Trail Stabilization

trail stabilization post fire
trail stabilization post fire

 

What – Trail stabilization methods include rubber belt and rock waterbars, rock spillways, and rolling dips.

Purpose – Designed to provide drainage and stability to reduce trail damage and erosion.

Effectiveness – No quantitative data exists on the effectiveness of this treatment.

Where

  • On trails lacking adequate drainage features for anticipated runoff.
  • Trails within or below high-burn severity areas.
  • Trails with sustained grade through burned areas that lack adequate drainage.
  • Trail segments that have the potential to deliver sediment to streams.
  • Trails where previous drainage structures were damaged by the fire.

Cost – $1000–3000 per mile.  Additional factors include:

  • Number of structures required within the treatment area
  • Availability of material

How to Link – See USDA BAER Catalog page 153 (PDF page 161).