Chair's Best Practices

A chair's job is to build relationships and tap into resources

• Keep your program coordinator informed; build a relationship with your park partners; communicate frequently to build a partnership
• Build a strong trail committee such that they know you will work on problems they have trouble solving
• Take advantage of Trail U workshops and encourage your committee to do so as well.

Safety First

• Say "NO" and walk away from any situation you determine to be an unacceptable risk; then notify your program coordinator and park partner if it is safety hazard to the general public.
• Read the Outdoor Activity Safety Guidelines

Recognitions

• Thank your supervisors during National Volunteer Week and at the end of the year
• Nominate volunteers for awards for which they are eligible
• Ensure that your supervisors and their maintainers get all of the longevity awards to which they are entitled

Your Supervisors

• Work with supervisors to establish best practices
• Walk trails with a new supervisor in his/her park, relay your expectations, discuss any problems with them, and teach them how to report
• If supervisors are having problems with maintainers, unable to provide support, or fail to report, find out why and work to resolve the issue.
• Set a good example to your supervisors, take on an optional responsibility and encourage them to do so as well.

Plan and Budget

• Assess trails using your observations and supervisor and maintainer reports
• Compile a list of projects based on what needs doing based on what your supervisors report; determine priorities; include estimated manpower, hours, and cost of materials

On the Ground

• Participate in updating the Trail Maintenance Guide
• Be familar with your area, by visiting all reported problem areas and other trails as time permits
• Consult with your program coordinator on a regualar basis
• Handle reported  trail problems and illegal usage, assign to others to solve, and track their completion. 
• Maintain a list of projects suitable for youth or groups; include estimated manpower, hours, and cost of materials

Off Trail

• Be familiar with the Trail Management Guide.
• Take Supervisor 101 so you know what is being taught
• Receive, review, and act upon semi annual supervisor reports
• File Trail Chair Report with the Volunteer Coordinator and Program Coodinator in the required time frame
• Send a report to your program coodinator and partners which includes major projects completed, hours worked, the associated value, and projected projects
• Maintain records
• File trail vacancy and appointment forms in consultation with your supervisors
• Submit a trail change and update when completed 
• Supervise approved trail relocations
• Attend Trails Council and chair local committee meetings
• Update information for Trail Conference publications and maps
• Be familiar with the Volunteer Handbook and Youth Policy