Why Join?

Photo: Integrated Trail LAB

Why do companies join PTBA?

Companies join PTBA for connection, credibility, education, business resources, and opportunities. But membership is also about something bigger: working together to strengthen and advance the professional trail industry.

No individual company can do that alone. PTBA brings professional trail companies together around a collective voice and shared work that moves the entire industry forward.

Here’s what our members say about why they joined:

Networking, training, support, and camaraderie

We joined PTBA to be better recognized as legitimate professionals in the industry and for connecting with our peers within the PTBA network

To learn, share, and be inspired by others in the trails industry

To gain credibility and access learning opportunities

For representation and legitimization of a unique career path and industry

To connect with and learn from more experienced peers

The opportunity to learn from trail builders in other parts of the country and to be a part of a respected organization

To demonstrate professional acumen in the trailbuilding industry

At first, to qualify for bids that were increasingly requiring certification of some kind, and now, to be a part of a stellar group of companies that we are proud to be associated with.

To be among peers that want to progress the industry

PTBA represents the best of the best...it has a rigorous acceptance process.

For further training to learn new ideas, tools, and ways of improving performance in the profession of trail building.

Some bids ask about PTBA membership to demonstrate professionalism

Connecting with the PTBA network of member companies - who are at times my collaborators and at other times my competitors

A Collective Voice for the Trail Industry

PTBA is a member-driven organization. Members have opportunities to contribute their expertise, help identify industry priorities, and participate in initiatives that strengthen the profession.

Together, PTBA and its members are working to:

  • Build and advance the Trail Competency Framework and Trail Skills Project

  • Establish federal recognition of trail construction as a distinct skilled occupation

  • Develop apprenticeship and workforce pathways

  • Improve professional resources, contracting practices, and client education

  • Represent the professional trail industry in national and international conversations

  • Bring the industry together through an annual events that build relationships, share expertise, and strengthen the professional trail community.

Application Process

PTBA is the trade association for the trail industry and represents private-sector companies who do the majority of their work in trails.

The application process is rigorous with a portfolio submission that includes project experience, reference letters, and PTBA member company sponsorship. The membership committee reviews submissions, follows with clarifying questions, and recommends qualified companies for membership. This is followed by an all member e-vote. The process takes ~6 weeks after the deadline (typically 2/year).

Learn more

Member Benefits

Professionally Vetted by Peers

  • PTBA acceptance and membership is a tangible way to demonstrate a company’s professionalism and quality in bidsand client relations

  • Companies listed on Find a Trailbuilder Mapwhich is PTBA’s most highly searched and visited webpage

Member-only Communication Platform (App + Desktop)

  • RFP’s posted and sent directly via email

  • Members can pose questions to the group

  • Information shared by PTBA about national/international initiatives and efforts

  • ProDeal eligibility and directions

  • Upcoming trail events

PTBA Conferences

  • PTBA members are featured as speakers at events

  • Member discounts for attendance and exhibiting

Member-only education

  • PTBA offers 3-4 webinars each year for only members on business topics (i.e. insurance, OSHA, case law, and bonding)

  • Webinars notes and recordings (when available) are posted on the member only communications platform

Business Tools, Partnerships + Templates

  • Access to templates that member companies can customize, most recently Safety Program Templates

  • Experts who lead webinars are resources for PTBA members after presentations

  • PTBA continually works to create resources in the areas of HR, contracting, client education, and insuranc