Trail Skills College Course Curriculum
To help our volunteers succeed in their trail work, PCTA collaborated with many partners to develop a Trail Skills College curriculum.
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Skill Definition
Clear the corridor and prepare the site in preparation for construction using proper pruning techniques
Entry Level Performance
- Safely remove rocks, stumps, and debris from identified trail corridor clearing limits, using appropriate hand tools with supervision
Full Performance Level
- Use hand tools and power tools, to safely and efficiently remove rocks, stumps, debris and deposit appropriately in preparation for construction independently
Expert Level Performance
- Assess the project corridor clearing needs and select and use the most efficient tools and techniques to safely remove/stage rocks, stumps and debris in preparation for construction
Resources for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Documents and Media
• Training Programs
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Documents and Media for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
North Country Trail Handbook
The North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) extends for thousands of miles across seven states. Its layout, design, construction, and maintenance require the participation of a myriad of individuals and groups.
Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds
This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.
Introduction to Trail Maintenance
An online PCTA training covering the fundamentals of trail maintenance.
Desert Brushing Techniques
In the second video of this series, we take a look at how to clear the trail corridor of brush, focusing on techniques specific to the desert environment. Keeping the corridor clear allows users to stay on the trail safely, protecting the…
Forest Brushing Techniques
In the fourth video of this series, we take a look at how to clear the trail corridor of brush, focusing this time on trimming larger branches and trees. Keeping the corridor clear allows users to stay on the trail safely, protecting the…
Further Education
Training Programs for Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
IMBA Trail Management Schools
This school is typically two days in length with IMBA instructor(s) traveling to your location to deliver the class to staff or members. Instructors arrive the day before to assess the site and do any necessary preparations. Organizations, clubs, or…
IMBA Trail Care Schools
Trail Care Schools equip volunteers and organizations with the skills necessary to maintain modern mountain bike trails in partnership with the local land management. This course will begin with sustainable trail design principles, such as drainage…
Sustainable Trail Building One Year Certificate Program
In this one-year certificate program, you’ll have boots-on-the-ground at Northwoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston, VT for three individual week-long intensive classes. You will grow your knowledge base and connect with trail building…
Trail Academy
Trail Academy is our free class series that teaches students how to tackle any trail-related challenge. Courses are hosted both in the field and online, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to become a certified Trail Crew Leader or…
Trail Sustainability Institute
The Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI) is NWTA’s internal training classes for everything related to trail building. We want to make sure our trail builders are knowledgeable in not only how to build/maintain fun trails, but ensure those trails…
Trails Certificate
Gain insight into best practices related to the design, construction and maintenance of trails. Learn about and apply techniques that can enhance, rehabilitate and protect trails and greenways. Participants will also learn about trail…
Skill Library
Trail Construction
Trail Sustainability Principles
Safety/Site Management
Construction Specifications
Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
Corridor Clearing: Pruning/ Side-Cutting/ Brushing
Corridor Clearing: Felling/tree removal; Chainsaw/ Crosscut
Corridor Clearing: Material and Debris Management
Hand-Built Trail Construction
Mechanized Trail Construction
Trail Finishwork
Water Management/Drainage Features
Water Crossing Structures
Retaining Walls
Tread Hardening and Surfacing
Decommissioning Trails
Custom Trainings
There are 83 trainers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Rick Landenberger
Morgantown, WV
Service Associate Professor and Science & Management Specialist for the West Virginia Land Trust
West Virginia University
Brad Stewart
Gulliver, MI
Hire Workers
There are 317 workers on TrailSkills
with Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation experience
Richard Edwards
Morgantown, WV
Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure
West Virginia University
Bryan G
Chicago, IL
Suggest a Resource
Contact Us
Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.
Let us knowTrail Skills Collaborators
