A giving hand

The RecConnect certificate offers training in creating off-road trails

Volunteers

Offering their expertise: Newly certified trail builders help to build a new and sustainable trail in Bend, Oregon. —photo courtesy Pat McHugh

Submitted by Pat McHugh

Two members of Eco Trail Systems have received certificates after completing a Trail Building Course in Bend, Oregon. The course entitled Sustainable OHV Trails—Layout and Design, was offered by RecConnect, a company that specializes in creating and building OHV (off-highway vehicles) trail systems. RecConnect has done consultation and design work in BC as the movement toward recognized and sustainable trails takes shape. Having attended prior workshops and worked with the RecConnect people on projects in B.C., I was delighted to be able to further the knowledge base in this new and developing area. As there are no such courses available in B.C., the trip to Oregon was necessary to obtain the training for this special type of work. Attending this course were members of the Oregon Forest Service OHV department and others involved with the building of trail systems. In Oregon there is a very highly developed system of recreational trail systems and areas for motorized recreation. The Oregon Dunes, well known for the great riding experience, and others, such as East Fort Rock, Henderson Flats and Prospect. Considered a leader in the off-road recreation experience, Oregon has developed many specialized training courses and unique trail building equipment.

So, it was off to Bend to learn about the layout and design requirements of a sustainable trail system. The first day was spent in the classroom learning the theory and techniques to good design and how to make a trail enjoyable and fun while maintaining a positive relationship between the users needs and the environment. After that, it was all outdoors, and that’s where the theory becomes real. Up and down hillsides, and dust and heat thrown in was quite a shock after leaving home with snow still dropping in to say hello. Spring was there and the pollen was in the air. The group was divided into teams and each given a large piece of ground to work with, then the surveying began. The number of times a given piece of trail is walked and dissected and changed before it is constructed varies, but let me tell you, for every mile of trail there are many, many miles of walking involved. The legs burned, the lungs hurt and the eyes watered but the trails did get flagged and set on the ground. On the last day, after the time limit for the exercise was completed all the teams gathered together to walk, observe and critique each trail. When the last trail and mile had been had been walked and all the ribbons and flagging removed we all got together for the last exercise of the day. The ‘learner loop’ is a short trail that is used to introduce riders to the types of terrain and conditions they will encounter at a given location and the one we had to examine was tight and twisty with lots of turns. Wished we could had been on a quad for this one as it sure looked like a fun ride.

At day’s end we gathered again and had our last group discussion. After that it was time to receive our certificates take some pictures, and exchange addresses. The course was great; the learning was gratifying, and the experience satisfying, who could ask for more. To top it all off, two of our own now have proven that they know how to design and layout a trail that can be used by ATVers in B.C.

Lets build some trails…

Eco Trail Systems Inc was formed by a small group of ATVers who felt that the time was right for B.C. to get into the Trail System experience that is used by most States and Provinces. There was a thought that many clubs have trails that they use and maintain, but sometimes the need for special equipment to repair/build is out of reach, and beyond the grasp of a local group. Eco Trails can fill that bill.

All people involved have been active in the ATV scene in B.C. for many years. By attending various clinics and training opportunities they have built upon the skills acquired by working and playing in B.C.’s outdoors. Their inventory of trail building equipment includes trailers, a trail sized dozer and loader/backhoe as well as a trail rake and assorted other tools and equipment that allow for building and maintaining new or existing trails. If any clubs or individuals wish to have help with their projects they can contact Eco Trails at www.ecotrailsystems.com and discuss their needs.

ATV key contacts

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