follows stringent federal and State standards

Donner Summit Canyon Trail December 4, 2012

Meandering low-gradient trails • keep speed down

Grade reversals-undulations in the tread

Keep water from running down tread

• Slows bikes and minimizes skidding

Grade dips• Easier to build than a

water bar; therefore more get built!

• Make them smooth- no hoof or tire-catchers!

• Rock-hopper stones next to it for hikers?

• Most maintenance on modern trails occurs because of the original design and layout

• A well-built trail should need mostly annual spring cleaning-not much more

• Major maintenance needs after flood events (maybe)

Sustainable?

Sustainable

GUILTYHAVING THE

VOLUME UP TOO LOUD FOR SAFE TRAIL SHARING

GUILTYTRAMPLING STREAM BANKS AND WALKING SIDE-BY-SIDE ON SINGLE TRACKS

GUILTYCUTTING

SWITCHBACKS AND LEAVING ‘ROAD

APPLES’

GUILTYNOT YIELDING

TRAIL AND GOING TOO FAST

Why?P.S. EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS SIGN…

According to the Forest Service it is defined as:“Goal interference attributed to another's

behavior”

Huh?

•Varying rates of speed by trail users

Out for a workoutThrillseekingBird/critter/wild-flower viewingFamily/Friend timeEnjoyment of NatureSolitude

All of the above can happen here!

Perceptions of who should rightly be able to use the trail.

Lack of clarity or understanding of regulations

Poaching

It’d be tough to lay out a multi use route through here!

Use-Conflict-Why do we have it? (cont’d)

Considerations in designation:•Single-user, or several users? •Resource preservation and/or use-conflict mitigation?•Ordinance or voluntary compliance?•Enforcement plan?

The Good:Segregates use however designedProvides a level of security against potential use-conflictAllows a clear line for enforcementCan mitigate erosion by singling out high impact users (particularly on older, non-sustainable trail)

The bad:Does not necessarily mitigate user conflict; may actually cause an increase in itMore trails to satisfy all users= redundancy, larger footprint of impacted area, greater costsTough to enforce

The Good:Less trails needed= less impact to watershedEasier navigationUse conflict minimized through designLarger pool of potential funders and volunteers for construction and maintenanceEasier enforcement

The bad:Varying rates of speed by users WILL occurDesign critical to minimization of use-conflictPotential for user-group dominance

Sustainable design employs:Low overall gradientMaximum grades determined

by soil typeFollows contoursMeanders designed to slow usersLots of grade reversals** But not to the point of having P.U.D.’s

Design is critical on this section of trail as there is no place to yield

•Slow fast-paced trail users down, provide extra durability where there is high-use

Multi-use trails in the backcountry- (the majority of the trails)

Single-use on flatter terrain for accessibility and walking

Single-use (proposed) trails for mountain bikes

Single-use routes (potential) for safer travel to areas with steep or exposed access.

See you on the trail!