Tony shares some of his most valuable observations and the important lessons he has learned from four decades in the trail industry. He has been very fortunate to lead teams in planning, designing and constructing over 1,000 km of sustainable trails for people of all ages, all abilities and all modes. Tony is a true pioneer in the art and evolution of sculpting sustainable, machine-built trails for hikers, runners, bikers, climbers, skiers, equestrians, accessible trails, and motorized users.

His session covers a variety of topics ranging from “laying trails gently on the land” to “getting inside the head of your desired users”. His passion sharing his top 20 observations is palpable and covers a fairly wide range of observations and lessons that has helped him and his companies be more successful in the competitive professional trail contracting industry. Understanding and integrating these skills and concepts will hopefully help your projects run smoother, more efficiently and gather as much public support as possible to create a success story for your agency or organization.

With the significant increases in trail use and the rapid explosion of our outdoor recreation industry since the pandemic, land managers and trail advocates are being stretched beyond their limits. Braided trails, trail widening, and an increase in social and rogue trails will continue to challenge us all. Come hear some valuable pearls of wisdom for adapting to this increased trail use and the challenges it has brought with it. Buckle up it’s not going away. Trails will save the world!

Learning Objectives

1. Apply Sustainable Trail Design Principles: Understand and implement key sustainable trail design guidelines, such as the half rule, 15% maximum grade principle, and 10% average grade principle, to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term trail durability across varied topographies and soil types.
2. Incorporate Environmental and Cultural Resource Protection: Develop strategies to protect natural and cultural resources by avoiding sensitive habitats (e.g., wetlands, endangered species areas) and using tools like GIS mapping to identify and respect indigenous flora and fauna during trail planning and construction.
3. Enhance User Experience Through Inclusive Design: Design trail systems that accommodate all ages, abilities, and modes of use (e.g., hiking, biking, equestrian) by integrating stacked loop systems and kinesthetic diversity to meet diverse user needs while maintaining sustainability.
4. Implement Effective Trail Maintenance Programs: Establish routine trail maintenance programs based on best management practices, including grade reversals and outsloping, to manage water flow, reduce erosion, and ensure trails remain safe and sustainable for intended users.
5. Navigate Permitting and Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrate proficiency in securing necessary permissions, permits (e.g., wetland, stormwater), and approvals, and engage stakeholders early in the planning process to build support and ensure compliance with environmental regulations and community expectations.