Bighorn Adopt a trail program
Friday, May 23, 2003 (17:49:18)

Posted by CanadianViking

ADOPT-A-TRAIL
VOLUNTEER TRAIL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
The Clearwater Forest Area has many trails that
are traditionally used by hikers, equestrian users,
and off-highway vehicles. In the past, some trails
were maintained on a frequent basis; however,
with decreased budgets, maintenance on these
trails has been sporadic. Many trails are now
showing signs of deterioration, including braided
trails caused by downed trees and wet terrain,
erosion, and garbage.


Bighorn Adopt a trail program

Page 1 of 8
ADOPT-A-TRAIL
VOLUNTEER TRAIL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
The Clearwater Forest Area has many trails that
are traditionally used by hikers, equestrian users,
and off-highway vehicles. In the past, some trails
were maintained on a frequent basis; however,
with decreased budgets, maintenance on these
trails has been sporadic. Many trails are now
showing signs of deterioration, including braided
trails caused by downed trees and wet terrain,
erosion, and garbage.
To ensure recreation trails are safe, well-kept, and portray responsible management, the
Land and Forest Division has launched an on-going program in the Clearwater Forest Area
called Adopt-A-Trail. This program is directed at all trail users (equestrian, off-highway
vehicles, and hikers), whether they are private individuals or in association with clubs and
organized groups. These recreational users can become trail stewards and assist in maintaining
a trail or a section of trail to help reduce the environmental impacts caused by recreation on
that trail.
The main responsibilities of a volunteer trail steward include the following:
• inspect the trail at least once a year;
• ensure all fallen trees blocking access along the trail and all litter are removed;
• ensure potential and existing erosion concerns on the trail are controlled.
Volunteers can work at their own schedule and pace, and are required to use their own tools.
It is preferred that an initial inspection be done early in the season before heavy traffic begins to
allow problems such as the removal of fallen trees, the cleaning of plugged drainages, etc. to be
corrected. There is no formalized training; however, volunteers are encouraged to ask for
advice and assistance from the forest staff. Similar programs have been developed in the
United States and British Columbia and have proven very successful. This initiative is new
to Alberta, and the Land and Forest Division would like to see it established throughout
the province.
This information package should answer some questions you may have about the program.
A Sign-Up Sheet, Letter of Agreement, and Schedule “A” and “B” are also included.
Please contact Yvette Choma in the Nordegg Clearwater Area Office at (403) 721-3965 to verify
which trails are available for adoption. You can access any Alberta Government Office toll-free
from anywhere in the province by dialling 310-0000 and then entering the area code and
seven digit phone number.
Thank your for your interest in the Adopt-A-Trail Program, and we look forward to hearing
from you.
Page 2 of 8
What are my responsibilities as a Volunteer Trail Steward?
You have the responsibility for carrying-out the basic maintenance on a trail, or section of trail.
The basic requirement as a volunteer trail steward is to inspect the trail at least once a year,
ensure all fallen trees across the trail are removed, and any erosion occurring on the trail is
controlled. All trails should be maintained to Land and Forest Division standards, as direct by a
forest officer. Before any work is initiated a Letter of Agreement must be signed between
volunteers and the Land and Forest Division. The agreement outlines the volunteer’s
responsibilities and obligations, and also other items listed in Schedule “A” – General
Conditions, and Schedule “B” – Maintenance Responsibilities. Examples of the Letter of
Agreement and both schedules are provided at the end of this information
For safety reasons, all trail maintenance will be carried out by a minimum of two volunteers, as
the nature of the work may involve handling axes and power saws. You are responsible for
your safety when working in the backcountry. When you set out to work on a trail, bring
extra food and clothing, and ensure others know your itinerary.
Before you begin work on your trail, particularly those who are working on remote backcountry
trails, we ask that you contact the Land and Forest Division Office before heading out.
This will keep us informed of when your group is working and your expected time of return.
As well, we can update your group on the trail conditions (areas of concern), the fire hazard,
and local weather report.
If you are uncertain about how to handle a problem you may encounter on the trail, or you do not
feel comfortable tackling it, we encourage you to ask for advice and assistance. We do not want
anyone getting hurt or doing incorrect or unnecessary work.
When can I do the work?
The work can be done at your own schedule and pace. It is preferred that an initial inspection be
done in the spring to correct any immediate problems such as blowdown and plugged drainages
before the heavy-traffic season begins. Winter-use trails should be inspected in the fall before
the snow.
Are tools and equipment provided?
You will be expected to provide all tools for the trail maintenance (eg., shovels, axes, power
saws, rakes, hammers, etc.). Land and Forest Division may supply some specialized
equipment, depending on the type. Materials for building bridges and boardwalks can be built
from logs found nearby. Signs and sign posts will be supplied by Land and Forest Division.
All permanent structures such as bridges must be built to Land and Forest Division standards or
better and approved by a forest officer. You will be given all necessary instructions and
specifications for building structures.
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How are trail assignments made?
You can choose any trail or section of trail you wish to work. A sign-up sheet shown at the
end of this report has provisions to enter two or three trails in order of preference, as some trails
