{"id":1771,"date":"2014-12-30T19:11:55","date_gmt":"2014-12-31T01:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pnts.org\/new\/?page_id=1771"},"modified":"2025-09-25T17:00:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T21:00:52","slug":"tools-and-documents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pnts.org\/new\/resources\/tools-and-documents\/","title":{"rendered":"Tools & Documents"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reference materials are organized by topic, below. We add content on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

If you have materials you suggest we include as a resource, please email your suggestion and any pertinent documents or links communication@pnts.org<\/p>\n

\n
ADVOCACY<\/span>AGENCY<\/span>MAP\/GIS<\/span>MANAGEMENT<\/span>OUTREACH\/PLANNING<\/span>PROTECTION<\/span>VOLUNTEER<\/span>MAINTENANCE<\/span>PNTS POLICIES<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Trail Advocacy<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2022<\/a><\/h4>\n
Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2022. This report shows the collaborative impact of nonprofit trail organizations and Federal agency partners on behalf of trails in the National Trails System in 2022. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2022<\/a><\/h4>\n
Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2022. This report shows the collaborative impact of nonprofit trail organizations and Federal agency partners on behalf of trails in the National Trails System in 2022. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2022<\/a><\/h4>\n
Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2022. A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2022. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2022<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2021<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2021. This report shows the collaborative impact of the nonprofit trail organizations and Federal agency partners on behalf of trails in the National Trails System in 2021. Partnership for the National Trails System 2021… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2021<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2021. A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2021. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2021<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2020<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2020. This report shows the collaborative impact of the nonprofit trail organizations and Federal agency partners on behalf of trails in the National Trails System in 2020. Partnership for the National Trails System 2020… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2020<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2020. A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2020. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2020<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2019<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cState of the Trails Report\u201d 2019. This report shows the collaborative impact of the nonprofit trail organizations and Federal agency partners on behalf of trails in the National Trails System in 2019. Partnership for the National Trails System 2019… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2019<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2019. A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2019. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2019<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System Partial Government Shutdown Impact Report – February 2019<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Impacts of the partial government shutdown (December 22, 2018 – January 25, 2019) on the national trails, compiled by the Partnership for the National Trails System in February 2019 after surveys to our nonprofit trail partners. Partnership for the National Trails System Partial Government Shutdown… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System “State of the Trails Report” 2018<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System “State of the Trails Report” 2018. This report shows the collaborative impact of the nonprofit trail organizations and Federal agency partners, using the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act as a benchmark. Partnership for the National Trails… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2018<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2018.\u00a0A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2018. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2018<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2017<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2017.\u00a0A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2017. Partnership for the National Trails System “Gold Sheet” of Volunteer Contributions in 2017<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2018 Request<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

2017. A compilation of critical protection needs and land transactions for national scenic and national historic trails National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2018 Request. National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2018 Request<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2017 Request<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

2016. A compilation of critical protection needs and land transactions for national scenic and national historic trails National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2017 Request. National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2017 Request  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2016<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2016.\u00a0A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2016. Partnership for the National Trails System “Gold Sheet” of Volunteer Contributions in 2016<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2015<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2015. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2015 Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2015<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System Land and Water Conservation Fund Statement<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

  A Battle to Save the LWCF\u00a0\u00a0 For 50 years, until Congress let it expire on September 30th, the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has allowed for the\u00a0purchase of critical lands for conservation and the development of parks, trails, and other outdoor recreation facilities… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2014<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Partnership<\/p>\n

2015. A compilation of volunteer hours and financial contributions to national scenic and national historic trails in 2014. Partnership for the National Trails System \u201cGold Sheet\u201d of Volunteer Contributions in 2014<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2016 Request<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

2015. A compilation of critical protection needs and land transactions for national scenic and national historic trails National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2016 Request<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2015 Request<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

2014. A compilation of critical protection needs and land transactions for national scenic and national historic trails. National Trails System and Land and Water Conservation Fund FY 2015 Request<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Agency Partner Guides, Directives and Reports<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

Navigating and Applying for USFS Jobs<\/a><\/h4>\n
https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/working-with-us\/careers\/application-tips-and-webinars\u00a0(in depth videos on how to navigate usajobs) https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/working-with-us\/careers\u00a0(general website with Career info)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

The United States Department of Transportation Strategic Framework FY 2022-2026<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The United States Department of Transportation Strategic Framework FY 2022-2026 is available for public viewing at https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/administrations\/office-policy\/fy2022-2026-strategic-framework. The stated “DOT Strategic Goals” in the document include Safety, Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness, Equity, Climate and Sustainability, Transformation, and Organizational Excellence. Definitions for each goal can… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Interpreting the National Trails System Act \u2013 A Guide and Index<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Interpreting<\/p>\n

