Natural Surface Trail Builders Workshop

Alan Markert George Longoria

Marty Burke

STORM is a 200+ member local organization that: •  Promotes and represents mountain biking with bikers, shops, land owners and local governments •  Organizes rides and races •  Builds and maintains trails

Today, You Will LEARN How We … Ø  Augmented SAs greenways park plan with a separate natural surface trail effort and why this is important

Ø  Partnered with the city and other groups

Ø  Structured the MOU and operational rules

Ø  Designed natural surface trails

Ø  Organized to construct & maintain trails

Today’s Schedule … 1:00 – 2:30 Discuss Presentation 2:30 – 3:00 Travel to Off-site Location 3:00 – 4:30 Hike Paved and Natural Surface Trails

& Observe co-existing trail examples

Goals for Natural Surface Trails

•  “In city” biking opportunities

•  Muliti-user public service

•  Prevention of unauthorized trails •  Sustainable / IMBA standards

•  Loops where land is available

•  Challenging & easier options

•  Connection to existing parks trails

•  Minimized paved trail interaction •  Straightforward trail navigation

Salado Future (10+ mi.)

McAlister Park (20+ mi.)

John James Park (10 mi.)

Salado Central (limited)

Salado North 2 (awaiting roadwork)

Salado North (4 mi.)

Salado South (no plans)

Tobin Park (3 mi.)

Natural Surface Trails

OP Schnabel Park (20+ mi.)

Birds of Prey

Leon Future (?)

Leon North (limited)

Leon Central (Planning)

Leon South (Planning w/ Some informal trails)

Bamberger Park

Natural Surface Trails

TRAIL VOLUNTEERS

Community / Neighborhoods

The Partnership

MOU Responsibilities – SA Parks & Rec.:

Ø  Make SAPAR property available for hiking and biking

Ø  Provide rules pertaining to use of natural-surface trails

Ø  Provide resources for large trail maintenance

Ø  Approve publication materials for distribution

Ø  Approve proposals for events held during non-park hours

Ø  Approve Annual Plan of Operations prepared by the parties Ø  Provide city officials information regarding activities

Ø  Ensure communication / coordination between parties

Ø  Work with STORM to implement “Trail Steward” and “Trail Patrol” programs

Ø  Keep up-to-date directory of contact information TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

MOU Responsibilities – Friends of the Parks:

Ø  Identify partnership opportunities with other community partners Ø  Respond to requests from citizens and community groups

regarding natural-surface trails

Ø  Work with STORM to facilitate training of Trail Stewards and Trail Patrol

Ø  Obtain SAPAR approval prior to publication

Ø  Encourage members to work with SAPAR officials and STORM

Ø  Submit requests to SAPAR 4 weeks in advance for events that may disrupt public access

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

MOU Responsibilities – STORM:

Ø  Implement “Trail Steward” and “Trail Patrol” programs

Ø  Construct and maintain natural surface trails

Ø  Submit an Annual Plan of Operations to SAPAR

Ø  Obtain SAPAR approval prior to significant trail work

Ø  Provide technical assistance to land managers & communities

Ø  Provide “Rules of the Trail“ and “Leave No Trace” instruction

Ø  Coordinate placement of signage and trail markers

Ø  Submit requests to SAPAR 4 weeks in advance for events

Ø  Serve as ambassadors for the sport of mountain biking

Ø  Encourage cooperation among all park users

Ø  Utilize approved Release of Liability

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Partnership / MOU Implementation Negotiations:

Ø  Initial draft by STORM using examples

Ø  Working meetings with all parties

Ø  Finalized by city attorneys

Communications to the Public:

Ø  1 page press release format document by STORM

Ø  Approved by all parties including Advisory Board rep.

Ø  Distributed through mountain biking internet sites

TRAIL

VOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Other Important Negotiated Documents Trail Steward Duties Qualifications: Ø  Experience managing volunteers and familiar with area Ø  High judgment, interpersonal and environmental awareness Ø  Able to devote 20 hrs / month, 21+ years old

Responsibilites: Ø  Organize trail workdays & minor trail work Ø  Communicate to SAPAR workday schedule & objectives Ø  Recommend solutions for erosion or trail damage problems Ø  Report on stewardship effectiveness & make suggestions

Training: Ø  IMBA training

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Other Important Negotiated Documents Trail Maintenance Rules Ø  Approvals and Supervision Requirements

Ø  Trail Routing

Ø  Branch Trimming

Ø  Tree Cutting

Ø  Removal of Deadfall, Movement of Rocks

Ø  Safety Equipment Ø  Manual & Power Equipment Permitted / Prohibited

Ø  Release of Liability for Workday Participants

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Advisory Board (mthly)

Natural Surface Trails Subcommittee

(as needed)

Chairman 9 District Reps

SAPAR Director

(2)

(3) (1)

Salado Lead

(2)

Leon Lead

3 Trail Stewards

3 Trail Stewards

Park Police

Misses Ø  Lack of Trail Patrol progress after good initial start

Ø  Trail signage not implemented

Ø  Difficulty getting Trail Steward section ownership commitments

Ø  Waiting too long to provide formal IMBA trail training

Ø  Not permitted to use power equipment – low SAPAR priority

Ø  Slow progress with large Leon Creek section

Ø  Too few organized workdays for trail maintenance

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Hits Ø  Trusting partnership between SAPAR, Friends and STORM

Ø  STORM recognition at Advisory Board level

Ø  Organized workdays well attended by community volunteers

Ø  Good working relationships with Park Police

Ø  North Salado as early “on the map” demonstration project

Ø  STORM members willing to work home sections on their own

Ø  Some success stopping rogue trail building

Ø  Better, widespread understanding of mountain biking

Ø  Use of S&S Trail Services out of Austin for trail building training

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Keys To Success Ø  Visibility to Natural Surface Trail Importance and Accomplishments

Ø  Liaisons with mature leadership / partnering skills

Ø  Organized to share the workload – there is too much to do

Ø  Clear, written understanding of responsibilities

Ø  Clear, written understanding of the operational rules

Ø  Inclusive planning – government and other user groups

Ø  Frequent communications – emails, subcommittee meetings, etc.

Ø  Strong, respectful relationship between SAPAR and STORM leaders at a personal level

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods

Site Visit

Phil Hardberger Park auxiliary parking area 3:00 pm Directions:

North on 281 for approx. 9 mi. to Bitters Road Exit Exit Bitters Road. Turn left on Bitters (west bound) Travel approx. 2.5 mi. on Bitters Road to Blanco Road Turn left on Blanco Travel approx 1 mi. on Blanco to Longfield Drive (stop light) Turn right on Longfield Drive go one block to stop sign Turn left at stop sign Short distance to dead end with park entrance on right Travel approx .5 mi. to parking area

TRAILVOLUNTEERS

Community /Neighborhoods