16th National Trails Symposium - Orlando, Florida UNIVERSAL TRAIL ASSESSMENT PROCESS Training Programs

We've planned several opportunities for attendees to become trained in the Universal Trail Assessment Process. UTAP provides objective, accurate information about the conditions on a trail or in outdoor environments. The assessment results can provide trail users with the information that they need to accurately determine whether a particular trail meets their interests and abilities. Land managers can also use the information to identify areas where access may be limited and to determine whether a trail complies with the proposed accessibility guidelines (Access Board, 1999). Since 1998, American Trails has been working to implement the UTAP, developed by Beneficial Designs, throughout the US. To date, over 450 people have completed the UTAP workshop and become eligible for certification by American Trails.

Anyone wishing additional information about UTAP Workshops or Trainer Courses should contact Kathy Mispagel, Trails Coordinator for Beneficial Designs, tel: 831-429-8447 ext. 113, fax: 831-423-8450, email: kathy@beneficialdesigns.com.

 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 and SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

UNIVERSAL TRAIL ASSESSMENT PROCESS (UTAP) COORDINATOR WORKSHOP
2 Day Workshop: Saturday and Sunday

Time: 7:30 a.m. &endash; 4:30 p.m.-- Cost: $395

Sponsored by Beneficial Designs, Inc. and American Trails

The UTAP is an inventory process that provides objective information about trail conditions (e.g. grade, cross slope, width). The information obtained through an assessment can be used by land managers to enhance the safety and enjoyment of trail users (by providing accurate, objective information about the on-trail conditions), monitor environmental impact of the trail, prepare budgets, develop maintenance and construction plans, and identify potential access barriers. The two-day workshop combines classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience to ensure that participants have the skills and confidence to conduct assessments. Registration fee includes transportation from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort to classroom/trail sites, training materials, and lunches. State Trail Administrators interested in attending should contact the American Trails office to receive complimentary registration.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

UTAP UPDATE CLINIC FOR TRAIL ASSESSMENT COORDINATORS

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. -- Cost: $145

Here's your chance to update your skills and knowledge about the Universal Trail Assessment Process. This one-day course will refresh and update your UTAP knowledge with the latest measurement techniques and assessment strategies. The UTAP has been refined to recognize the creation of design guidelines and to streamline the UTAP benefits provided to both land managers and trail users. Both classroom and on-trail experiences will be provided during the course. Registration fees include transportation to the classroom/trail sites from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, copies of the updated training materials, and lunch. We strongly recommend this as a continuing education course for anyone who attended a UTAP Coordinator Workshop prior to 2000.

  WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

TrailWare: Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) Data Management Software Course

Time: 3:00 p.m. &endash; 8:30 p.m. -- Cost: $75

TrailWare 2.0 is a software program for efficiently managing trail data collected through the Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP). TrailWare makes storing and analyzing data easier, allows for creating trail characteristic reports (e.g. grade, cross slope, width, obstructions, and surface) for management purposes, and Trail Access Information reports suitable for distribution to trail users. The course will provide instruction on using TrailWare effectively for trail data management. Participants will learn how to enter data, perform data analysis, and create and use reports. Registration fee includes course materials, TrailWare 2.0 Software CD, and dinner. NOTE: It is recommended that participants bring a portable computer to the course that is ready for the installation of TrailWare (Windows 95 or newer/Mac OS 8.1 or newer; 32 MB RAM; CD-ROM or ZIP drive). Contact Beneficial Designs at: trails@beneficialdesigns.com for more information about computer requirements.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) Coordinator Workshop #2
2 Day Workshop: Thursday and Friday

Time: 7:30 a.m. &endash; 4:30 p.m.-- Cost: $395

The UTAP is an inventory process that provides objective information about trail conditions (e.g. grade, cross slope, width). The information obtained through an assessment can be used by land managers to enhance the safety and enjoyment of trails users (by providing accurate, objective information about the on-trail conditions), monitor environmental impact of the trail, prepare budgets, develop maintenance and construction plans, and identify potential access barriers. The two-day workshop combines classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience to ensure that participants have the skills and confidence to conduct assessments. Registration fee includes transportation from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort to classroom/trail sites, training materials, and lunches. State Trail Administrators interested in attending should contact the American Trails office to receive complimentary registration.

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