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People like to be
shown what is expected of them. They will remember better if they
participate in the learning process seeing a demonstration, or
practicing what you just told them. Instead of telling someone they
are doing something wrong, state it will be easier or safer if done
the way you demonstrate it. Important information should be repeated
in variety of ways. For example, when training a maintainer, you
discuss safety when talking about why we maintain and again when doing
field work. Safety is a factor not only in using a particular tool but
also while working in a group.
Often the new
maintainer has read the NYNJTC's Trail Maintenance Manual so they have
a general idea of what to do. They might have also figured out what
meets standards, but does not necessarily know how to bring a trail up
to standards. Cover the following topics when you take a new
maintainer out on the trail for the first time. Count on spending half
a day. Make sure that he or she has a copy of the Trail Maintenance
Manual, the job description for maintainer and a report form.
Responsibilities of Maintainer
- Patrolling
- Frequency
- When
to do maintenance
- Safety
- Reporting
- Asking
for help
Field work - what a trail should look like
- Equipment
- Clearing/Trimming
- Work
both ways
- Standards
- How far back and up to trim
- Not leaving stumps, sticks
- Frequency
- Erosion control and drainage maintenance
- Blazing
- Standards
- Types of trees
- Equipment
- Dual trails
- Two Colors
Problems could encounter
- Downed
trees
- Erosion
- Joint trail
- Bridges out
- Hot spot for hanging out
- Public or private lands
- Litter
and graffetti
- Tree
cutting
- ATV/Trail
bikes
- Bicycles
- Horses
- Hunting
- Relocations
(major, minor, insignificant)
Miscellaneous
information
- Maintaining
character of trail - e.g. open areas remain open
- Insurance
- Volunteers in Park, NY State Workmans Compensation
- Safety
of hiker and maintainer
- Resignation
- Removal
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