Science-based design for the Appalachian Trail

[Rex Sanders]

Scientist gets $300,000 grant to study the Appalachian Trail starting in 2015:

… to characterize visitor impacts on vegetation and soils, develop sustainability guidance to minimize impacts, provide workshops on trail design for maintenance staff and volunteers, and provide education materials about Leave No Trace practices and outdoor ethics for schools, youth groups, and trail users.

"With climate change, I believe there will be more catastrophic climate events, such as heavy and extended rain events that really stress trails," said Marion. "We need to create more sustainably designed trails that will handle these rain events as well as increasing traffic."

The field survey work will apply a comprehensive set of measurements to assess the conditions and sustainability of the trail tread, shelters, and campsites, creating a comprehensive, spatially referenced database to conduct statistical modeling and geographic information system analyses.

More here:
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2014/06/063014-cnre-marionatgrant.html

— Rex

[Roger Caffin]

Hum ………

I can't help feeling that spending a few hours chatting with some Rangers and trail maintenance crew leaders might achieve the required results.

But of course unless the Report cost a LOT of money, who will take any notice of it?

Cheers

[Greg Mihalik]

Every trail out there needs works. Regardless of what smoke and mirrors were employed, the survey will be invaluable to the planers and the folks with the shovels.

Kudos.

[Author]

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