Fundamentals of Trail Construction in High Desert Environments

If you want to learn to build exciting, sustainable trails, but need some knowledge and skills to get you there, this training is for you!

The purpose of the training is to first introduce you to many of the common issues that create unsustainable trails by observing and evaluating existing sections of trail at the McCoy Flats trail network located southwest of Vernal, Utah. The training will build on that knowledge by establishing viable, sustainable re-route sections, and building them as a group. The process will introduce you to trail assessment and trail building techniques, tools, processes, and best practices. The training is an immersive, field-based, hands-on experience that will connect you with content experts and fellow trail enthusiasts.

The training will be held Tuesday April 7th to Wednesday April 8th from 9:00am to 4:00 each day at the McCoy Flats Trailhead. The training will consist of instruction given at the trailhead and additional instruction provided as the group traverses the McCoy Flats trail network on day 1 to assess and create a plan for the trail. On day 2 participants will be coached by instructors as they build sections of trail to address the identified concerns. Lessons learned at this small scale will be transferable to larger new-build and maintenance trail construction projects.

Your registration for this training will also provide you with access to the Utah Trail Master Steward online course. To prepare to attend the in person training you are expected to complete the online training first. The online portion of the training requires about 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Please note, this training is field-based and hands-on, and will require participants to hike several miles each day in rough and uneven terrain with their own light backpack and carrying hand tools.

Participants will be responsible for their own lodging and personal equipment during the training. Several hotels and short term rental options are available in the general area as well as dispersed and reserved camping. A build-your-own lunch will be provided during both days of the training but all other meals, snacks, and drinks are the responsibility of the participant. Trail tools and personal protection equipment will be provided for participant use during the training.

Training Agenda:

Tuesday, April 7th

• 9:00 am- Meet at the McCoy Flats Trailhead.

• 9:00-12:00 – Assessment of current conditions and establishment of trail re-route.

• 12:00-1:00 - Lunch out on the trail at the construction site (provided)

• 1:00-4:00 - Finalize and begin trail construction

• 4:00 - Depart

Tuesday, November 18

• 9:00 am- 9:00 am- Meet at the McCoy Flats Trailhead.

• 9:00-12:00 – Continue trail construction using different tools, techniques, and strategies.

• 12:00-1:00 - Lunch out on the trail at the construction site (provided)

• 1:00-3:00 - Continue trail construction

• 3:00-4:00 - Review and reflection.

• 4:00 - Depart

The construction project featured in this course and will be used as a learning “laboratory” was developed in partnership with the BLM Vernal Field Office. This training features trails expert Mark Loseth from Raven Trails and the concepts, terminology, and techniques presented in this training are derived from current industry best practices and standards and align with competencies supported by the American Trails Association's Trail Skills Project. Participants in this training will learn skills relevant to the Trail Technician Level 1 exam.

This training is being offered by the Utah Trails Forum in partnership with Utah State University Extension, and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. This training is made possible, and affordable thanks to the fiancial support of Utah's Recreational Trails Program. If the registration cost is a barrier to your participation please contact Jake Powell ([email protected]) to discuss available options.

We appreciate the public land managers and those trail professionals that work to maintain the trails we all love. If you are a public land manager or work for a public land management agency please contact Jake Powell ([email protected]) for a registration discount code to help make this training accessible for you and as a thank you for your efforts.

Prior to the training you will be contacted by the organizer and provided detailed attendance instructions related to exactly what to bring, and how to come personally prepared to be safe and gain the most out of this training!

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Host or Publisher Utah State University Landscape Architecture Extension