2023 Trail Master Certification Course Recap
2023 Trail Master Certification Course Recap
2023 Trail Design Training Course a Success!
The Wisconsin Horse Council along with Recreational Trails Program grant funding, provided by the DNR, sponsored the 15th Trail Design Certification School at Wildcat Mountain State Park. Ten trail supporters attended the four-day class and learned how to correct existing trail problems and create new sustainable trails guided by Mike Riter.
Mike Riter, the owner of Trail Design Specialists, believes in leaving nature’s aesthetics intact while simultaneously creating safe, durable, and sustainable horse, mountain bike, hiking, and multi-use trails.
Trail Design Specialists’ Trail Master Certification Class covered the latest advances in trail design, construction, and maintenance, focusing on long-term sustainability and ease of care. The course also covered complex topics, including handling user conflicts, correct layout of a trail, avoiding erosion and other environmental issues, proper construction techniques, rehabilitating existing routes, and other topics. The course included both classroom learning and hands-on practical trail experience.
The class was a mix of DNR staff, county representatives, and volunteers from friends groups from around the state. It created a great dynamic having multiple types of trail workers side by side learning these techniques.
A special thank you to the Friends of Wildcat who provided dinner for the class one evening and to the Ontario Public Library for opening up their downstairs meeting space and making it easy to run a four day class from. Each morning was 4 to 5 hours of class time and tests where only one student earned 100% on all of his tests. Great job, Andy, the land manager at Wildcat! We can’t wait to see trail improvements in the future! After lunch, 3 to 4 hours was spent learning
and hands on laying out a trail, and correctly laying a new trail in.
Whether you are a trekker, equestrian, or biker, the benefits of this training will be seen in the trail re-routes and creation for many to enjoy. Volunteers and the DNR working together is the future of sustainable trails.
