Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program How To Build A Water Trail
Managing A Water Trail -
A comprehensive maintenance plan will ensure your
blue trail is a safe and desirable community asset. Safety is central to
all maintenance operations. A maintenance plan should include scheduling
and documenting inspections of launch and campsite conditions, adequate
signage, removal of debris, and coordination with other entities
associated with trail maintenance.
Maintenance Performed On A Regular Basis
Inspections Inspections are important to all maintenance
operations. Inspections should occur on a regular basis, the frequency
of which will depend on the amount of use, type of use, and location.
Inspections should be documented for your records and include the
condition of launches, campsites, picnic areas, signs, other facilities.
Sweeping Sweeping the water trail for debris such as fallen
logs and other hazards is one of the most important aspects of blue
trail maintenance, helping ensure user safety. Waterways should be
cleared of potentially hazardous debris.
Trash Removal Trash removal is important
from a safety and aesthetic viewpoint. Trash removal should take place
on a regularly scheduled basis, the frequency of which will depend on
trail use and location. Organizing a cleanup is a fun and easy way to
engage volunteers. To learn more about organizing a cleanup see
Organizing A Water Trail Cleanup.
Scheduling Schedule regular maintenance and repair tasks to
keep the blue trail clean and safe. These tasks should be prioritized
based on trail use, location, and design.
Maintenance Performed On An As Needed Basis
Launch Sites Launch sites should be closely tied to the
inspection schedule. Prioritization of repairs is part of the process.
The time between observation and repair will depend on whether the
needed repair is deemed a hazard, to what degree the needed repair will
affect the safety of the trail user, and whether the needed repair can
be performed by the trail maintenance crew or if it is so extensive that
it needs to be repaired by outside entities.
Trail Signs Trail signs fall into two categories: safety and information. Trail users should be informed where they are, where they are going, and how to use the trail safely. Signs related to safety are most important and should be considered first. Interpretative signs can enhance the users experience but should be considered as a second priority.
Record
Keeping Record keeping is essential to a successful
maintenance program. Accurate logs should be kept on items such as
activities, hazards found and action taken, maintenance needed and
performed, and so on. Records can also include surveys of the types and
frequency of use of certain trail sections. This information can be used
to prioritize trail management needed.
Accurate Mapping Accurate mapping is important from a maintenance
standpoint. You may need to update a map every few years, especially if
new amenities (campsites, launches, riverside businesses, etc.) are
added.
Law Enforcement Law enforcement agencies should be aware of the
location of blue trail and launch sites and the level of use they
receive. Increased law enforcement awareness may be addressed on an as
needed basis.
Create An Adopt-A-Water Trail Program
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