U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2016. Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives. 1623 3801. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 76 p.

This guidebook will help users understand the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives (TMOs). Trail Fundamentals are five concepts that are the cornerstones of Forest Service trail management. Trail Fundamentals provide an integrated means to consistently record and communicate the intended design and management guidelines for trail design, construction, maintenance, and use. Trail Management Objectives synthesize and document the management intention for National Forest System trails and provide basic reference information for subsequent trail planning, management, condition surveys, and reporting. This guidebook reflects Forest Service policy related to Trail Fundamentals, TMOs, and National Quality Standards for Trails. It contains instructions on how to apply Trail Fundamentals and how to prepare a TMO form, including associated examples; and includes information on the Trail Class Matrix and photo examples of the various Trail Classes, Trail Design Parameters, and the Condition Assessment Survey Matrix.

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Ordering Information

Copies of this document may be ordered from:
USDA Forest Service
National Technology & Development Program
5785 Hwy. 10 West
Missoula, MT 59808–9361
Phone: 406–329–3978
Email: wo_mtdc_pubs@fs.fed.us

Keywords: Condition Assessment Survey Matrix, CASM, Federal Trail Data Standards, FTDS, interagency, multiple use, National Forest System, planning, recreation, Trail Class Matrix, Trail Design Parameters, Trail Fundamentals, Trail Management Objectives, TMO, trail use

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