1.0 Introduction

Summary:

  • link the trail plan to provincial parks policy and planning procedures,
  • plan for the life-cycle of the trail, eg.: trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, monitoring overview,
  • refer to related national and provincial standards,
  • obtain the desired expertise for trail work,
The trail manual includes a complete guide to the planning, design, construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and monitoring of all types of park trails. Environmental and park management conditions vary around the province and not all trail guidelines are suited for use in every situation. This manual describes an approach to trail development that will help ensure minimal environmental impacts combined with satisfied users, along with reduced development and maintenance costs.

Trails are an integral part of park visitor facilities. They provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, but also help fulfill park interpretation objectives. Park plans outline management zones that establish appropriate uses and resource management policies. Trails are an important part of these plans. Poorly designed trails, trails through sensitive wildlife habitat, or trails with inappropriate uses all can affect park conservation and use objectives. Without careful planning, trail development and maintenance costs can exceed expectations.

  • Link the trail plan to provincial parks policy and planning guidelines. Plan trails in accordance with policies, for example on park use, mechanized transport or handicapped access. Use the park Master Plan as a guideline to determine trail standards in each management zone. For example, trail standards in the Intensive Recreation Zone may differ from those in the Natural Environment or Wilderness Zone.
  • Plan for the life-cycle of the trail, including construction, maintenance and monitoring. Planning for the future will help avoid unexpected maintenance costs, and could help reduce future expensive rehabilitation requirements. Much of today's trail maintenance and rehabilitation work is a result of past mistakes in trail layout and design.
  • Refer to related national and provincial standards. Standards for ski trails, bicycles and barrier-free trails are well established. Other types of a-ails, such as for hiking and horseback riding vary according to local conditions and jurisdiction. Use available standards to supplement the information in this manual. See the Appendix for a list of sources.
  • Obtain the desired expertise for trail work. Trail planning and design is an interdisciplinary task that could involve park planners, landscape architects, engineers, visitor services staff, park interpreters, wildlife biologists, soil and vegetation specialists. Adapt the planning team to the complexity of the trail project and the environmental sensitivity of park resources.
This trail manual is a synthesis of several previous publications. Many sources were reviewed, as listed in the Appendix. Key sources included the Parks Canada Trail Manual; B.C. Forest Service Recreation Manual; Kananaskis Park Guidelines for Trail Development and Maintenance; Hiking Trails Building and Maintenance Guidelines for Volunteers, Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.; the Ontario Ski Council Cross-Country Ski Trail and Facility Design Manual, and the Cross Country Ski Trail Building and Maintenance Guidelines; B.C. Division Canadian Ski Association.