Interpreting the National Trails System Act \u2013 A Guide and Index (2013).  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System Act<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

The National Trails System Act (P.L. 90-543, as amended through P.L. 116-9, March 12, 2019) View the full National Trails System Act here.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

FHWA Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks Resource<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"FHWA<\/p>\n

Compiled from the FHWA website The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks, a resource for transportation practitioners in small towns and rural communities. It applies existing national design guidelines in a rural setting and highlights small town and rural case… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

The National Trails System Memorandum of Understanding<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

2016. A memorandum of understanding among the primary land-managing agencies for administration and management of national scenic and national historic trails.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Management of National Scenic and Historic Trails<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Management<\/p>\n

6280 \u2013 Management of National Scenic and Historic Trails and Trails Under Study or Recommended as Suitable for Congressional Designation. This release transmits one of three manuals in the National Trails System manual series (BLM Manuals 8353, 6250, and 6280). This manual provides the line… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Scenic and Historic Trails<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

This document describes the NSHT program\u2019s major policy elements and legislative requirements. Administrators and partners should use this information to guide their development of NSHT programs and identify priorities.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Director’s Order #45<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Director’s<\/p>\n

This Director’s Order outlines National Park Service (NPS) policies and procedures for national scenic and historic trails to ensure that congressionally designated trails are recognized and operated on a consistent basis to ensure protection of the characteristics and values of the trail and their use… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Trail Management Areas<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Trail<\/p>\n

8353 – Trail Management Areas – Secretarially Designated National Recreation, Water, and Connecting and Side Trails. This release transmits one of three manuals in the National Trails System manual series (BLM Manuals 8353, 6250, and 6260\/6270). This manual addresses secretarially designated National Recreation Trails (Including… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Scenic and Historic Trail Administration<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

6250 \u2013 National Scenic and Historic Trail Administration This release transmits the second of three manuals in the National Trails System manual series (BLM Manuals 8353, 6250, and 6260\/6270). This manual addresses specific functions delegated to the BLM from the Secretary of the Interior pursuant… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System Annual Report for FY 2013<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

2013. Federal Interagency Council on Trails: A report on the annual progress made in protecting, developing, and managing national scenic and national historic trails.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System Act<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

2009. The Organic Act for National Scenic and National Historic Trails.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System Act Legislative Documents<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

1999. Index of hearings, committee reports, bills, and other related legislative documents related to the National Trails System Act.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Trail Mapping and gis<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

National Trails System Maps<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

View interactive and PDF Maps of the entire National Trails System here.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Virtual Trail: Online Adventures on the Oregon Trail<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Virtual<\/p>\n

An online virtual trail experience that takes the visitor along the route of the Oregon and California Trail pioneers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Continental Divide Trail Mapping Project<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Continental<\/p>\n

2014. A PowerPoint presentation on the development of a GIS Mapping Project for a National Scenic Trail.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

North Country Trail Interactive Map<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"North<\/p>\n

An interactive map of the North Country Trail, from New York to North Dakota.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Trail Management<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

National Trails System Act Legislative Documents<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

This\u200b \u200bindex\u200b \u200bof\u200b \u200bdocuments\u200b \u200bincludes\u200b \u200bthe\u200b \u200bhearings,\u200b \u200bcommittee\u200b \u200breports,\u200b \u200bbills,\u200b \u200band\u200b \u200bother\u200b \u200brelated\u200b \u200bmaterials pertaining\u200b \u200bto\u200b \u200bthe\u200b \u200bNational\u200b \u200bTrails\u200b \u200bSystem\u200b \u200bAct\u200b \u200bof\u200b \u200b1968\u200b \u200b(P.\u200b \u200bL.\u200b \u200b90-543)\u200b \u200band\u200b \u200bits\u200b \u200bsubsequent\u200b \u200bamendments, through\u200b \u200bP.\u200b \u200bL.\u200b \u200b111-11\u200b \u200b \u200b(March\u200b \u200b30,\u200b \u200b2009).\u200b \u200b \u200bThe\u200b \u200bdocuments\u200b \u200bare\u200b \u200blisted\u200b \u200bin\u200b \u200border\u200b… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Florida National Scenic Trail Visitor Assessment<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

