Rigging for blow downs and hung up trees

1.5 Day Workshop
Dates:Wednesday, March 28 (afternoon only)
Thursday, March 29, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (lunch included)
Cost: $235
Instructors: Robert Fina, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club & Martha Becton, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Workshop Details

• Removal of leaning, broken, and hung up blow downs is a reality of trail maintenance.
• Traditional methods of cutting section by section are relatively dangerous as the sawyer is under the unstable and often unpredictable tree as the cutting is done.
• The use of rigging gear removes the operator from the danger area as the tree is brought down.
• Rigging gear is light weight; a two person team can carry the necessary rigging and saw gear.

The course will cover:
1. Safety considerations
2. Assessment of the blowdown and planning for the project.
3. Use of the throw line
4. Knots
5. Setting the pulling line
6. Selecting an anchor
7. Slings and shackles
8. Set up and use of the rope puller
9. Snatch blocks
10. Understanding working load limits
11. Communication between sawyer and rigger

Learning Objectives:
1.    Learn how to assess a problem blow down and identify safety issues
2.    Learn rope techniques and knots
3.    Learn safe rigging techniques

Stonework for Trails

Dates:
Wednesday March 28 (afternoon only)
Thursday, March 29 (lunch provided)
Friday March 30 (lunch provided)
Cost: $400
Instructor: Erin Amadon, Peter S. Jensen and Associates, PTBA Member

Workshop Details

Learn about the process of selecting and shaping stone, moving stone, and installation of multi-tier stone cribbing (retaining walls). Maximum class size is 10 people. 

Part 1 Stone Procurement
This section will focus on acquiring both native and purchased stone, selecting the right stone for the application, and shaping stone (using a variety of methods with hand tools). 

Part 2 Stone Transport
This session will cover how to move stone as efficiently and safely as possible. Stone will be moved with a variety of hand tools. 

Part 3 Stone Installation
This section will deal with the installation of various types of stone cribbing (dry stack retaining walls).

We will provide first aid kits and all of the tools and equipment necessary for the workshop. Participants should plan on bringing hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves, and sturdy work boots.
 

Learning Objectives

Participants will show proper retaining wall construction techniques by applying knowledge learned through hands on demonstration throughout the workshop. Participants will receive direct feedback from the instructors on how to improve stone selection, moving, and setting techniques.  By the end of the workshop participants will make professional connections with PTBA member companies, fellow trail builders, supports, and volunteers alike.

What to Bring
Appropriate field gear for the weather. Expect to be outside during this workshop. We will be operating in the Midwest in May. Expect rain and be pleasantly surprised if it stays dry. We will provide dust masks, first aid kits and all of the tools and equipment necessary for the workshop Participants should plan on bringing hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves, and sturdy work boots. 
 

Instructor:

 Erin Amadon, Peter S Jensen and Associates LLC Erin Amadon’s passion for trail work began nearly two decades ago when she first served as a member of a youth conservation corps, and she has been doing trail work ever since. As a founding member of Peter S. Jensen and Associates, LLC, Erin has been immersed in technical trail projects throughout the northeast for the last decade. She is committed to building high-quality, sustainable trails and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to volunteer groups, clients, students, and fellow trail lovers across the country. As a former Trail Training Coordinator for the Maine Conservation Corps’ Trail Training Academy and a current work skills instructor for the Student Conservation Association, Erin is committed to youth conservation work and supporting the next generation of trail builders. When she is not busy working on technical trail projects or teaching trail skills, you can often find her working on home improvement projects. 

Boardwalk Construction

2.5 Day Workshop
Dates:
Wednesday, March 28 (afternoon only)
Thursday, March 29 (8:30 am - 5pm), lunch provided
Friday, March 30 (8:30 am - 4 pm), lunch provided
Cost: $450
Instructors: Charlie Dundas and John Gibson, Tri-State Trails, PTBA Member

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Learn the basics the construction of crib boardwalk/floating boardwalk over a wetland in a two-day and half-day, hands-on workshop. 

Topics covered will include notching, construction techniques, proper layout, site assessment, materials options and transportation, essential and helpful tools, and leaving a clean, finished product and work site.

Participants should come ready to work with gloves, long pants, and boots.

WHAT TO BRING:

Appropriate field gear for the weather. Expect to be outside throughout workshop. Expect rain and be pleasantly surprised if it stays dry. This is a working and very hands on workshop, please come prepared for such. Being prepared includes having the following: good work clothing including rain gear, good boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and a hard hat. Lunch is provided each day but you will need to bring a pack for water, snacks and extra clothing. Barring major weather events this workshop will happen rain, snow, or shine.

Let Aaryn Kay (info@trailbuilders.org, 360-734-7270) know if you do not have the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) asked for above, and we will endeavor to provide it for you.

Fundamentals of Trail Design & Layout

Fundamentals of Trail Design & Layout

2.5 Day Workshop
Dates:
Wednesday March 28 (afternoon only)
Thursday, March 29 (lunch provided)
Friday March 30 (morning only)
Cost: $400
Instructors: Jon Underwood, Happy Trails Inc, PTBA Member & Mike Shields, Michael D. Shields Consulting, PTBA Member

Workshop Description:

This workshop presents basic trail design and layout for natural surface trails, including terrain dynamics, sustainable trail design elements, direction-reversing turns, location of structures, and use of information and measurement tools.  We will field test these concepts and tools, then turn to look at the social and aesthetic values that bring great trails to life.  Each student will lay out a trail line as part of the class.

What to bring:

Clinometer and GPS (if you have them), outdoor clothing for an afternoon in the woods. (phone versions of clinometer and GPS are acceptable).

We will spend a large amount of this workshop outside, so please bring appropriate field gear for the weather. Expect rain and be pleasantly surprised if it stays dry. We will provide first aid kits and any additional tools and equipment necessary for the workshop. Let us know if you are unable to bring any of the above items, please contact us.

Instructor(s):

Jon Underwood, Happy Trails Inc., 907-322-5834, happytrailsak@gmail.com

Mike Shields, Michael D. Shields Consulting, 907-746-2515 meshie@mtaonline.net