A maintenance program helps ensure the safety of the trail user and the preservation of the trail environment. A high maintenance standard implies quick response to trail deterioration and adherence to the trail management steps using the limits of acceptable change (LAC) method.

• Set trail maintenance standards based on the "limits-of-acceptable change" approach.
  
  
• Practice environmentally sound maintenance, and use techniques appropriate for the type of trail. For example, on interpretive trails, avoid power weed cutters to trim vegetation along trail edges. Avoid the use of chemicals to retard vegetation growth.
  
  
• Prepare an annual trail management plan as part of the Annual Park Management Plan. List the total requirements for maintaining a trail to the desired standards. Base the plan on previous maintenance requirements, current trail condition survey data, a knowledge of trail volume and use, and a continuing evaluation of user requirements. Use the plan to determine budget and staff requirements for the maintenance program.
  
  
• Establish the frequency of trail monitoring based on the park management zone, the volume and type of use and on the environmental conditions of the trail route.
  
  
• Prepare a trail condition or maintenance survey report. The survey provides up-to-date information on all trail features and environmental conditions. Compile a standardized checklist, giving a clear and concise record of trail conditions and required maintenance procedures. Base the survey on the LAC approach to trail management.
  
  
• Assess the type and volume of use with traffic counter devices, trail register records and by counting the type and volume of vehicles at the trailhead.
  
  
• Consider distributing a user questionnaire on trail conditions to assist in evaluating overall impact.
  
  
• Successful trail operation depends on managing the type, volume and season of trail use in relation to the trail condition to ensure that the trail continues to meet its development objectives.
  
  
• Repair heavy use trails (Type I, II, and III) in the spring and maintain once a month during the heavy use season. Maintain winter trails after snowfalls, or as conditions deteriorate. (See specific guideline below).
  
  
• Priorize trail maintenance tasks:
  - correct unsafe conditions,
  - repair environmental damage,
  - restore the trail to the desired conditions.