Ministry of Agriculture
Trails - Design Solutions
If well designed and managed, trails can achieve a high level of compatibility with the farms and ranches they pass through.
- Involve Agricultural Community - Trail planning should involve a strong partnership between the agricultural community and trail proponents. A key to successful trails in agricultural areas is the continued involvement and input of farmers and ranchers, throughout the planning and management processes.
- Trail Routing - Trails should be directed away from/ around agricultural areas wherever possible.
- Buffers - Leaving a visual or physical barrier between trail users and sensitive areas of a farm or ranch can offer privacy and security. Five basic types of agricultural buffers include: fencing, physical separation, water features, vegetation and elevation differences.
The abrupt elevation change provided by the dike and the fencing discourage trespass onto adjoining farmland.
- Signage- A well-designed, coordinated sign system can help ensure smooth, efficient trail management. Four general types of trail signs include: do's and don'ts, trail information, interpretive and advertisement.
