collect the right information the first time trail assessment & condition surveys tracs
TRANSCRIPT
Collect the right information the first time
Trail Assessment & Condition Surveys
TRACS
TRACS
Trail Assessment &Condition Surveys
Why Trail Condition Surveys?
First-hand field knowledge
Program management, inventory & accountability
Collect the right information… the first time
TMO-Based Reflecting forest plan & management decisions
Field Inventory Trail length, width & constructed features
Condition AssessmentWhat kind of shape is the trail in?
PrescriptionWhat is needed & how often to meet standard?
TRACS
T r a i l M a n a g e m e n t O b j e c t i v e s
Inventory
TRACS
+ Assess + Prescribe
TRACS Efficiency, Consistency, Quality
‘Collect the Right Information the First Time’
Trained & Skilled Personnel
TRACS Infra Seamless Relationship
Standardized Data Dictionary
Consolidated and Efficient Forms
eTRACS
TRACS Makes Sense
Efficiency & Consistency
Sound Business Management
Required Approach for USFS Trail Condition Surveys
TRAC’ing for Success
National Quality Standards
TMO: Point of Reference
Training & Skill Development
Application of Design Parameters
Appropriate Level of Accuracy & Specificity
National Quality Standards
Health & Cleanliness
Resource Setting
Safety & Security
Responsiveness
Condition of Facilities
TMO’s
To be effective, every TRACS survey must be based on a trail-specific TMO
TRAC’ers
Training & Skill Development
TRACS Apprentice Journey-Level TRAC’er TRACS Master
Assess & Prescribe
Based on theDesign Parameters identified for the trail, what’s needed to meet standard?
Trail CASM Survey Accuracy & Specificity
GIS: Spatial & tabular data displayed in digital map coverages
GPS: Survey method well-suited for collecting GIS spatial data
TRACS: Survey method well suited for collecting GIS tabular data
GIS, GPS & TRACS What’s the connection?
Ready, Set….
National Standards
TMO: Point of Reference
Training & Skill Development
Application of Design Parameters
Appropriate Level of Accuracy & Specificity
TRACS!
TRACS User Guide
TRACS Data Dictionary
TRACS Surveys
TRACS Productivity Factors
TRACS Sign Inventory
TRACS Photo Record
eTRACS
Instructions, Forms & Examples:
TRACS Data Dictionary
Constructed Features Feature Condition Codes Tasks Severity Factors Required & Optional Fields
Standardized Codes & Definitions:
TRACS Feature Inventory
Trailway Turnpike Puncheon Culvert Retaining Wall Etc.
By Type, Location, Dimensions, Material
USFSStandard Drawings & Specs
www.fs.fed.us/.ftproot/pub/acad/dev/trails/trails.htm
TRACS Assessment & Prescription
Feature Condition
Trail & Feature-Specific Work Needed to Meet Standard
Concise, Consistent Identification of:
TRACS Condition Codes
1. Routine Maintenance2. Repair/ Rehab3. Replace4. Decommission5. Expand6. Alter Function7. Install New
TRACS Data Dictionary
Features & Unit of Measure
Standardized features, unit of measure, drawing #, required dimensions & material types
TRACS Data Dictionary
Features & Tasks
Standardized features, tasks, unit of measure, & severity factors
Get Organized!
TRACS Survey Form:
Systematically record key trail inventory, dimensions, materials, conditions & prescriptions
Walk out of the woods with a consistent, quality, & useful set of information
TRACS Survey Forms
Record trail-specific inventory, dimensions, conditions & tasks
TRACS Survey Example
Productivity Factors
Collecting Key, Trail-Specific Information
Physical factors that have a predominant effect on the accomplishment and cost of trail construction, maintenance and/or reconstruction
Productivity Factors
Site-specific data (per CASM accuracies)
Usually don’t change much over time
Used to refine costing
Useful for planning, management & other information purposes
Productivity Factors
Productivity Factors
Typical Tread Grade
Typical Side Slope
Typical Soil Type
Typical Vegetation: Brush
Typical Vegetation: Timber
Productivity Factor
Codes
Standardized codes
Developed from perspective of trail construction & maintenance production rates
Productivity Factor
Codes
Productivity Factor
Codes
Field Data is Collected:
Via a Productivity Factor Survey
Usually during the 1st full TRACS survey
(Default values can be created in Infra)
TRACS
Productivity Factor Survey
Field observations about key variables affecting trail construction & maintenance
Site-specific data
Used to refine costing
Useful for planning & management
TRACS Infra Trails
Productivity Factors
Productivity Factors
Because all trails notare created equal …
TRACS Sign Inventory
TRACS Photo Log
TRACS Photo Record
Where to find it?www.fs.fed.us
Recreational Activities
Special Programs
TrailManagement
Where to find it?http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/rhwr/ibsc/index.shtml
Standardized approach to trail condition surveys
Based on TMO
Influenced by CASM
Quality Trail Prescription & Cost Information
Consistent, Versatile & Useful Data
Results….TMO CASM TRACS Infra
TRACSMake the Most of Your Trip
TRACS
Collect the right information… …the first time
