WORLD TRAILS NETWORK - HUB FOR THE AMERICAS

White Mountains Trails Program Trail restoration of the Old Bridle Path in New Hampshire State Parks. 2023 work completed: We began work on the Old Bridle Path approximately 1,000 feet from the trailhead where the trail crosses a long sidehill section. The work along this section has entailed re-benching the existing trail treadway. This process required creating a cross slope on the treadway. Stones were also removed creating a clear and better defined treadway. A total of 667 lineal feet of benching 5 feet wide was installed with tread grades not exceeding 15 percent. In those locations where the existing treadway grade exceeded 15 percent, we calculated the number of stone steps to not only achieve the rise but also to create an opportunity for storm water diversion. We used an average of 7 inch rise for the stone step calculations. In addition, 16 inches was used as the step run. The rise/run calculation is the best way to determine the number of steps needed to gain elevation on a trail. In all cases where we installed stone steps we ensured that the top step (in our rise/run calculation) was about 4 inches higher so that a grade reversal was created. The effect of this extra height is to create an up gradient over which storm water cannot pass and therefore has to drain off the treadway above the steps. The drain-off location is usually about 6 to 8 feet behind the top step. This feature is extremely important to protect the integrity of the stone steps below the grade reversal. During the course of this project season we installed a total of 110 stone steps. This includes foundations steps which are flush with the tread grade at the base of each set of steps. These 110 steps were spread over 21 different locations. Thus 21 foundation steps were installed. If 7 inches was the average step height, the 89 steps installed represents approximately 52 feet of elevation gain. The step sections ranged from 2 steps up to 7 steps. The step widths ranged from a minimum of 4 feet up to 5 feet with most steps being constructed with multiple stones. A few steps were installed as one stone where we were able to find stones of that size. Many of the stones were split from larger boulders to create the dimensions required and thus we spent considerable time drilling stone. Our goal was to install multi-stone steps where each stone was matched closely so that only minimal gaps between stones were present. Each step was also secured in place by larger boulders set on each side of the steps - gargoyles in our trail language. The gargoyles help protect the sides of the steps as well as keep hiker traffic on the steps. In some locations along the trail, stone cribbing was necessary to retain the treadway on the downhill side. Several steps sections were retained with stone cribbing to support the steps but also extended beyond to create support for the grade reversal. In one location stone cribbing was installed where we shifted the tread to the lower side of a tree so that we could create a better alignment of the treadway. We strived to make sure that treadway water could drain off the treadway between the crib stones so that water would not flow down the trail. We installed a total of 116 lineal feet of stone cribbing. Much of the stone used for the stone cribbing ranged in height from 18 to 24 inches which gives a better indication of the scale of the stone cribbing. Sustainable Trail Design/Construction: In our work, we strived to construct elements which are most resilient to the effects of weather, climate, and hiker traffic. Of particular note are the grade reversals. These elements are very important to create so that the treadway watersheds are kept to a minimum. Ensuring that storm water can exit the treadway early and often is the key to sustainable trail design and construction. On existing sections of trail, as the one we renovated this season, it is challenging to create reversing grades without installing steps to create the reversals. On new tread construction where the layout alignment factors in reversals (such as the relocations we will be working on in 2024) it is much easier and less costly to create a sustainable tread. Of note is that we did not install one drainage structure. Instead the grade reversals break up the stormwater flow on the treadway and naturally drain off of the trail thus eliminating the need for regular maintenance of drainage structures. Over time, some sediment and organic matter will accumulate at the edge of the reversals and will need to be removed - perhaps once every 5 years. Surplus Surplus income, minus 10% for indirect costs, will be used in 2024 to continue this project.

White Mountain Field School Summit Stewards Franconia Fridge is one of the most traveled sections of the Appalachian Trail. It is possible to have 800-1000 hikers and runners surging across a 1.8 mile section of trail on a sunny summer or fall weekend day. Over 40,000 visitors traverse the Franconia Ridge between late May to early October. The Franconia Ridge is also home to the rare northeast alpine zone, a fragile biotic community that is under threat from hikers and runners. In 2018, in partnership with the USFS, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), and the Waterman Fund, World Trails Network - Hub for the Americas fielded two college interns as summit stewards. Since 2018, World Trails Network - Hub for the Americas has established a seasonal Chief Summit Steward position and hires as many stewards as we have funding for each year, including a limited number of paid college internships. Summit stewards are trained in integrated trail management, tailored to the specific needs of the northeast alpine zone. Integrated trail management combines trail restoration, trail maintenance, and information and education. They also assist with environmental monitoring and research. This complements and the work of the AMCs volunteer Alpine Stewards who focus in education and information, and the volunteer AMCs trail adopter, who is responsible for basic maintenance. Semester Program As part of the White Mountain Field School, World Trails Network - Hub for the Americas offers s a 5-week, 4 credit academic field course. The curriculum includes an environmental history of northeast recreational trails, wilderness ethics, fundamentals of recreation ecology, and a practicum in alpine trail management. The course also provides certification in Wilderness First Aid and Leave no Trace and a seminar series with international speakers (by Zoom). International Trails Fellows Pan American Trails International Trails Fellows are advanced graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or professionals who are given the opportunity to visit an important trails center in the Amercias to study, do research, and participate in hands-on trail management with other professionals. World Trails Network - Hub for the Americas covers travel, lodging and food expenses. Fellows do not receive a stipend. In 2023 the World Trails Network - Hub for the Americas supported 2 trails fellows to for two months.