2012 Vermont Trail Symposium Presentation

Alex Hoffmeier

Mechanized Trail Construction: Choosing the Right Machine for the Job

2:30-4:00 PM

Alex Hoffmeier works for Timber & Stone, LLC, a company

specializing in trail design, planning, and construction. He

has worked on trail projects throughout the northeast

ranging in size from a 15 foot long bridge to installing 400

stone stairs near Niagara Falls. Combining his background in

landscape planning and design with construction, he has

found that trail work utilizes both skill sets and continually

challenges him. On any given day he can be found behind

the controls of an excavator, setting stone by hand, building

a bridge, or working with volunteers.

Alex will offer an overview of specialized low impact trail

construction machinery. There will be a classroom slideshow

highlighting a variety of machines used for building trails as

well as a breakdown of efficient and effective operation. An emphasis on minimizing site impact, the

import of material to remote sites, and the construction of multi-use and naturally surfaced trails will be

discussed. A machine demonstration will take place during the second half of the workshop.