Research needs for trails detailed at Symposium

A summary of research needs regarding trails was compiled from the session on "The Latest in Trails Related Research" at the National Trails Symposium in Tucson:

Information & Research Clearinghouse

Available on a state, federal & bio-region basis
Share survey instruments/results
Create a website
Industry involvement in research
Applied results/Tool boxes

User Needs & Preferences

Trail amenities, attributes
Reasons for participation/nonparticipation
Quantifying benefits
User profiles

Economic Benefits

State to state
Type of trail, e.g. hiking vs. biking
Public land income
Consumptive vs. nonconsumptive
Grazing, forestry vs. trail use

Management Techniques & Issues

Carrying capacity
Number of users before damage
Number of trails needed
Trail sites
Location costs to build & manage
Pre-planning rather than retrofitting mistakes
Trail use impacts (physical, biological)
Trail hardening
Intersections in urban areas
Effectiveness of messages
Enhance visitor experience
Standardization of practices
User fees
Effect on conflict
Change over time

Effect on site and activity preferences

Understand social/core values
Strategies v. Physical conflicts
Crime
Detailed impacts/outcomes/causes
Response strategies

For more information contact Michael Schuett, Ph.D., Division of Forestry-WVU, PO Box 6125; Morgantown, WV 26506; Ph: (304) 293-3721 x2415; e-mail: mschuett@wvu.edu

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