This paper examines the management of potential trail conflicts in park and recreation planning, drawing primarily on the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Trail Guidelines and Best Practices Manual (2012). It covers trail classification systems, types of designed trail use, the importance of trails for ecological sustainability and multiple-use recreation, and key conflict management principles. The paper then applies these frameworks to a practical management project involving three trails within the Raleigh, North Carolina Capital Area Greenway system, identifying appropriate staffing strategies based on group characteristics such as the presence of children, grilling activities, and varied recreational uses.
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The objective of this study is to examine the management of potential trail conflicts in park and recreation planning. Appropriate park staff will be identified for managing groups utilizing trails, with the expectation that the information will provide guidance for future park management.
Various trail classes are identified in the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Trail Guidelines and Best Practices Manual (2012), including the following classes:
(1) Class 1 Trails: Minimal and underdeveloped trails; (2) Class 2 Trails: Simple and minor development trails; (3) Class 3 Trails: Developed and improved trails; (4) Class 4 Trails: Highly developed trails; and (5) Class 5 Trails: Fully developed trails.
These categories are used to identify applicable trail design, trail management, and standards for maintenance and managed uses. Designed use refers to the intended use of the trail, which guides the trail's design.
Types of designed-use trails include the following: (1) walking; (2) hiking; (3) mountain biking; (4) equestrian; (5) off-road vehicles; and (6) other uses not directly relevant to this study.
The importance of trails includes the contribution they make in connecting people to the natural environment, making communities more livable, and providing opportunities for multiple-use recreation. In addition, trails provide educational opportunities and offer a place to experience solitude, inspiration, and observation of nature. Trails also serve to protect rare habitats and sensitive resources.
In order for a trail to be successful, its design must be "physically, economically and ecologically sustainable" (Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2012). Physical sustainability means that trails are designed to maintain their form and structure across many years of use and under the influence of both nature and human activity. Trail use promotes change, which requires that trails be designed with that change in mind in order to retain their physical integrity through appropriate maintenance and management practices. It is equally important to minimize ecological impacts and reduce trails' overall effect on the environment. Multiple-use recreation and educational experience opportunities are important features of any well-designed trail system.
Trends in trail use show that the largest share of trail users walk, followed closely by hikers, cyclists, dog-walkers, and nature study participants (Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2012).
Key factors in trail management include ensuring that each trail system meets user expectations, minimizes ecological impacts, and minimizes maintenance requirements. In the course of assessing and planning trail management, it is important to know the trail thoroughly. Maps should be compiled depicting existing trails as well as developed areas, roads, facilities, and park boundaries. Maps should also identify endangered species habitats, streams, wetlands, steep slopes, historic and cultural resources, special management areas and zones, and soils that are restricted for trail development. Maps should additionally identify the specific uses of each trail and the recreational experiences they provide. Management planning for trails must account for the different types of groups that will use them and the specific needs of each group during use.
"Staffing, signage types, and twelve conflict principles"
"Three Raleigh trails and staff assignments"
"Key trail management considerations summarized"
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