may be adopted. Assignments are made on a first come, first served basis.
To whom do I report, and where can I get assistance?
Once you have been assigned a trail, you will report to the appropriate Land and Forest Division
Area Office. We can provide guidance and advise where needed or required. We encourage you
to complete a short work report (sample also shown at the end of this report) so we can stay
informed of the work being done, the number of people, and the hours spent on the trail, and the
general conditions of the trail.
Will there be any training or instructions?
There will be no specific training, but area staff will be available for advice and consultation.
What benefits do I receive?
As a volunteer you will not be paid, but you will receive the following rewards:
• recognition of your work by posting a sign with your name at the trail head
(example of the sign is shown on the following page).
• most importantly, you will receive a sense of satisfaction from having done
something worthwhile for the environment and valuable for recreation users
of the trail.
How do I sign up?
Complete the Sign-Up Sheet, and send it to:
Attention: Yvette Choma
Adopt-A-Trail Program
Land and Forest Division
Box 23
Nordegg, Alberta
T0M 2H0.
If you have questions on trial availability, please call Yvette Choma in the Nordegg Clearwater
Area Office at (403) 721-3965.
Page 4 of 8
Page 5 of 8
ADOPT-A-TRAIL
SIGN-UP SHEET
In order of preference, list the trails (or sections) that you would like to adopt:
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
Will you be doing the work with family, friends or an organized group?
______________________________________________________________________________
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
PHONE (Home): _______________________________________________________________
(Work): _______________________________________________________________
DATE: _______________________________________________________________________
Please return to:
Attention: Yvette Choma
Adopt-A-Trail Program
Land and Forest Division
Box 23
Nordegg, Alberta
T0M 2H0.
Page 6 of 8
LETTER OF AGREEMENT
To: ____________________________________
From: Land and Forest Division
Clearwater Forest Area
Box 23
Nordegg, AB
T0M 2H0
For: Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program – ____________________ Trail
from trailhead to _________________________.
This letter authorizes __________________ to maintain the __________________ Trail.
Sustainable Resource Development, Land and Forest Division:
1) cannot transfer responsibility for the safety of users on managed trails;
2) will still maintain department standards for trail construction and maintenance;
3) will monitor all work done by the volunteers.
In addition, the department will provide advice and direction where requested or required.
This agreement does not preclude Sustainable Resource Development from making any
management decisions necessary regarding the trail or its surrounding resources, subject only to
the normal public involvement process. By signing the agreement, __________________ agrees
to do the maintenance outlined in Schedule “B” attached, and abide by the general conditions for
the agreement in Schedule “A.”
The trail shall remain open to the public, and this agreement in no respect gives exclusive rights
of use to, nor shall _______________________ or their organization charge for the public use of
this trail.
This authorization is effective _______________________ and can be renewed by mutual
agreement.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Land and Forest Division Adoptee:____________________________
Clearwater Forest Area Address:____________________________
Date: _____________________________ Date: ______________________________
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SCHEDULE “A” – GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. _____________________ will receive recognition for their contribution, though joint trail
signing.
2. All trail maintenance practices will follow Land and Forest Division standards.
3. Felling of trees with a diameter greater than 20cm must be approved in advance by a
forest officer.
4. Trail re-routing must be planned in advance, and be approved by a forest officer before
construction.
5. The Land and Forest Division, upon request, may provide speciality tools for trail
maintenance responsibilities. These tools will be on loan for a period during the trail
maintenance outings only.
6. Group leaders shall be aware of the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation and shall
ensure that any group performing work under this agreement shall abide by those regulations.
A safety briefing should be conducted by the group leader before commencing work on the
trail. Copies of the General Safety Regulations (Office Consolidation) can be obtained from
the area office.
7. This agreement will be reviewed annually and renewed for an appropriate length of time to
ensure continuing communication between the Land and Forest Division and
________________________.
8. There shall be no fees paid or compensation charged as a result of this agreement.
9. The Land and Forest Division will notify ___________________________ of any recent
trail work undertaken by Land and Forest Division on this trail.
10. The department’s general liability insurance is not available to your association while
working on this trail.
SCHEDULE “B” – MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Repair trail tread where required, to a width prescribed for that specific trail.
2. Buck and remove all windfall across the trail tread.
3. Repair minor damage to existing drainage structures such as bridges, culverts, and
water bars.
4. Install new drainage structures where necessary, to cross water courses or drain wet sections
of the trail.
5. Brush out trail to 0.5 meters on each side of the trail and a height deemed appropriate for the
users of the trail.
6. Erect trail signs, provided by the Land and Forest Division, at trailheads, road crossings, and
trail junctions.
7. Relocate trail where indicated on the ground by a Forest Officer.
8. Remove any litter visible along the trail.
9. Report to the Land and Forest Division Area Office any hazardous of dangerous situation
threatening the user of the trail.