The University of Florida\u2019s School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) began a collaborative visitor assessment project for the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) in June of 2003. The purpose of the study… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Ice Age Trail Alliance Joint Effort Marketing Report 2012<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Ice<\/p>\n

The goals and objectives of this Joint Effort Marketing Year 1 Destination grant were to determine the economic impact of Ice Age Trail users and volunteers to the State\u2019s economy on an annual basis; determine the estimated number of users enjoying the Trail annually; and… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Count Survey 2011<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Appalachian<\/p>\n

This report was prepared for the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service in partial fulfillment of Interagency Acquisition Agreement R2490050022 between the National Park Service, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Federal Agency Visual Resource Documents<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Federal<\/p>\n

Visit the Bureau of Land Management Federal Agency Visual Resource Documents page\u00a0(http:\/\/blmwyomingvisual.anl.gov\/documents\/).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Scenic and Historic Trails Administration (All Agencies)<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

A list of the agencies\u00a0who administer and manage the national scenic and historic trails. View Federal Partners List<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Scenic and Historic Trail Administration<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

6250 \u2013 National Scenic and Historic Trail Administration This release transmits the second of three manuals in the National Trails System manual series (BLM Manuals 8353, 6250, and 6260\/6270). This manual addresses specific functions delegated to the BLM from the Secretary of the Interior pursuant… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

List of National Scenic and National Historic Trail Organizations<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"List<\/p>\n

View a listing of National Scenic and National Historic Trail organizations in PNTS’ Membership. View the list.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Community Outreach<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

My Public Lands Middle School Teaching Guide<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"My<\/p>\n

My Public Lands Middle School Teaching Guide – Developed by the Bureau of Land Management\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

National Trails System Educational Resources<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM: 5th-12th National Trails System Projects   GENERAL: Leave No Trace Teach Safety First Aid and Injury Prevention for the Wilderness Bureau of Land Management My Public Lands Middle School Teaching Guide National Park Service Teaching with Historic Places Teaching with Museum Collections… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Trail Planning<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

Oregon-California Trails Association Strategic Plan<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Oregon-California<\/p>\n

2020-2025 View Plan and Organizational Chart Links<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Pacific Crest Trail Association Strategic Plan<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Pacific<\/p>\n

2014-2017 (updated)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Arizona Trail Association Strategic Plan<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Arizona<\/p>\n

A list of document links from the Arizona National Scenic Trail, including links to the organization’s annual reports and strategic plans.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Trail Protection<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Optimal Location Review Process Guidelines<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Pacific<\/p>\n

2012. USDA Forest Service and the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Standardized analytical process for review, decision-making and documentation of relocations to protect the optimal location for a national scenic trail.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Volunteer Recruitment and Development<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

Chapter Leadership Handbook<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Chapter<\/p>\n

2012. North Country Trail Association. A comprehensive guide to developing a volunteer-based structure for managing a national scenic trail.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Maintenance<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Management Plan<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Ala<\/p>\n

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Management Plan This Comprehensive Management Plan represents the overall management strategy for an approximate fi fteen year period for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. This document summarizes the selected alternative from the Abbreviated Final Comprehensive Management Plan\/ Environmental Impact… <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Planning a Trailhead Kiosk – 2020<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Planning<\/p>\n

Planning a Trail Community Kiosk 2020 Planning a Trailhead Kiosk 2012 \u2014\u00a0A Revision to Planning a Trailhead Bulletin Board (1998)    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Continental Divide NST – Trailhead Design Guidelines<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Continental<\/p>\n

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – Trailhead Design Guidelines<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

USDA – Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook \u2014 2007 Edition<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"USDA<\/p>\n

USDA – Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook \u2014 2007 Edition<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

NPS – Inspection Guidance: 2200 Trail Bridges<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"NPS<\/p>\n

National Park Service – Inspection Guidance: 2200 Trail Bridges<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

North Country NST – A Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"North<\/p>\n

North Country National Scenic Trail – A Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Continental Divide NST – Interpretive Plan<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Continental<\/p>\n

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail\u00a0Interpretive Plan<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

USDA Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course Handbook<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"USDA<\/p>\n

USDA Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course\u00a0\u2014Students Guidebook 2006 Edition<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Backcountry Sanitation Manual<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Backcountry<\/p>\n

This document was created by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Green Mountain Club, USDA Forest Service, and National Park Service to address sanitation in the backcountry. View the Manual Here.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

OCTA Trail Classifications – Met Methodology<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"OCTA<\/p>\n

Oregon-California Trail Association\u00a0Trail Classifications – Met Methodology<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

PNTS POLICIES:<\/h4>\n