Full course description
Course of Study summary:
This course of study is designed to help Bureau of Land Management employees learn more about the management of national scenic and historic trails.
Designated national trails pose unique management challenges as their linear structure necessitates working with many cooperating agencies and partners across large landscapes. The National Scenic and Historic Trails Management online course of study offers an opportunity for BLM staff and partners to better understand 1968 National Trail System Act, BLM's step-down agency policy, and associated planning documents. Armed with that knowledge, learners can protect and prioritize the scenic, cultural, historic, natural, and recreational resources that support the nature and purpose of each unique congressionally designated trail.
Course of Study objectives:
After completing all seven modules in this course of study, participants should be able to:
- Describe the National Trails Program and its foundations.
- Discuss the process for conducting inventories to determine the condition of resources, qualities, values, and associated settings, and the primary use or uses of a national trail.
- Explain how to establish a national trail management corridor through the land use planning process.
- Discuss the importance of managing national trail areas.
- Describe impacts to national trail resources, qualities, values, and associated settings, and the primary use or uses of national trail areas.
- Describe how to monitor conditions on national trail resources, qualities, values, and associated settings, and the primary use or uses, the effects of decision implementation, and new and emerging issues.
- Explain how to apply data management standards, and establish and maintain records.
Recommended background:
There are no prerequisites for this course; all are welcome.
Module topics include:
- Module 1: National Trails Foundations
- Module 2: Conducting Inventories
- Module 3: Creating a Corridor
- Module 4: Proactive Management
- Module 5: Assessing Impacts
- Module 6: Monitoring the Trail
- Module 7: Records and Data
Module elements:
- Informational text
- Engaging videos
- Real-life examples and case studies
- Links to resource manuals and documents
- Interactive practice activities
- Informal assessment quizzes
- Final assessments
These modules are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the modules as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and activities in each module, you will complete a final quiz to evaluate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all module quizzes with a score of 80% or higher, you will be awarded a course of study certificate of completion.
Creators:
This course of study was designed and developed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.