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Trail Solutions:Trail Solutions:A Grassroots Training Program for A Grassroots Training Program for
Volunteer Trail StewardsVolunteer Trail Stewards
A Presentation by Dan Harrison,
Michigan Mountain Biking Association
MRPA Annual Conference, Grand Traverse Resort,
February 7, 2005
Why Trails?Why Trails?• People want them:
– Rank high on Quality of Life scale– Correlate with high property values
• Versatile: serve wide variety of clients
• Cost-effective: Low $$ to create, maintain
• Grants: some features may be eligible– MDoT Enhancements– MNRTF Recreation
Trails versus Urban SprawlTrails versus Urban Sprawl• Sprawl is the outward flow of Urbanization• Greenspace in Urban & Suburban areas
– Recreational opportunities close to home– Less pressure on undeveloped fringe
• Nonmotorized trails allow people to directly experience Greenspace
• Recreational use of Brownfields– Revegetation creates new Greenspace– Transient use minimizes health risks– Cost-effective to acquire, remediate?
The Recreation SpectrumThe Recreation Spectrum
• Wilderness: Minimum human presence
• Nature Preserve: Low human activity
• Rustic Recreation Area: Minimal infrastructure
• Multiple-use Playfields
• Dedicated facilities: single usage (ball diamonds, tennis courts, golf links)
““Trail Mix”Trail Mix”
• Trails work best in the “Nature Preserve” and “Rustic Recreation” zones
• Can occupy buffer space between less compatible zones– Between a golf course and a natural area– Between residential land and a wetland
The Manager’s ParadigmThe Manager’s Paradigm• Identify Parcel for Trail System siting• Identify Existing Uses
– Desirable: Recreation, Nature Preservation– Undesirable: Loitering, Dumping, Vandalism
• Identify Future Needs• Contact ALL affected Stakeholders• Establish Forum for Multilateral
Communication & Decision-Making– “Friends of” Groups
Why Volunteers?Why Volunteers?
• We work cheap
• We’re passionate about our interests
• Many of us have valuable skills
• Empowering Stakeholders gives them a vested interest
• Volunteer labor builds equity for matching fund$
Yeah, but…Yeah, but…
• Can you ensure quality?
• I don’t have staff to supervise you
• If there’s an accident, am I liable?
• What about the long haul?
• You’re always fighting amongst yourselves
• More?
The Stakeholder’s ParadigmThe Stakeholder’s Paradigm• Organize as a Legal Entity
• Establish Communication with Managers
• Set Mutual Goals
• Establish Long-term Commitment
• Propose Specific Project
• Execute Project
• Review, Revise, Maintain
Why MMBA?Why MMBA?• Established Stakeholder representative• Award-winning performance• State-wide, but decentralized
– Nine regional chapters
• 2,000 active members• Since 1987• Affiliated with
MMBA’s StewardshipMMBA’s Stewardship
• 28 trails on State Land: 433 miles
• 11 Trails on Municipal Land: 90 miles
• 10 Trails on Federal Land: 230 miles
• 8 Trails on Private Land: 100 miles
• 6 Trails on County Land: 40 miles
• 63 trail systems, totaling 893 miles
The MMBA Training ProgramThe MMBA Training Program• Format: Based on Apprenticeship model
– Trail Worker (Apprentice)– Crew Chief (Journeyman)– Trail Coordinator (Master)
• Content: Based on IMBA Trail School, with Progressive levels of – Skill– Responsibility– Commitment
Level One: Trail WorkerLevel One: Trail Worker• Works under direct supervision
• Part of a crew of 4-6 workers
• Skill set: – Tool selection– Tool safety– Clearing trail corridor– Removing debris– Grading tread
Level Two: Crew ChiefLevel Two: Crew Chief• Works under Trail Coordinator• Task-Oriented• Supervises 4-6 Trail Workers• Skill Set:
– Team-building– Basic trail structures– Reclamation of decommissioned trail– Communicate with project director– Maintain safety
Level Three: Trail CoordinatorLevel Three: Trail Coordinator• Liaison between Land Manager and
MMBA Chapter– Continuity in spite of Turnover
• Spearheads Proposal, Site Visit, Layout– Established procedures from MOU
• Coordinates Volunteer Workforce
• Reviews Results with Land Manager– Lessons learned, Future directions
About our Textbook…About our Textbook…
• Developed by IMBA with input from NPS, FHWA’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
• Theory• Practice• Standards
– Compatible with USFS, SCA, etc.
Your Park is our ClassroomYour Park is our Classroom
• Manager Participation throughout– Role-playing exercises (Trails 201 only)
• Needs Assessment
• Resources Inventory
• Layout Analysis (Trails 201 only)
Design CriteriaDesign Criteria• Control Points: Physical features that
affect human behavior– Positive: Attractions, amenities– Negative: Hazards, sensitive ecology
• Appropriate to intended use
• Sustainable, Low-maintenance
• Solve or minimize social conflicts
Raise Your ExpectationsRaise Your Expectations
• Demand Quality– Standards for Work, Safety
• Demand Accountability– Areas of Responsibility, Deadlines
• Demand Commitment– Long-Term Commitment
• Problem of Youth Groups
Key Moments in the Life of a Key Moments in the Life of a Volunteer-based Trails ProjectVolunteer-based Trails Project
• Decision to go Forward
• First Stakeholder meeting
• Completed MOUs
• Proposal submitted
• Initial Site Visit
• First Workday
• First Review session
““We are not building trails, we We are not building trails, we are creating experiences”are creating experiences”
-Kurt Loheit, founder, Concerned Off-Road -Kurt Loheit, founder, Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists’ Association (CORBA)Bicyclists’ Association (CORBA)
ResourcesResources
• This slideshow can be downloaded at: www.mmba.org/library/MRPA2005.ppt
• MMBA Trail School homepage: www.mmba.org/portal.php?h=trailschool
• IMBA Land Manager’s Mountain Bike Management Toolkit: www.imba.com/resources/managers
Thank You!Thank You!• There is a Questionnaire in your packet.
Please complete it and either:– Leave in the box at the back of the room– Fold & mail (preaddressed)– Fax to 313-271-5868– Complete it online at
http://www.mmba.org/library/MRPAsurvey.doc
• My email is: [email protected]