Department of Conservation and Recreation Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual The Metacomet-Monadnock trail to Mt. Norwottock The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depend on the accessibility and quality of our green infrastructure - our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides vital connections between people and the environment with over 2000 miles of trails and 145 miles of paved bikeways and rail trails. Consistent and clearly defined trail policies, procedures, and program guidelines can provide inspiration and direction to managing, enhancing, and developing a successful and sustainable trail system for Massachusetts. DCR Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual Updated January 2010 i Table of Contents Page Implementation Schedule ....................................................................................... iii Definitions .............................................................................................................. iv Section I: Introduction .................................................................................................... 2 Trail Policy and Program Mission ............................................................................. 2 Importance of Trails ................................................................................................ 2 Striving for Sustainable Trails .................................................................................. 2 Promoting Stewardship ........................................................................................... 3 Past Trail Practices with the Agency ........................................................................ 4 Consistency with other plans and regulations ......................................................... 4 Trends in Recreational Trail Demand and Uses ........................................................ 8 Trail Regulations ...................................................................................................... 8 DCR Approved Trail Uses ......................................................................................... 8 Additional Types of Trails ........................................................................................ 9 DCR Trail Team ...................................................................................................... 10 Section II: Trail System Planning and Development ................................... 12 Assessing and Planning an Existing Trail System .................................................. 12 Assessing Requests for New Trails or Changes in Trail Designation ...................... 15 Additional Trail Development Concepts ................................................................. 16 Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Trails ........................................................... 18 Building Sustainable Trails .................................................................................... 22 Building an Enjoyable Trail Experience .................................................................. 24 Building Accessible Trails ...................................................................................... 27 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 29 On the Ground; Putting It Together ....................................................................... 31 Trail Design and Construction Resources ............................................................... 33 Section III: Trail System Management, Maintenance and Monitoring ......... 36 Trail Classification ................................................................................................. 36 Trail Maintenance .................................................................................................. 39 Trail Signage .......................................................................................................... 45 Trail Mapping ......................................................................................................... 52 Partnerships, Friends and Volunteers .................................................................... 54 Understanding and Managing Conflicts .................................................................. 57 Special Trail Uses ................................................................................................... 59 Appendix A: Trail Planning and Management Fundamentals Appendix B: Trail Proposal and Evaluation Form Appendix C: Volunteer Release Appendix D: Volunteer Work Log Appendix E: MA DCR Adopt-A-Trail Program Appendix F: USFS Trail Design Parameters (6/18/2002) Appendix G: Mapping Trails the DCR Way Appendix H: Biodiversity Conservation Initiative; Conditions Guidance Codes Appendix I: Additional Maintenance Specifications DCR Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual Updated January 2010 ii Implementation Schedule The final draft of the DCR Tails Guidelines and Standards Manual is anticipated to be completed, approved and distributed at the 2008 Trail School. The Manual will be reviewed and revised by the DCR Trail Team on an annual basis through 2013 and every five years following that. Some elements of the Manual will require years to fully implement. The following table proposes a timeline for implementation. Element Implementation Date Comments Trail Regulations 2010 DCR CMRs are being updated and should be completed in 2010 Trail Team January 1, 2008 DCR Trail Team was established in January 2008 Trail Planning and October 21, 2008 These planning and development Development Standards guidelines and standards should be complete and distributed at the 2008 Trail School Complete Trail Inventory December 31, 2010 The trail inventory is a critical milestone in trail management and is on track for completion in 2009. Classify all Trails and -October 21, 2008 for All trails in all recreation facilities Finalize Maintenance new trails should receive a recommended Standards by Class -By 2010 for all trails classification by facility managers in consultation with the regional trail coordinator, and be evaluated and approved by the District Manager. Achieve Full By December 31, 2013 Maintenance standards Implementation of Trail implementation for all trails is Maintenance Standards dependant on staffing levels and DCR priorities; however, maintenance standards will establish a benchmark for basic levels of trail management. Trail Signage -October 21, 2008 for Implementation should follow the new trails and new signs prioritization outlined in the -By December 31, 2011 Signage section for main intersections -Full implementation by December 31st, 2013, all parks and trails Maps -Final Standards Final standards to be developed in developed in 2010 cooperation with DCR Graphics -Implementation by 2010 and GIS staff Partners and Volunteers October 21, 2008 Procedures for engaging partners and volunteers in trail maintenance or development should be consistent with these guidelines after distribution. DCR Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual Updated January 2010 iii Definitions Compaction The downward force that compresses soil caused by trail use. ¾ Heavier modes of travel and higher amounts of trail use cause greater compaction. ¾ Some compaction is desirable to harden tread and reduce displacement, but ¾ Highly compacted soils cause trail tread to sink, reducing natural infiltration and the ability for soils to drain. Displacement The sideways movement of soils caused by inevitable kicking, grinding, and acceleration of feet, hooves and wheels. ¾ Amount of displacement is a function of grade and force exerted on tread. ¾ The steeper the grade the faster soil particles move downhill. ¾ Displacement tends to increase erosion by loosening soil particles. ¾ Reduce displacement by limiting trail grade or modes of travel. Erosion The movement of soil caused by the forces of water or sometimes wind moving with enough force to transport soil particles. Erosion is a natural process, so expect it and learn how to accommodate it. Grade The slope of the trail. Measured as a percentage, it is the rise of the trail divided by the horizontal distance of that rise. ¾ Percent grade formula = rise over run multiplied by 100. ¾ The steeper the grade, the more likely it is to erode. ¾ Avoid the shortest route down a hill (fall line) and flat areas that do not drain. ¾ Generally, average trail grade of 10% or less is most sustainable. ¾ Half rule – a trail’s grade should not exceed half the grade of the side slope that the trail traverses. For example if the side slope is 30% the trail grade should not exceed 15%. Trails Trails are designated, marked and signed routes that people use recreationally for such activities as walking, running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle use, snowmobile riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other special uses include wheelchairs or similar “mobility devices,” carriages, dogsleds, and in-line skaters. Trails may or may not serve other, non-recreational forest purposes such as forest management, fire control, and emergency access. Other special types of trails include accessible trails, water trails, historic trails, educational, or interpretive trails. Trail System A Trail System is the sum of all of the recreationally used, designated, and marked routes in and connecting to a continuous area - park,