| Time | Topic | Instructor(s) |
| 6:00 – 6:05 | Welcome & Introduction | Joshua Cardin, WSU |
| 6:05 – 7:10 | Cultural & Historical Resources | Kevin Lyons, Kalispell Tribe Cultural Resource Specialist |
| 7:10 – 7:20 | BREAK | BREAK |
| 7:20 – 8:25 | Roads, Trails & Aesthetics | Eric Keller, DNR Forest Practices District Manager |
| 8:25 – 8:30 | Concluding remarks | Joshua Cardin, WSU |
Instructor Contact Information:
Joshua Cardin, WSU Extension Coordinator, (509)-308-8224, joshua.cardin@wsu.edu
Kevin Lyons, Kalispell Tribe Cultural Resource Specialist, 509-445-1147, kjlyons@knrd.org
Eric Keller, DNR Forest Practices District Manager, 509-481-7064, eric.keller@dnr.wa.gov
Learn More & Continue Drafting Your Plan
Walk your woods or scout your property and identify what areas you may potentially use for a trail. Keep these key considerations in mind:
- Follow the Contour: Route the trail along the side of hills (midslope) rather than straight up and down to minimize erosion.
- Avoid Wet Areas: Bypass wetlands, seasonal creeks, and other poorly drained areas to protect fragile ecosystems and keep the trail useable.
- Manage Water: Ensure the trail has proper drainage features (like drain dips or water bars) to shed water away from the trail surface.
- Define the Tread: Clearly mark the path to discourage widening the trail or cutting new, informal paths.
If you are aware of any potential historical or cultural resources, connect with the proper agencies.
Recommended publications for further learning:
- Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook (PDF) (USFS 0723-2806-MTDC)
- Trail Design for Small Properties
- Ponds – Planning, Design, Construction (PDF) (USDA NRCS Agriculture Handbook 590)