Trails for the twenty-first century : planning, design, and management manual for multi-use trails / Charles A. Flink, Kristine Olka, Robert M. Searns ; Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Flink, Charles A.

Contributor:

Olka, Kristine.

Searns, Robert M.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Trails--United States--Planning.

Trails.

Trails--United States--Design.

Design.

Planning.

United States.

Physical Description:

xviii, 212 pages : illustrations, maps ; 22 X 28 cm

Edition:

Second edition.

Other Title:

Trails for the 21st century

Place of Publication:

Washington [D.C.] : Island Press, [2001]

Contents:

Your Trail and the Community 6

Identifying Stakeholders 7

Community Organizations 7

Political Jurisdictions 8

Local, State, Federal, and Utility Agencies 8

Residents and Businesses Along the Corridor 8

Ownership and Land Use 9

Residential 10

Commercial 10

Recreational 10

Agricultural 10

Institutional 10

Industrial 10

Vacant Properties and Open Space 10

Historic and Cultural Considerations 10

Local History of the Corridor 10

State and National Resources 11

Important Structures and Places 11

Archaeological Elements 11

Transportation System 11

Existing Systems 11

Motorized Counts vs. Nonmotorized Counts 12

Future Plans and Intermodal Opportunities 12

Economic Development Factors 12

Assessing Trail Demand 13

Market Demand Investigation 13

Determining User Groups 14

Site Considerations: Inventory and Assessment 14

Green Infrastructure 15

Existing Vegetation 16

Existing Soils 16

Surrounding Topography 16

Adjacent or Intersecting Streams 16

Significant Natural Features 17

Climate 17

Built Features within the Corridor 17

Bridges 18

Tunnels 18

Canals 18

Buildings 18

Other Related Structures and Facilities 19

Environmental Contamination Issues 19

Assessment 19

Brownfield Designation 19

Human-Made Infrastructure 20

Intersections 21

Roadways 21

Active Rail Lines 22

Driveways 22

Other Trail Corridors 22

Access Points 22

Animal and Plant Communities within the Corridor 22

Domesticated Animals or Livestock 22

Wildlife 22

Endangered or Rare Species 23

Corridor Composition 23

Composition 23

Cross-Section Slope 23

Longitudinal Slope 23

Spatial Values of the Trail Corridor Landscape 24

Viewsheds 24

Light Areas and Dark Areas 25

Open or Closed Landscapes 25

Using Your Assessment 25

1. Ballenger Creek Trail: Getting Started 25

2. Assessing Trail Demand 26

3. Ten Tips for Addressing Environmental (Potential Contaminant) Issues 28

Chapter 2 Planning and Public Involvement 30

Comprehensive Trail Planning 30

Planning Process Terminology 30

Trail Vision or Concept 30

The Master Plan 30

Preliminary Design 30

Construction Drawings and Documents 31

Developing a Master Plan 32

The Master Planning Process 33

Site Assessment 33

Vision, Goals, and Objectives 33

Routing and Design 33

Implementation Strategies 33

Principles of Trail Planning 34

Building Multi-Objective Trails 34

Continuity 34

Potential Use 34

Safety 35

Planning with Wildlife in Mind 35

Anticipate Future Development and Expansion 35

Integrating Your Plan into Existing Documents 36

Transportation Policies and Plans 36

Recreation Policies and Plans 37

Open Space Policies and Plans 37

Developing a Plan: In-House Staff or Outside Contractor? 37

Advantages and Disadvantages 37

How to Find a Good Consultant 38

University Assistance 38

Public Involvement 39

Meeting the Needs of Adjacent Landowners 39

Crime, Property Values, and Liability 39

Other Concerns 41

Strategies for Landowner Involvement 42

Community Involvement 43

Meetings with Individuals 44

Citizens Advisory Committees 44

Public Workshops 44

Public Hearings 45

Surveys 46

Mass Media Outreach 46

4. Creating a Trail System for Southeast Michigan 47

5. Building Trails through Creative Partnerships 48

