1. Natural Surface Trail
Builders Workshop

2. Alan Markert
George Longoria
Marty Burke
STORM is a 200+ member local organization that:
• Promotes and represents mountain biking with bikers,
shops, land owners and local governments
• Organizes rides and races
• Builds and maintains trails

3. Today, You Will LEARN How We …
Ø Augmented SAs greenways park plan with a separate
natural surface trail effort and why this is important
Ø Partnered with the city and other groups
Ø Structured the MOU and operational rules
Ø Designed natural surface trails
Ø Organized to construct & maintain trails

4. Today’s Schedule …
1:00 – 2:30 Discuss Presentation
2:30 – 3:00 Travel to Off-site Location
3:00 – 4:30 Hike Paved and Natural Surface Trails
& Observe co-existing trail examples

6. Goals for Natural
Surface Trails
• “In city” biking opportunities
• Muliti-user public service
• Prevention of unauthorized trails
• Sustainable / IMBA standards
• Loops where land is available
• Challenging & easier options
• Connection to existing parks trails
• Minimized paved trail interaction
• Straightforward trail navigation

7. Salado Future (10+ mi.)
Salado North (4 mi.)
Salado North 2
(awaiting roadwork)
McAlister Park (20+ mi.)
Salado Central (limited)
Tobin Park (3 mi.)
John James Park (10 mi.)
Salado South (no plans)
Natural Surface
Trails

8. Leon Future (?)
Leon North (limited)
Bamberger Park
Birds of Prey
OP Schnabel Park (20+ mi.)
Leon Central (Planning)
Leon South (Planning w/
Some informal trails)
Natural Surface
Trails

9. The Partnership
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

10. MOU Responsibilities – SA Parks & Rec.:
Ø Make SAPAR property available for hiking and biking
Ø Provide rules pertaining to use of natural-surface trails
Ø Provide resources for large trail maintenance
Ø Approve publication materials for distribution
Ø Approve proposals for events held during non-park hours
Ø Approve Annual Plan of Operations prepared by the parties
Ø Provide city officials information regarding activities
Ø Ensure communication / coordination between parties
Ø Work with STORM to implement “Trail Steward” and “Trail
Patrol” programs
Ø Keep up-to-date directory of contact information TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

11. MOU Responsibilities – Friends of the Parks:
Ø Identify partnership opportunities with other community partners
Ø Respond to requests from citizens and community groups
regarding natural-surface trails
Ø Work with STORM to facilitate training of Trail Stewards and
Trail Patrol
Ø Obtain SAPAR approval prior to publication
Ø Encourage members to work with SAPAR officials and STORM
Ø Submit requests to SAPAR 4 weeks in advance for events that
may disrupt public access
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

12. MOU Responsibilities – STORM:
Ø Implement “Trail Steward” and “Trail Patrol” programs
Ø Construct and maintain natural surface trails
Ø Submit an Annual Plan of Operations to SAPAR
Ø Obtain SAPAR approval prior to significant trail work
Ø Provide technical assistance to land managers & communities
Ø Provide “Rules of the Trail“ and “Leave No Trace” instruction
Ø Coordinate placement of signage and trail markers
Ø Submit requests to SAPAR 4 weeks in advance for events
Ø Serve as ambassadors for the sport of mountain biking
Ø Encourage cooperation among all park users
Ø Utilize approved Release of Liability
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

13. Partnership / MOU Implementation
Negotiations:
Ø Initial draft by STORM using examples
Ø Working meetings with all parties
Ø Finalized by city attorneys
Communications to the Public:
Ø 1 page press release format document by STORM
Ø Approved by all parties including Advisory Board rep.
Ø Distributed through mountain biking internet sites
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

15. Other Important Negotiated Documents
Trail Steward Duties
Qualifications:
Ø Experience managing volunteers and familiar with area
Ø High judgment, interpersonal and environmental awareness
Ø Able to devote 20 hrs / month, 21+ years old
Responsibilites:
Ø Organize trail workdays & minor trail work
Ø Communicate to SAPAR workday schedule & objectives
Ø Recommend solutions for erosion or trail damage problems
Ø Report on stewardship effectiveness & make suggestions
Training:
Ø IMBA training
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

16. Other Important Negotiated Documents
Trail Maintenance Rules
Ø Approvals and Supervision Requirements
Ø Trail Routing
Ø Branch Trimming
Ø Tree Cutting
Ø Removal of Deadfall, Movement of Rocks
Ø Safety Equipment
Ø Manual & Power Equipment Permitted / Prohibited
Ø Release of Liability for Workday Participants
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

17. Advisory Board (mthly)
9 District SAPAR
Chairman Reps Director
(2)
Natural Surface Trails
Subcommittee
(as needed)
(3) (1)
Salado Lead Leon Lead
3 Trail 3 Trail Park Police
Stewards Stewards

18. Misses
Ø Lack of Trail Patrol progress after good initial start
Ø Trail signage not implemented
Ø Difficulty getting Trail Steward section ownership commitments
Ø Waiting too long to provide formal IMBA trail training
Ø Not permitted to use power equipment – low SAPAR priority
Ø Slow progress with large Leon Creek section
Ø Too few organized workdays for trail maintenance
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

19. Hits
Ø Trusting partnership between SAPAR, Friends and STORM
Ø STORM recognition at Advisory Board level
Ø Organized workdays well attended by community volunteers
Ø Good working relationships with Park Police
Ø North Salado as early “on the map” demonstration project
Ø STORM members willing to work home sections on their own
Ø Some success stopping rogue trail building
Ø Better, widespread understanding of mountain biking
Ø Use of S&S Trail Services out of Austin for trail building training
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

21. Keys To Success
Ø Visibility to Natural Surface Trail Importance and Accomplishments
Ø Liaisons with mature leadership / partnering skills
Ø Organized to share the workload – there is too much to do
Ø Clear, written understanding of responsibilities
Ø Clear, written understanding of the operational rules
Ø Inclusive planning – government and other user groups
Ø Frequent communications – emails, subcommittee meetings, etc.
Ø Strong, respectful relationship between SAPAR and STORM
leaders at a personal level
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods

22. Site Visit
Phil Hardberger Park auxiliary parking area
3:00 pm
Directions:
North on 281 for approx. 9 mi. to Bitters Road Exit
Exit Bitters Road. Turn left on Bitters (west bound)
Travel approx. 2.5 mi. on Bitters Road to Blanco Road
Turn left on Blanco
Travel approx 1 mi. on Blanco to Longfield Drive (stop light)
Turn right on Longfield Drive go one block to stop sign
Turn left at stop sign
Short distance to dead end with park entrance on right
Travel approx .5 mi. to parking area
TRAIL
VOLUNTEERS
Community /
Neighborhoods