Trail Management Resources
For JORBA Chapters
Adaptive Mountain Biking
Adaptive mountain biking allows riders with disabilities to access trails and experience the thrill of off-road riding. With specially designed bikes and trails, this exciting sport is becoming more accessible and inclusive every day.
In 2020, Kootenay Adaptive team members, along with partners far and wide, began a project which would see guidelines developed for adaptive Mountain Biking. Testing trails, talking with advocates, testing some more, working with builders and finally more testing and we are pumped with the results.
JORBA has used these techniques to build the Jungle Habitat Stag Trail.
American Trails is a national organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the development of trails for all types of outdoor recreation. They advocate for trail-friendly policies, provide resources for trail professionals and volunteers, and work to enhance the accessibility and sustainability of trail systems across the United States. Through education, networking, and partnerships, American Trails fosters the growth of a diverse network of trails that connect communities, preserve natural spaces, and encourage healthy outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities.
IMBA Trail Difficulty System
The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System is a basic method used to categorize the relative technical difficulty of recreation trails. The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System can:
- Help trail users make informed decisions
- Encourage visitors to use trails that match their skill level
- Manage risk and minimize injuries
- Improve the outdoor experience for a wide variety of visitors
- Aid in the planning of trails and trail systems
This system was adapted from the International Trail Marking System used at ski areas throughout the world. Many trail networks use this type of system, most notably resort-based mountain biking trail networks. The system applies to mountain bikers best, but also is applicable to other visitors such as hikers and equestrians.
The US Forest Service incorporates several standardized trail management concepts and tools in the administration and management of over 150,000 miles of National Forest System trails. These tools help ensure that each trail is designed, constructed, and maintained to provide the desired user experience and meet the management intent for the trail.
- Federal trail data standards which include USFS, other DOI agencies, and NPS
- Trail Management Toolbox
- Plans for Trail and Trail Bridge Structures
Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives
Trail Fundamentals include five key concepts that are cornerstones of Forest Service trail management: Trail Type, Trail Class, Managed Use, Designed Use, and Trail Design Parameters. Trail Fundamentals are individually prescribed for each National Forest System Trail via Trail Management Objectives (TMOs), which document the intended purpose and management of each trail.
Forest Service Saw Program
The Forest Service National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program manages the use of chainsaws and crosscut saws on National Forest System lands. Forest Service employees, volunteers, partners, and other cooperators can now access consistent training, evaluation, and certification. A highlight of the new policy enables volunteer, partner, and cooperator groups to train, evaluate, and certify their members.
Trail Assessment and Condition Surveys (TRACS). TRACS is the Forest Service’s required methodology for conducting trail inventory, condition assessment and prescriptions for National Forest System trails. TRACS provides standardized terminology, business rules and data fields which are integrated with the agency’s corporate database and used for planning, management, cost estimation, and reporting.
Standard Trail Plans and Specifications The Forest Service Standard Trail Plans and Specifications are intended for use in the design, construction, and maintenance of National Forest System trails and trail bridges. These plans and specifications are also available for use by other federal, state, and local agencies, communities, trail partners, volunteers, and other entities.
Chapter Expense Reimbursement
JORBA provides an annual stipend to each chapter for use as they see fit. Generally it is used for providing food and beverages to volunteers, fuel and small tool purchases. Larger tool purchases (especially those which exceed annual stipend) should be budgeted and approved through the Chapter Committee.
View the Policy