Trail Degredation

The Five Tree Hill trail has been affected by erosion. Most of it is caused by human impact. By measuring cross sections at random points along the 1.3 mile (2.1 km) VAST/Overlook Trail and calculating the average volume of soil eroded per unit length of trail, the total volume of lost and/or compacted soil was estimated at 115 cubic yards (88 cubic meters). The natural forest floor is capable of absorbing and draining the water and balancing its pH level. On the trails, however, the soil is compacted and eroded and bedrock is exposed. During periods of heavy rain fall, the trail soil is not able to absorb and buffer the rain water; areas of acidic standing water and heavy run-off are created and erosion is increased. While foot traffic is a contributing factor to trail degredation, the greatest damage is caused by off-road vehicles and mountain bikes, (see photos). These vehicles cause ruts, damage trees, expose roots, and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Once an area has been dug up, other trail users try to find alternate routes around the mud, causeing the trail to get wider and increasing the area affected.

Dan and Rick at one of the cross-section sites.

Colin and Rick taking measurements.

Jon levels board.

This tree damage was probably inflicted by an ATV or a snomobile.

Mountain bike tracks.

Sean takes notes while Jon supervises.

This graph shows one of the cross section sites. Each line represents one set of measurements across a 6-meter length of trail.