Research on the response to trail degradation issues is badly needed in all four aspects of OHV management: education, evaluation, engineering, and enforcement. In Alaska, the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program is involved in research on several aspects of the trail degradation issue, including documentation of trail conditions, development of prescriptions, and trail hardening. The RTCA, in cooperation with a number of agencies, is conducting research on the use of porous pavement systems and is interested in investigating new products as they become available.

The RTCA program is also actively seeking information from other OHV research efforts with the hope of adapting proven techniques to the Alaska environment. In addition to conducting new investigations, the RTCA program is documenting past trials, experiments, tests, and temporary fixes. A wealth of information is available from those who have worked in the field through the years. Unfortunately, there has been a limited forum to document that information, exchange ideas, and share experiences. One of the goals of the Alaska RTCA program is to create that forum by conducting research, documenting work on the ground, and distributing information.

Appendix C lists projects the Alaska RTCA program was in-volved with during 2000, 2001, and 2002. Information on those projects is available for review. The RTCA staff hopes that the project list will grow longer, project reports will flourish, and the information generated will improve management response to trail degradation. The RTCA program invites all interested parties to contribute to that process.