5 things trail workers want every hiker to do for trail safety

What is the trail for? Most people arrive at the obvious answer: to get somewhere. But trails also serve a more subtle purpose, and that is to protect the surrounding land by concentrating impact. There is a saying among trailbuilders that goes like this: “People want trails, but the land needs trails.” For a hiker, the trail is about convenience. For a path worker, the path is about conservation.

These differing priorities reflect both the tensions and interactions between hikers and trail workers. While hikers seek adventure and freedom, trail workers do everything possible to limit people to marked paths. Hikers do their part by paying entrance fees, donating to trailbuilding organizations, and sometimes volunteering, and trailworkers fulfill their part of the bargain by repairing washouts, building structures, and clearing impasses.

Sadly, hikers far outnumber trailworkers. A combination of reduced staffing, budget cuts, increasing visitation and the effects of climate change are making it difficult for trail managers to maintain. Trailworkers, both professional and volunteer, need the help of visitors to protect the places we all love. Volunteering, paying entry fees, and donating to management organizations is a good place to start. But what about when you’re on the road?

I have 13 seasons of trailwork under my belt, most of which I’ve spent in the busiest parks in the country. When it comes to pedestrian behavior, I’ve seen it all. But, for good measure, I surveyed some friends in the industry with this question: “What do you wish every traveler did?” Here are the top five based on their and my experiences.

stay on track

Deviating from the path causes plants to die, which leads to erosion when it rains. Senior trail planner, Peter Dolan, says, “Travelers often envision trails in their best conditions – dry conditions, beautiful weather, moderate visitor use – while trailbuilders are trained to anticipate and build for the worst conditions.” New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. “While the use of shortcuts and social routes may seem harmless during the best of circumstances, they can lead to real erosion and management challenges when the worst occurs.”

If you must travel off-trail – perhaps for a lunch break, to access a climbing route, or to relieve yourself – do so with caution and look for durable surfaces such as rocks to walk on.

Recognize that trail features exist for a reason

Things that might seem unnecessary to a traveler – switchbacks, stairs, fences – are deliberate features designed to manage both people and water. In addition to enabling access to pack stock, switchbacks are important for water drainage, a function that is compromised when people shortcut them. The stairs prevent the walkway from flowing – that is, until people start walking around them. Fences prevent people from damaging the delicate ecosystem, unless people climb over them. “There are a lot of layers to what we do,” says Otzma-B. Paz, Trails and Stewardship Program Manager. Rocky Mountain Field Institute. “It took years of planning, raising money, environmental surveys and hiring before we even got off the ground.”

Recognize that if a trail crew took the time to build something, there’s a reason for it, even if that reason isn’t immediately obvious.

Respect trail closures

Trailwork is dangerous. This includes heavy objects, flying debris, sharp tools, and other hazards. Many projects require route closures to keep visitors safe and allow crews to work uninterrupted. As a trailworker, few things are more frustrating than being in the middle of a complex task, only to have some hikers stroll into your workplace saying they “didn’t see” the signs, barricades, and warning tape closing the trail. For your safety and ours, please do not walk on any closed paths, especially when staff are present. Before heading out, check for any alerts at the trailhead, visitor center, or online so you aren’t surprised by a closed trail and tempted to veer off.

Submit Trail Status Report

You can help the crew locate the damage by reporting it. “The simple act of taking a photo with a size-reference object and sending it to the local trail crew makes such a big difference,” says communications manager Jordan Marbury. inyo’s friends. Include a known-sized object, such as a backpack or trekking pole, to indicate the size of a fallen tree, trail washout, or damaged structure. “Our public lands are vast, but so many people enjoy them every week,” Marbury says. “If we can involve the public in this process, it saves our survey team a lot of time conducting surveys and helps them set priorities.” First “Packing up the tools and heading out into the backcountry.”

slow down and say hello

Working on a busy thoroughfare means spending hours watching pedestrians as they pass by. Many say nothing, some offer compliments, others try to be funny (and usually fail). Being asked every hour, “Are you digging gold?” or “When are you putting the escalator in?” It gets tiring. Instead, try saying a simple “thank you.” Feel free to ask questions, as long as they are genuine. Most trailworkers are happy to share information with a receptive and respectful audience. “A little appreciation can go a long way,” says Mike Crockett, owner of Anthroscene Contractors, a trail construction company based in Silverton, CO. “High fives are fun. You might even get a sticker.”