6. Community Involvement in Liberty Lake, Washington 49

Chapter 3 Designing Your Trail 51

Meeting the Needs of Different Users 52

Pedestrians 53

Bicyclists 53

Mountain Bikers 55

Equestrians 56

Cross-Country Skiers 57

Snowmobilers 57

In-line Skaters 58

Other Users 59

Making Your Trail Accessible 59

Recommended Tread Widths for Multi-Use Trails 60

Sub-grade, Sub-base, and Trail Surface 61

Ground Surface Concerns 62

The Sub-grade 62

Topography 62

Soils 62

Drainage 64

Wetlands 65

The Sub-base 65

Ballast 66

Design Load 67

Geotextiles 67

The Trail Surface 68

Hard Surfaces 68

Soft Surfaces 73

Recycled Materials 74

Availability of Surfaces and Local Character 74

Designing Trails in Challenging Areas 75

Floodprone Areas 75

Environmentally Contaminated Sites 76

Rails-with-Trails 76

Steep Slopes 76

Gaps in Corridor Continuity 76

Bridges and Railings for Multi-Use Trails 77

If the Corridor Contains Bridges 78

Bridge Decking 78

Bridge Railings 79

Bridge Approaches 79

If the Bridge Has Been Removed but Footings Remain 80

Prefabricated Bridges 80

Adaptive Reuse of Bridges 80

If No Bridge Exists 81

Tunnels 82

Is Your Tunnel Structurally Sound? 82

Solving Structural Problems 83

If You Need a New Tunnel 83

Special Considerations for Tunnels 84

Road Crossings 84

Trail Crossings at Grade 85

Controlling Acces Onto the Trail 85

Stopping Trail Users at Intersections 86

Stopping Sight Distances 86

Trail Crossing Above and Below Grade 87

Railroad Crossings 87

Signs for Multi-Use Trails 88

Types of Signs 88

Regulatory Signs 88

Warning Signs 88

Informational Signs 88

Educational Signs 89

Use of Standard Signs 89

Standard Sign Shapes 89

Standard Sign Colors 90

Design Guidelines for Trail Signs 90

Sign Sizes and Placement 90

Location Principles for Signs 91

Pavement Markings 91

Materials 92

Using Signs to Make Trails Unique 93

Trail Support Facilities 93

Facilities at Access Points 94

Parking Areas 95

Rest Rooms 96

Drinking Fountains 98

Benches 98

Shelters 100

Bicycle Racks 100

Picnic Areas 101

Fitness Courses 101

Wildlife and Multi-Use Trails 102

Understanding Habitat 102

Water 102

Food 102

Territory/Shelter 103

Breeding and Bearing Young 103

The Impact of Trails on Sensitive Environments 103

Planning and Design Techniques to Minimize Impact 103

Landscaping 105

The Trail Edge 106

The Role of Plants and Trees 106

Trees and Large Shrubs 106

Understory 107

Ground Cover 107

Safety and Security 107

Service and Access 107

Addressing Odor and Noise 108

Timing and Spacing 108

Cost and Implementation 108

Understanding the History of Your Trail 109

Researching an Old Railroad 109

Structures and Markers 110

Rolling Stock 110

Canal Structures 111

Human Resources 111

Making Your Trail Unique 112

Accomodate Users 112

Emphasize Local Conditions 112

Natural Features 112

Climate 112

Flora 113

Fauna 113

Local Materials 112

Local History and Culture 114

7. Resolving Conflicts between Cyclists and Equestrians 114

8. Cross Florida Greenway Overpass at I-75 115

9. Enhancing Your Trail with Art 116

Chapter 4 Building Your Trail 119

Creating an Implementation Plan 120

Strategies to Acquire Land 121

Landowner Benefactor Measures 121

Donations 121

Trail Easements, Licenses, and Revocable Permits 122

Land Dedication 123

Purchasing Land for Trails 123

Fee-Simple Purchase 123

Bargain Sale 123

Right of First Refusal 123

Lease Purchase 123

Compliance with Legislation and Permitting 123

Environmental Policy Acts 124

Categorically Exempt 124

Environmental Checklist 124

Determination of Significance or Nonsignificance 127

Shoreline and Wetland Regulations 125

Permits and Licenses 125

Construction Regulations 126

Funding Sources for Trail Development 126

Federal Sources of Funds 126

Surface Transportation Program 127

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program 128

