What is inventory?
The inventory phase identifies existing trail assets and community values to establish a foundation before planning and design. This process includes categorizing current trail types and difficulty levels to determine which specific trail experiences are missing from the system. This requires analyzing trail user patterns as well as convening with stakeholder groups to understand community interests and potential conflicts. By cataloging current conditions and community perspectives, the inventory process defines clear improvement goals to bridge the gap between existing trails and future needs.
Better trails in Berks
Neversink Mountain rises above the eastern edge of Reading, Pennsylvania’s Berks County, as part of a 1,000-acre preserve rich in history and recreation. The preserve’s natural surface trails for hikers and mountain bikers became a complex mix of unsustainable trails developed over time without cohesive planning. An IMBA assessment of the system included collecting public feedback about current use, vision, and goals for Neversink; field work to survey existing conditions, and an action plan and proposed trails plan to implement sustainable solutions. Solutions included trail reroutes, extensive maintenance, and hike-only and bike-optimized trails to alleviate trail congestion.
Learning the foundation
Understanding what you have can show the way forward. An assessment can help you better manage your trails, clarify your vision, and illuminate opportunities prior to engaging in a trail planning process.
Trail Inventory Resources
Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience
Guideline to improve design, construction, and management of trails.
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The Power of the Pedals: Unlocking Insights from MTB Data
Highlighting research that demonstrates the applications and importance of MTB data.
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Trail Management and Wildlife Awareness
This page focuses on the intersection of trail planning and ecological preservation.
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Toolkit: Conducting and Using Visitor and Recreational User Research
Harbinger Consultancy & Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
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Trail Inventory Programs & Workshops
Trail Towns
An IMBA Trail Town designation will help attract trail funding, grants and other economic incentives while connecting your community to IMBA’s network of resources.
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IMBA Trail Solutions
Partner with IMBA professionals to inventory, plan, design, build and sign your trail vision.
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