positive links between sustainable trail construction and youth development programs

Positive Links Between Positive Links Between Sustainable Trail Sustainable Trail

Construction and Youth Construction and Youth Development ProgramsDevelopment Programs

22 Years - Greening Australia22 Years - Greening Australia

• Core Business has diversified– Training and Education programs– Youth development– Community projects– Land management– Vegetation services

• “Changing Landscapes and Lives”• GASA now involved in Sustainable Trail Development

Youth Conservation CorpsYouth Conservation Corps

• Youth Development• Protecting and Enhancing

Natural Heritage• Community Involvement• Fostering the Volunteers of the

Future• Aged 15 to 24

Green CorpsGreen Corps

• Youth Development• Protecting and Enhancing

Natural and Cultural Heritage• Training allowance• Aged 17 to 20 years

Program OutcomesProgram Outcomes

• Accredited Training

• Senior First Aid

• Working as a Team

• Hands on Understanding of OH&S “Culture of Safety”

• Work experience leads to employment

Trail Building as Work ExperienceTrail Building as Work Experience

• Planning

• Construction

• Maintenance

• Signage Installation

• Photo Points Installation and Monitoring

Physical Achievements in Eagle Physical Achievements in Eagle Mountain Bike ParkMountain Bike Park

• About 7km of full bench trail • Planting of 12 000 tubes• 1.5 km of fencing• Seed collection – 2kg, 13 species• Initiation of photo point surveys of trail sustainability• Approx 8000m² of weed removed• Weed Removal along 1km weed front to protect remnant

vegetation

Eagle Mountain Bike ParkEagle Mountain Bike Park

Physical Achievements in Cudlee Physical Achievements in Cudlee Creek Trail NetworkCreek Trail Network

• Significant contribution to XC single trails and 1 DH trail – full bench, maintenance and pruning vegetation

• Installation of trail markers and trailheads

• Construction of boardwalk (north shore) for DH trail

• Initiation of photo point surveys of trail sustainability

Cudlee Creek Trail NetworkCudlee Creek Trail Network

Cudlee Creek Trail NetworkCudlee Creek Trail Network

Physical Achievements in Melrose Physical Achievements in Melrose for Mawson Trail Loopsfor Mawson Trail Loops

• 3km of full bench trail• Initiation healthy relationship

with the local community• 6 month Green Corp program

will commence immediately to build trails and install signs for mountain bike riders

Melrose Loop TrailsMelrose Loop Trails

Physical Achievements on the Tom Physical Achievements on the Tom Roberts Trail (Horse SA)Roberts Trail (Horse SA)

• Replaced trail markers and changed trail routes in Belair NP to comply with latest management plans

• Repaired eroded trail by introducing drainage mechanisms, steps and aggregate to harden surface in Scott Creek and Belair National Park

• Pruning and slashing to improve safety and longevity of trail along roadsides

• 6 month Green Corps program to commence immediately to work on Kersbrook and Kidman Trails

Tom Roberts Horse TrailTom Roberts Horse Trail

Tom Roberts Horse TrailTom Roberts Horse Trail

Positive LinksPositive Links

• Saving the planet – making a real, measurable difference

• Implementing systems that promote a balance between recreation and conservation

• Making friends and building confidence• Promotion of healthy lifestyles, outdoor recreation• Networking – contacts for future opportunities, referees

etc

Associated PlansAssociated Plans• State Mountain Bike Plan 2001• Cudlee Creek Strategic Plan, 2000• EMBP Draft Management Plan

– Vegetation Plans– NVC Approvals

• Draft Recreational Trails Strategy• Belair National Park Management Plan• Southern Flinders Ranges Cycle Tourism Strategy• Mount Remarkable District Council Strategic Plans• Agenda 21 – ESD Principles• Yurrebilla

Positive ExamplesPositive Examples

• Successful Transplants of endemic species– Lomandra micrantha (Small-flower Irongrass)– Pultenaea daphnoides (Large-leaved Bush Pea)– Dianellea longifolia (Pale Flax-lily)

• Boardwalk • Riding Trails at the end of the program• BBQs and recognition from trail users and stakeholders• Adult learning

The Warm and the FuzzyThe Warm and the Fuzzy

• Win / Win Outcomes – Great trails and an excellent start for the participants

• Protecting natural assets

• Encouraging healthy lifestyles

• Increased Tourism Potential

• Positive action and lasting achievements

Dr Adam Main: main@greeningsa.org.au

www.greeningaustralia.org.au