THE REPORT
NEW INITIATIVES OUT ON THE TRAILS By ANNIE ROSENFELD, Director of Risk Management and Real Property
ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM Staff will launch an Adaptive Management Pilot Program this July, which will run through the fall. The goal of this initiative is to evaluate and explore concepts of changing trail use on select trails through an adaptive management approach.
WHAT IS ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT?
Adaptive management is the process of implementing land management activities in incremental steps and evaluating whether desired outcomes are being achieved at each step. If conditions deviate substantially from predictions, management activities are adjusted to achieve the desired outcomes.
This summer, the Trails Department will be implementing two important initiatives directly addressing the sustainability of the trails and the friendly vibe we all love about the trail system: an Adaptive Management Pilot Program and an Ambassador Program. Through feedback last summer and the electric bicycle (e-bike) regulation evaluation and member outreach process earlier this year, many important themes became apparent. Of foremost concern for the membership is sustaining the beloved trail system and its ethos. In response to the membership, these new initiatives include focused on-the-ground testing of best adaptive management practices and the reestablishment of a stewardship culture in open spaces and the trail system. Implementation begins this summer through education and communication efforts to address both short-term issues and long-term planning. These initiatives are taking steps toward evolving the Trails Master Plan under an Open Space Master Plan and new trail developments. Staff look forward to member participation in both programs.
WHY IS ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT SO IMPORTANT?
Adaptive management provides flexibility to adapt to evolving conditions, trends, technology and environmental changes while reducing uncertainty. With an efficient approach, management can adopt a best practice of ongoing learning and improvement.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PILOT PROGRAM?
The Pilot Program will create a sensible approach to engage the community and measure acceptance of any proposed changes while allowing members to participate in changes through experience and outreach input tools like field surveys and in-person observations. The Pilot Program will introduce adaptive management as a systematic process to address issues inclusive of all trail users.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE MEMBERSHIP?
COURT LEVE
The Pilot Program will improve understanding of member perspectives and ideas for solutions, test ways to enhance user experience, improve safety, boost trail flow and create recreational options for more members.
