NPS Midwest Region – RTCA Leads Trails Workshop

Trails workshop participants standing outside at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Hands-On Field Instruction at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 27, 2024 -- With the goal of sharing its expertise on trail development and construction, the Midwest Region of RTCA led a well-attended trails workshop Oct. 16 and 17 at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota.

Facilitated by the Midwest RTCA program, the workshop included pre-course online instruction taught by Kat Shiffler, landscape architect; Barett Steenrod, community planner; David Thomson, Regional RTCA and Accessibility Coordinator; and several members of Midwest RTCA and the Midwest planning and compliance staff. Coursework included NPS trail system standards and policy guidance; trail planning and design; compliance for trail planning, construction and maintenance; accessible trails; trail structures; trail construction and maintenance; trail signage and wayfinding; and funding sources for trails.

Hands-on field instruction at the workshop was led by trail experts Nick Huck, NPS Intermountain Region; Mark Loseth, Raven Trails; and Matt Roberts of Flagline Trails. Workshop participants learned how to assess existing trails, perform maintenance, and design and build new trails. Participants also had the opportunity to develop an alternate route for a relatively steep existing trail within the Painted Canyon area of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The workshop was a success based on the combined efforts of the Midwest Region, RTCA, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. THRO provided excellent trail resources and other support.