You have conducted resource studies and analyzed reports. You know who your stakeholders are. You have determined the route of the water trail and decided where access points and facilities should be located. Now it is time to develop a work plan that identifies what needs to be done to turn the concept of a trail into a reality.  

Figure out and write down what needs to be done step by step. Select some minor, low-cost chores that trail leaders, stakeholders, partners, and volunteers can tackle first. That will help motivate the work crews and generate enthusiasm and create some milestones that can be celebrated along the way by the community. Then go on to the major tasks.

The work plan should break down what needs to be accomplished, by whom, how, and when.

“What” is the short description of the task or tasks.

“Who” are the individuals or groups assigned to the task or tasks.

“How” defines how the tasks will be accomplished.

“When” refers to the timing of the action. The work plan can include projected dates or can be a simple list of tasks organized in sequence. The latter can be divided into “near-term” and “long-term” tasks, and specific dates can be added as work progresses.

Preparing a work plan can be tedious, but clearly documenting defined tasks will save time in the long run and let everyone in the organization know what has happened and what needs to be done next.