ENR 2005 Trailbuilding 2
This course builds on students' trail construction and maintenance skills by introducing them to machines commonly used in trail construction. The student will learn to safely operate and maintain a mini-excavator, compact utility loader, compactor, and chainsaw. The student will construct and evaluate retaining walls, drainage features, water crossing structures and mountain bike specific advanced trail features. The student will expand their project planning and design skills by estimating project costs, interpreting and creating construction documents, incorporating universal design principles, interpretation opportunities, and mastering permitting requirements (4 lab, 2 lecture).
Major Topics
- Estimating complex trail project costs
- Designing, creating and implementing trail system construction plans
- Permitting compliance and environmental review processes
- Universal Design and ADA accessibility
- Safe use and maintenance of mechanized trail construction equipment
- Corridor clearing with powertools
- Construction of mountain bike trail features including berms, jumps, and drops
- Water management, retaining walls and water crossing structures
- Interpretive and directional signage
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Plan a model trail system including cost estimates, signage, water crossing structures, and compliance with US public lands trail specifications.
2. Clear corridors using chainsaws and other power tools.
3. Construct mountain bike specific trail features using mechanized equipment.
4. Restore degraded trail sections to designed specifications using mechanized equipment.
5. Construct trail features using a mini-excavator, plate compactor and compact utility loader.
6. Perform routine basic maintenance and repairs on a mini excavator, plate compactor, and compact utility loader.