Tree Farmer - March/April 2010 - (Page 14)

maps or geographic information systems may provide information on water resources, rights-of-way, utilities, land uses, roads, land ownership, vegetation cover types, wildlife habitat, flood zones, etc. Possible sources include state or national natural resources agencies, local planning and zoning authority, and universities. and cultural sites, fence, highway, and sources of objectionable sound and objectionable views. Obstacles may require expensive crossing structures. Points of interest — Run your trail past significant points of interest, such as unusual landforms (sink hole, esker, sand dune, hill, valley, gorge), different forest types or ages, forest opening, grassland, farmland (especially if it attracts feeding wildlife), scenic vista, boulders, rock outcrop, wetland, ephemeral pond, lake, river, creek, waterfall, historic site (may also be an obstacle), archeological site (may also be an obstacle), and wildlife habitats (den trees, rock piles, dense thickets, layers of forest vegetation, water sources, sand banks, cliffs, caves, crevices). Attract wildlife to the trail corridor with nesting boxes, breeding sites, food plots, feeding stations, roost poles, watering devices, and other constructed habitats. Anchor points — At frequent intervals, take the trail past subtle anchor points (such as a large or unusual tree, rock, patch of shrubs) that add interest and draw attention to landscape features. Avoid placing your trail in areas with threatened or endangered flora, fauna, geology, and natural plant communities. Ask your state’s department of natural resources whether these resources exist or are likely to be found on or near the trail location. To learn more, contact your soil and water conservation district to learn about rules affecting trails over streams and wetlands. Also contact the governing road authority to learn about rules for trails that cross or follow roads. Scout the Trail Corridor Scout the corridor in the trail’s primary season of use. To clearly see landscape details, scout when deciduous trees have lost their leaves. If possible, scout in all seasons to reveal attractive features and hazards that may affect location, construction, or maintenance. What to look for, by season: • Spring: high water, ephemeral ponds, flowers • Summer: dense foliage, normal water level • Fall: foliage color • Winter: icicles, snow scenes, frozen water Note existing trails and roads, control points, obstacles, points of interest, and anchor points. Take notes and mark locations on a map or record GPS coordinates. Existing trails and pathways — Existing trails and roads may be good links to new trails. Also look for natural pathways that require little clearing or construction. Control points — Control points are physical or legal constraints on a trail’s location. Ownership or management unit boundaries, a steep slope forcing a trail through a narrow section of hillside, a cliff that forces a trail around one end, a wetland forcing the trail along a narrow upland ridge, or a stream that can be crossed easily in only a few places are examples of control points. Obstacles — Obstacles can include a steep slope, rocky soil, boulder field, rock slide, sand dune, cliff, rock ledge, eroding bank, steep-sided gully, gorge subject to flash floods, water body, wetland, habitat for rare species, historic of the trail design: trail configuration, trail length, tread surface, tread width, clearing width, clearing height, grade, turning radius, sight distance, water crossings, and special requirements. Use the “Recommended Trail Design Standards” at as a starting point. Modify them to fit your needs. Mark Trail Location As you mark the trail, keep your design standards in mind. 1. Mark the centerline of the trail using one of these materials: • rolls of plastic flagging (tie 15-inch strips to branches); • wire flags (stiff wire, 2 feet or longer, with plastic flag); or • wooden stakes (12 to 18 inches or longer) topped with brightly colored flagging or paint. Space the markers approximately 20 feet apart in dense vegetation and up to 100 yards in open fields. Write cumulative distances on markers every 100 feet to make it easy to match markers with trail maps and notes. 2. Map the route. Use a global positioning device or a compass and distance measurements to develop a trail map. Mark structures and special instructions on the map. Make special note of places that require deviations from trail standards. Photograph sites where trail structures are needed to assist in planning materials and equipment or to show potential contractors what these sites look like. 3. Obtain permits for crossing streams, wetlands, railroads, highways, rights-of-way, etc. Begin constructing the trail soon after flagging, before markers are moved or damaged. Establish Design Standards After exploring the trail corridor, but before flagging the exact trail location, set your design standards. Base the standards on the trail uses; the quality of experience you want to offer, including the level of risk; and your construction resources, including budget and expertise. Consider these aspects Clear the Trail Clear the trail in these stages: 1. Remove small trees, shrubs, and limbs from large trees; 2. Cut large trees; and 3. Remove stumps and boulders. Tree Farmer MARCH/APRIL 2010 http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD8425.html http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD8425.html http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD8425.html

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tree Farmer - March/April 2010

Tree Farmer - March/April 2010
Contents
Cover Story
Create a Recreational Trail
A Life Spent in the Woods
Ties to the Land
Public Policy
Wildlife Matters
From your Committees

Tree Farmer - March/April 2010