Nature Trails and Routes

In the introductory part will be transmitted the basic knowledge necessary for the contextualization of the tasks to be executed. Afterwards, this knowledge will be used during the implementation of the proposed practical tasks, thereby achieving its consolidation and expansion. The practical tasks are also aimed at acquiring execution capabilities, and, whenever possible, those tasks will be from ongoing activities.

1. To understand the motives for interest on nature paths and its impacts.

2. To know the procedures and alternatives for the planning, construction, maintenance and homologation.

3. To perform all necessary procedures to design a pedestrian trail, to carry out or guide construction and maintenance activities.

4. To know the requirements and regulations applicable to multi-use shared trails and to the competition activities or recreational in motor vehicles.

5. To debate the advantages and disadvantages of this type of interventions and activities for the tourism industry and for Nature.

1. Introduction:Contextualization: trail and trail activities definition; economic, social and environmental considerations; Planning: objectives, data gathering, resources and restrictions, sustainability, usability and accessibility, design; Construction: safety, structures and signage, equipment and materials, maintenance; Registration and disclosure of trails and routes

2. Multipurpose trails and shared use: Ligth vehicles, horse riding; Motor vehicles, competition

3. Define the way: Waypoint selection; Terrain interpretation based in photographs and topographic maps; Geometric design of the path; Field tagging activities, guided by maps and GPS.

4. Build the trail: Bordering and clearing; Tread surfacing; Structures for security, sustainability, usability and accessibility; Signage for orientation, information and interpretation; Maintenance programing.