Recreational Trails Program 128

Public Lands Highway Discretionary Program 128

National Scenic Byways Program 129

Other Federal Surface Transportation Categories 129

State Sources of Funds 129

Local Sources of Funds 129

Taxes 130

Impact Fees 130

Bond

Referenda 130

Local Capital Improvements Program 130

Private Sector Funds 130

Land Trusts 131

Local and National Foundations 131

Local Businesses 131

Service Clubs 133

Individual Sponsors 133

Volunteer Work 134

"Buy-A-Foot" Programs 134

Successful Implementation: Public-Private Partnerships 134

Construction 135

10. Partnering with the Private Sector 136

Chapter 5 Managing and Maintaining Your Trail 139

Who Should Manage Your Multi-Use Trail? 140

Local Management 140

County and Special District Management 141

State Management 141

Federal Management 141

A Regional Authority 141

When a Single Agency Is Not Possible 142

Nonprofit Management 142

Partnering with the Private Sector 142

Trail Management for User Safety 143

Designing Trails with Maintenance in Mind 143

Maintenance Activities for Safety 143

Risk Management Strategies 144

Designing for Safety 146

Trail Patrols 146

Trail User Conflicts 147

Regulations 147

Speed Limits 148

Enforcement 148

Promoting Trail User Courtesy 148

Signs 148

Printed Materials 149

Safety Days 149

Presentations 149

Public Hearings 149

Mass Media 149

Maintaining Good Relations with Adjacent Landowners, Residents, and Businesses 150

Developing a Fee Structure 152

Trail Users: To Fee or Not to Fee? 152

Sample Fee Structure 152

Whom to Charge? 152

Selling Trail Permits 152

Making Trail Users Aware of the Fee 153

Enforcement 153

Joint Ventures within Your Multi-Use Trail Corridor 153

Potentially Compatible Nontrail Uses 153

Compensation 154

Fee Structure 154

Land-Use Fees 154

Trail Improvements 154

Overpass or Underpass 154

Adjacent Use Fees 155

Protect Your Trail in the Face of Change 155

Establishing a Trail Protection Policy 155

Land Uses Adjacent to the Trail Corridor 156

Developing a Comprehensive Budget and Management Plan 157

Key Factors 157

Existing Costs 157

Bookkeeping 157

Maintenance Checklist and Cost 158

Sample Maintenance Activity List and Schedule 158

List of Maintenance Activities 158

Routine and Remedial (Major) Maintenance 159

Maintenance Priorities 159

Maintenance Schedule 159

11. Volunteer Maintenance along the Trail 160

Chapter 6 Maximizing Your Trail's Potential 161

Promoting and Marketing Your Trail 162

Why Publicity Is Important 162

How to Get Publicity 162

Events before Your Trail Is Complete 163

Trail Corridor Tours 163

"Name the Trail" Contest 163

Trail Workday 163

Photo Competition 163

Poster Contest 163

Events on Opening Day 163

"Thank You for Giving" Event 163

Trail-Athalon 164

Decorated Bicycle Parade 164

Float Competition 164

Events when the Trail Is Extended 164

Walk-a-Thon 164

Nature Walk 164

"Burma Shave" Signs 164

Ongoing Events 164

Special Features Tour 164

Contests 164

Newspaper Column 164

Awards 164

Holidays 164

Follow-Up Observations 164

Working with the Media 165

Newspapers 165

Television and Radio 166

Press Release (or PSA) Topics 166

"Sound Bites" 166

Trail Marketing Tools 166

Bumper Stickers and other Goodies 166

Fact Sheet 167

School Flyers 167

Sunday Supplements 167

Brochures and Newsletters 167

Publications 167

General Information Brochure 167

Trail Map 168

Visitors Guide 168

Newsletter 168

Nature Guides 168

Local History Guide 168

Using a Web Site to Market Your Trail 169

Citizen Support 169

"Friends of the Trail" Groups 170

Keeping Your Trail a Dynamic Entity 171

12. Tourism Agencies Promoting Trails 171

13. Creating and Making the Most of a Friends of the Trails Group 172.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-196) and index.

ISBN:

1559638192

1559638184

OCLC:

45583373