Trail revitalising
Western Australia
Bibbulmun Track 973 km Cape to Cape Track 135 km Two of the world s great long distance walking tracks 1062 km Off-road cycle touring
Trail revitalising 1. Framework 2. Organisational structure and procedures 3. Branding and signage 4. Trail infrastructure
Trail development & revival process 1. Proposal 2. Framework 3. Site Assessment 4. Concept Plan 5. Corridor Evaluation 6. Detailed Design 7. Construction 8. Management
Trail development & review process Long term appeal Complies with standards Positive impact on environment and heritage Acceptable to land managers What is a sustainable trail? Valued & supported by local community Well managed & maintained Robust, dura ble & fit for purpose
Trail development & revival process Stage Outcome 1 Proposal The proposed area is either supported in principle for trail development, or is not supported due to environmental, social or cultural constraints. Desktop 2 Framework A project outline, including: a clear understanding of project objectives, stakeholders, roles, requirements and execution. Also includes ongoing management model 3 Site Assessment Undertake a broad scale study of the area and identify constraints and opportunities 4 Concept Planning Identify opportunities and conceptual design plan produced. Possible corridors flagged. Field 5 Corridor Evaluation Concept plan checked and flagged in the field. 6 Detailed Design Detailed trail design produced, including: trail classifications, technical trail features (TTFs), construction types and specifications. Approvals gained. 7 Construction Trail is constructed in line with the detailed design. 8 Management Management plan implemented detailing maintenance and monitoring requirements
Project Area Site Assessment DRA Concept Plan Corridor Evaluation DRA DRA
DRA Detailed Design
Tourism model Infrastructure Visitor management Community engagement Trail Visitor information Product Destination Marketing & promotion
DPaW The partners MOU Foundation Land and Trail Managers Construction Public Liability Stability Specialised staff Funding Maps Promotion Volunteer Program Maintenance Marketing Trail Tourism Development Merchandise and Guide Books Community Engagement & Ownership Funding Opportunities Events Calendar Political Driver A long-distance trail dream realised through partnerships between the community & government
Trail signage Signage is an essential aspect of any trail. It provides identification of the trail through name and branding, such as colour and design. It directs, assists in maintaining visitor safety and aids in minimising environmental impact. Signage is also used to provide cultural, historic and interpretive information and clarify trail principles such as Leave no Trace and Code of the Campsite.
Types of signage Interpretative Trailheads Directional Markers Distance & identificational Management Risk Hazard Diversion Cautionary Regulatory Camp site External Traffic control
Logos & directional signage Munda Biddi Trail
Logos & directional signage Cape to Cape Track
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PARKS FOR PEOPLE Interpretative signage
Item Long trail map Short trail map Trailhead Brochure General written Information Elevation profile Distance table Leave No Trace principles with their logo Plan and prepare Travel and camp on durable surfaces Dispose of waste properly Leave what you find Minimise fire risk and impacts Respect wildlife Be considerate of others Australian Standard Walking trail grading system/international Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) standards (user group) Length & expected time of trail/track, return/one way Example of signage used DPaW logo Sponsor logos DPaW contact details Map disclaimer? Outline of what to expect (natural, aboriginal, cultural, activities, other) Planning Leave details with someone reliable Mobile phone coverage & remoteness Contact 000 for all emergencies Complete log books If you get lost Water access Temperature & weather Trail sharing (if applicable) Seasonal crossings Fire safety & what to do if caught in bushfire? Camp fire permitted/not Dieback Dogs & other animals (if applicable) Track maintenance/friends of groups Coastal risk Website link or QR code
Item Long trail map Short trail map Trailhead Brochure Map Contours & spot heights Roads, tracks, trails with names where applicable Creeks, rivers & lakes Grid conversion north arrow Tenure North arrow Scale Permanent water point (listed as for fire fighting use ) Vehicle access points DRA boundaries Plantation & mining Recreation & facilities with symbols Date & GDA 94 Grid references (easting & northing) Points of interests (as insert?) Legend Navigational items (powerlines, rail lines etc) Reference tree Bridge You are here Leave No Trace (short or long options)
Risk Hazard Diversion Cautionary Regulatory Camp site Disease risk Management signage
Risk signage
Diversion signage Attention Bibbulmun Track Trail Re-alignment Please be advised that the Bibbulmun Track has been realigned due to prescribed burning activities. For you safety, please follow the re-alignment indicated by the white waugal markers and directions of staff. ~520m m New diversion VRM guidelines to come out soon ~ 520mm
Cautionary signage Bridge ahead Crossing ahead Gate ahead Bridge not suitable for horses Rifle range Shared use
Regulatory signage
Traffic control signage Trail user crossing sign specification for vehicles V 85 < 75 km/h, distance to post = 80 to 120m V 85 < 90, distance to post = 120 to 180m V 85 > 90 km/h, distance to post = 180 to 250m Shape Size Colour Pole Pole Height Fixing into ground Diamond Generally: 750 x 750mm Speed limit less than 40km: 600 x 600mm Reflective fluoro yellow green vinyl with black screen printed insert trail user type. 60mm OD round or rectangle pole with two TD-1 ring brackets. The height between the ground and the bottom of the sign may be between 1.5m and 2m. MRWA recommends not to use concrete to increase flexibility on impact. PARKS FOR PEOPLE
Trail infrastructure Trail infrastructure provides the physical aspect of what users see and use. It has the practical value, and can also be utilised for branding, such as the design of camp sites. It includes: The track itself Stairs Bridges Camp Sites Toilets Water tanks Lookouts Picnic tables
Type of stair design
WORKS PROGRAM CAPE TO CAPE ASSET Total Work % Low Medium High VRM Bridges 4 1 25 1 Cape to Cape signs 37 7 19 6 1 Other signs 23 6 26 2 4 Trail heads 5 0 0 Trail 1 1 Log steps 39 29 74 24 3 2 Stairs 6 2 33 2 Boardwalks 7 2 29 1 1 Lookout? 2 1 1 Bench 23 13 57 10 2 1 Camp site toilets 4 1 25 1 Picnic tables 9 0 Water tanks 8 3 38 3 Gates 11 3 27 3
Old and new design Not just repair
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 Total Low Medium High VRM 5 0
Trail erosion
Why is there erosion? Slope Soil Type Vegetation Alignment in relation to prevailing winds Fire impacts Drying climate Increasing use levels Landform and siting constraints Impact of turning tyres and walking boots
10% and Half Rule
Rolling contours
Trail Erosion
Outslope
New trail surface hardening
Trail stabilisation retrofitting
Resources
Kerstin Stender Trails Coordinator Western Australia kerstin.stender@dpaw.wa.gov.au PARKS FOR PEOPLE