2012 Vermont Trail Symposium Presentation Alex Hoffmeier Mechanized Trail Construction: Choosing the Right Machine for the Job 2:30-4:00 PM
Alex Hoffmeier works for Timber & Stone, LLC, a company specializing in trail design, planning, and construction. He has worked on trail projects throughout the northeast ranging in size from a 15 foot long bridge to installing 400 stone stairs near Niagara Falls. Combining his background in landscape planning and design with construction, he has found that trail work utilizes both skill sets and continually challenges him. On any given day he can be found behind the controls of an excavator, setting stone by hand, building a bridge, or working with volunteers. Alex will offer an overview of specialized low impact trail construction machinery. There will be a classroom slideshow highlighting a variety of machines used for building trails as well as a breakdown of efficient and effective operation. An emphasis on minimizing site impact, the import of material to remote sites, and the construction of multi-use and naturally surfaced trails will be discussed. A machine demonstration will take place during the second half of the workshop.