1.0 Introduction
Summary:
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link
the trail plan to provincial parks policy and planning procedures,
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plan
for the life-cycle of the trail, eg.: trail planning, design, construction,
maintenance, monitoring overview,
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refer to related
national and provincial standards,
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |