Over the last few years i've noticed a couple practices that should be avoided in our central NJ parks -
specifically 6MR, Sourlands, CR, the new section of RV, probably some of Nassau.
One item is leaving cleared logs/tree trunks to line the trail. (and the hikers placing them in the trail to bridge muddy areas.)
Hikers will walk on them, forcing them even deeper into the soil.
While I have no formal trail building training (@jdog teaches me a little each time we are out,)
it is obvious that water management with our soil is a key to sustainable trails.
Sometimes a fallen tree dictates the "new line" - no sense cutting into a 40+ inch trunk, when 15' away is a much easier cut, or going around a root ball is quicker.
Here is an example at CR, and what can happen.
The high side is to the left where a large tree fell, taking-out a bunch of smaller ones -
the trail between the two logs was a rutted mess a week ago - so this is improvement.
but why does the section leading in and away not have a problem? It is the embedded log on the right side.
(the right side bottom log is actually floating off the ground)
Water in the soil from the high side can not pass by the embedded log as easily - if at all. the trail softens,
and gets rutted - which then holds rain water which would run off the surface. take away that log, and that spot on the trail is just like the others.
A high side log also creates issues as it focuses water to pass around it.
Water will run uphill because of capillary action and adhesion (think about dipping the corner of a paper towel in water.) We want this capillary action to move water away -
with gravity doing the assist.
The same action results in all the exposed roots - only we don't have a choice there (actually we do). the roots keep the ground soft
between them after a rain - we ride it, loosen it up, and it washes away next storm. Esp on a hill.
We removed a bunch of these logs at the Sourlands over the last year with good results.
Got problem spots at your park - check to see if there are embedded logs/sticks near the trail.
Note that multiple sticks set perpendicular to the trail, or deep rock armoring without gaps between the rocks can also create a problem.
Now what type of work has J been doing at 6MR to remediate the perpetually wet areas? Rather than the water going where it wants,
he has been creating channels, and grade reversals to move water away from the trails. Creating low spots for water to collect and
drain away - We could use a few channels above the trails at the Sourlands,
to get the water to our armored crossings, or small bridges.
it looked bad when we did it - but dried quickly. Haven't been there this year. How's it doing?
specifically 6MR, Sourlands, CR, the new section of RV, probably some of Nassau.
One item is leaving cleared logs/tree trunks to line the trail. (and the hikers placing them in the trail to bridge muddy areas.)
Hikers will walk on them, forcing them even deeper into the soil.
While I have no formal trail building training (@jdog teaches me a little each time we are out,)
it is obvious that water management with our soil is a key to sustainable trails.
Sometimes a fallen tree dictates the "new line" - no sense cutting into a 40+ inch trunk, when 15' away is a much easier cut, or going around a root ball is quicker.
Here is an example at CR, and what can happen.
The high side is to the left where a large tree fell, taking-out a bunch of smaller ones -
the trail between the two logs was a rutted mess a week ago - so this is improvement.
but why does the section leading in and away not have a problem? It is the embedded log on the right side.
(the right side bottom log is actually floating off the ground)
Water in the soil from the high side can not pass by the embedded log as easily - if at all. the trail softens,
and gets rutted - which then holds rain water which would run off the surface. take away that log, and that spot on the trail is just like the others.
A high side log also creates issues as it focuses water to pass around it.
Water will run uphill because of capillary action and adhesion (think about dipping the corner of a paper towel in water.) We want this capillary action to move water away -
with gravity doing the assist.
The same action results in all the exposed roots - only we don't have a choice there (actually we do). the roots keep the ground soft
between them after a rain - we ride it, loosen it up, and it washes away next storm. Esp on a hill.
We removed a bunch of these logs at the Sourlands over the last year with good results.
Got problem spots at your park - check to see if there are embedded logs/sticks near the trail.
Note that multiple sticks set perpendicular to the trail, or deep rock armoring without gaps between the rocks can also create a problem.
Now what type of work has J been doing at 6MR to remediate the perpetually wet areas? Rather than the water going where it wants,
he has been creating channels, and grade reversals to move water away from the trails. Creating low spots for water to collect and
drain away - We could use a few channels above the trails at the Sourlands,
to get the water to our armored crossings, or small bridges.
it looked bad when we did it - but dried quickly. Haven't been there this year. How's it doing?
