TRAIL BRUSHING

PURPOSE

  • To retire trails that are unsanctioned, need re-routing, causing degradation, or are redundant, including switchback cutoffs and informal water access points

  • To physically block people from using the path in question and visually obscure the trail from trail users.

  • To restore organic material and protect the soil from disturbance and compaction.

SAFETY

  • Be aware of snakes, scorpions, or fire ants that may be living under rocks or logs.

  • Use caution when lifting or rolling heavy material that may pinch fingers and toes or injure your back.

  • Use sharp tools responsibly.

  • Stay aware of fellow workers to avoid hitting them with brush or tools.

  • Poison ivy is a common understory plant in many areas of the park. Avoid coming in contact with any part of this plant. Wear long sleeves and pants to avoid skin contact.

Tools Needed:

  • gloves

  • loppers and pruning saws (if pruning live trees, refer to Tree Pruning task sheet)

  • buckets, wheelbarrows, or carts

  • rake

  • pick, shovel, or McLeod

MATERIALS

Any size organic or natural material found nearby:

  • removed invasive trees and shrubs

  • removed hazard trees

  • trimmed limbs

  • relocated dead trees

  • relocated boulders

METHODS

  • Identify the length of trail, including both ends where it meets the sanctioned trail(s).

  • Source brush materials nearby.

  • Pile brush on the trail, prioritizing the ends where it meets the sanctioned trail(s). Brush should extend beyond the immediate junction to be an additional deterrent.

  • Brush should be piled at least 3’ high to appear imposing and impassable. Place brushy, branched end towards sactioned trail.

EXAMPLE