About PTBA

Photo: Allegra Trails

Quality and
Professionalism

The Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) is the non-profit trade association for the trail industry representing private-sector companies who plan, design and build trails worldwide.

The PTBA is dedicated to upholding excellence and professionalism in the trail industry, with our members serving as the cornerstone of this commitment. Every PTBA member company undergoes a rigorous vetting process, including portfolio submission and peer review, before being granted membership.

Mission

PTBA’s mission is to advance the trail industry by promoting quality and professionalism.

A thriving trail industry that:

  • Establishes industry best practices

  • Builds a robust and skilled workforce

  • Fosters a strong and supportive professional network

  • Is recognized as an integral part of the outdoor recreation economy

  • Continues to evolve and grow

Vision

  • Quality and professionalism

  • Creating access to the outdoors and nature

  • Leaving a legacy

  • Sustainable trails

  • A culture of respect

  • Workplace safety and employee well-being

Values

Strategic Plan

PTBA is guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan with the following goals:

Organization: Grow and operate PTBA strategically and sustainably

Member Companies: Support the community of PTBA member companies

Trail Industry: Poise PTBA as leader in the trail industry

Workforce: Engage the next generation of trail professionals

Since 1976

Founded in 1976 as the Western Trailbuilders Association and renamed in 2004, the Professional Trailbuilders Association (PTBA) is the world’s only private sector group of trail specialists, professional trail contractors, designers, and consultants. In its early years, PTBA served to define and nurture a new industry—private trail contracting for the federal government, primarily the USDA Forest Service - and PTBA continues to support our growing industry through education, advocacy, member company support, and workforce development.

The Trail Industry + the Outdoor Recreation Economy

PTBA is a proud member of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), supporting the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities. ORR works on society’s pressing issues through access to the outdoors and building the $1.2 trillion dollar outdoor recreation economy. PTBA’s connection to ORR extends our capacity and reach as ORR works to educate decision makers and the public on balanced policies that conserve public lands and waterways and enhance infrastructure to improve the experience and quality of life of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.