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  • AERC Trail Master Clinic

AERC Trail Master Clinic

  • 04/06/2017
  • 04/09/2017
  • Crooked Creek Horse Park

April 6 thru 9th, 2017 This course is Open to AERC members(non members, see below). A minimum of 7 AERC participants are needed to hold this course. (5 must be paid in full before date can be officially booked) Max of 16 participants. (first paid, first guaranteed spot) AERC Member cost: $250 (checks made paybable to AERC can be mailed to Tina Zanotto to reserve your spot now) Lunch will be provided by host. 

It is recommended you buy your own tools but some will be available for borrowing. There is a Holiday Inn Express within 15 minutes of the park or you may choose to camp at the park. Primitive or electric/water hook ups are available at a per day fee. There are shower facilities at the park as well. More information will be posted in the discussion tab of this event. Please share. 

AERC Non-Members: Cost for non-members is $500 + portion of instructors total expenses. This would need to be arranged with AERC and your Organization. Contact Tina Zanotto for more information at 724-331-4430 or mareena31@hotma​il.com 

AERC Website Infor: https://aerc.or​g/static/trailm​aster.aspx 

Registration Form

Course Description Day 1: Trail design and layout. Course instructor Mike Riter stresses the importance of knowing the area first, both on foot and by studying topographic maps, which he calls "the trail designer's best friend." A good trail requires little maintenance because it is designed right. Flowing water, which accelerates the process of erosion, is the enemy of a trail. Proper design can avoid situations whereby the trail becomes a river during rainstorms. In the afternoon, participants learned how to use clinometers to assess the slopes around them in a scientific fashion. 

Day 2: Trail construction. Attendees learn how to pick the proper tool for the job, when to use power tools, and how to cut trails into a slope. Riter also talks about how to build bridges and boardwalks, and when to incorporate switchbacks into a trail and how to do it right. He includes safety procedures for tool use, and teaches the best way to swing a shovel and not throw out your back. Very important! 

Day 3: Trail maintenance. Although a well-designed trail is easy to maintain, most trails that trail workers will be dealing with have been laid out in a less than ideal way. If you canot reroute them, you will have to fix and maintain them, battling wind, water, and gravity. 

Day 4: Crew leadership and graduation. The final day is where all that you have learned is pulled together in an outdoor session. The attendees each role-play "Crew Leader," using the language, tools, safety issues and teamwork with your class on the trail. At the end, certificates for those that completed the course will be issued.


Call or Email Us:

(724) 859-5572

crookedcreekhorsepark@gmail.com

Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association is a 501(c)4

Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association Foundation is a 501(c)3 

Mail Address:

FAHA

467 Crooked Creek Dam Rd

Ford City, PA 16226

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