WTBA Beneficial Designs Workshops

The Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) is an inventory process that provides objective information about trail conditions (e.g. grade, cross slope, width). The information obtained through an assessment can be used by land managers to prepare budgets, develop maintenance and construction plans, identify potential access barriers, monitor environmental impact, and enhance the safety and enjoyment of trail users (by providing accurate, objective information about the on-trail conditions).

The data collected during the assessment can also be used to provide information to all users about the grade, cross slope, tread width, surfaces, and obstructions. This information, known as Trail Access Information (TAI) allows users to select trails based on their abilities and to increase their trail safety and success. Several land agencies and organizations across the nation are using the UTAP to inventory trails and to provide information to trail users and to determine compliance with design standards.

This two-day workshop combines classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience to ensure that participants have the skills and confidence to conduct assessments. Participants completing this workshop will be able establish a comprehensive inventory of trail characteristics to use for planning, maintenance, budgeting, mapping, and determining compliance with guidelines for trails and access routes.

All members of Beneficial Designs’ training staff have experience leading trail assessments and teaching agency representatives from all over the country to be trail assessment coordinators. Participants enjoy a high staff-to-trainee ratio, assuring that each person receives the individual attention he or she needs. Each trainee receives a complete set of training materials, including a training guide, Fast Facts guide, informational video, as well as a variety of Universal Trail Assessment products. More info on UTAP from Beneficial Designs.

Instructors will be Kathleen Mispagel and other senior Beneficial Designs trainers from around the nation.

UTAP Workshop Schedule
Originally, this workshop was scheduled twice, but due to lack of registrations for the second session, only the first will be offered on February 9-10:

Sunday, February 9
8 AM		Meet at Atlantis lobby for carpooling to Bartley Ranch, Washoe Country Parks (about a 15-minute drive). Free transportation arranged.
8:30 AM – noon		Indoor classroom sessions at Bartley Ranch
Noon – 1 PM		Lunch (provided)
1 – 5 PM		UTAP field practice outdoors on a trail at Bartley Ranch.
Monday, February 10
8 AM		Meet at Atlantis lobby for carpooling to Bartley Ranch. Free transportation arranged.
8:30 AM – Noon		UTAP field practice outdoors on a trail at Bartley Ranch
Noon – 1 PM		Lunch (provided)
1 – 5 PM		Indoor classroom sessions, including written exam

Please contact Kathy Mispagel, kathy@beneficialdesigns.com or (831) 429-8447, at Beneficial Designs for more information or if you have any accessibility accommodations for classroom or on-trail session. Weather and ground conditions for field trips are usually cool, dry, and snow-free.

UTAP space is limited
To guarantee an instructor-student ratio of 7:1, class size is limited to 35. As of January 30, only 4 seats remain available, but we will form a wait list after the first 35. In case you're not registering today, the current open seat count is kept updated on this page.

Cost
$250 before or on Jan. 24, $325 after Jan 24.
Includes educational materials and lunches.

UTAP workshop participants may also be interested in the TrailWare Workshop below.

TrailWare 2.0 is a software program for efficiently managing trail data collected through the Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP). TrailWare makes storing and analyzing data easier, allows for creating trail characteristic reports (e.g. grade, cross slope, width, obstructions, and surface) for management purposes, and Trail Access Information reports suitable for distribution to trail users. The course will provide instruction on using TrailWare effectively for trail data management.

Participants will learn how to enter data, perform data analysis, and create and use reports. Registration fee includes course materials and TrailWare 2.0 Software. NOTE: It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that participants bring a portable computer to the course that is ready for the installation of TrailWare (Windows 95 or newer/Mac OS 8.1 or newer; 32 MB RAM; CD-ROM or ZIP drive). Participants without their own computer during the course will be required to share computers provided by Beneficial Designs. Contact Beneficial Designs at trails@beneficialdesigns.com for more information about computer requirements. More info on TrailWare from Beneficial Designs.



Rotational penetrometer, a new tool designed by Beneficial Designs to objectively measure "firm and stable" surfaces.		Demonstrating use of basic tools used in the UTAP during the 2002 Trailbuilders Conference.



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