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

Welcome to Paradise ParkWelcome to Paradise Park

““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: dharrisn@hfcc.edu