Introductory Trail Construction Skills (5 days)

This workshop is designed to give participants a solid foundation on the principles of trail construction and repair. It will cover all major aspects of design, with a focus on creating a fundamental understanding of the physical properties involved. The course will be largely hands on, allowing students to be directly involved in the design and building processes. A successful graduate of this workshop will have the tools necessary to be involved in most trail construction and repair projects.

This course can be customized to provide greater focus in any area(s) at no extra cost.

New Trail Construction:

• Trail design and layout

• Environmental concerns
• Climate considerations
• Corridor brushing
• Site Safety
• Introduction to trail construction tools
• Picking the right tool for the job
• Benches and back cuts
• Building new tread
• Using topography to your advantage
• Swales and natural drainages

Building Structures:

With Stone:

• Where and why stone structures are needed

• Selection of appropriate materials
• Tansport of materials
• Safety considerations
• Identifying site specific factors
• Construction design, and placement of check steps
• Construction design, and placement of water bars
• Maintenance of stone structures

With Timber:

• Where and why timber structures are needed

• Selection of appropriate materials
• Transport of materials
• Identifying site specific factors
• Construction design and placement of timber water bars.
• Construction design and placement of timber check steps
• Maintenance of timber structures

Trail Repair and Restoration

• Identifying erosion problems

• Drainage issues
• Tread repair and maintenance
• Preventing switchback cutting and braided trails
• Rerouting trail
• Brushing

Tool Maintenance and Repair

• Sharpening

• Field Repairs
• Field storage
• Preventing tool damage

Organizing and Supervising a Trail Crew

• Dividing responsibilities

• Training the crew
• Preventing injuries
• Effective supervision techniques
• Insuring quality control

Length: 5 days, with 8 hours of instruction per day

Participants: Maximum 10

Location: Client will provide area specific site/trail where work and instruction will be conducted.

Materials: Client will provide all necessary construction tools and building supplies

Pika Consulting will supply all instruction and educational materials.

Price: $1,000 + Transportation Fee (Dependant on location and scheduling)