Tahoe Trail Skills College

Intended for those new to trail work who want to learn how to cut brush and small logs to help clear a trail to proper specifications. After discussion of general safety protocols, students learn about safe and effective use of hand saws and loppers. This class also includes how to complete an early season trail survey to identify and report major problems, especially blown down logs, by their number, location, and size.

Day 2: Learn how to design and locate effective drainage structures. After a comprehensive explanation of hillside hydrology and how trails work when they shed water properly, this class shows students how to design and construct long, rolling drain dips as a way of reducing erosion on existing trails.

Where earthen rolling drain dips are not feasible, drainage features are sometimes armored using rock or log. Learn contemporary techniques to build water bars. The class will include a review of “old school” waterbars, and how to convert “old school” waterbars to a more effective design. Furthermore, learn how to install rock and log checks where tread is gullied and cannot be drained, or in other situations requiring tread armoring.

Learn fundamentals of rock construction including an emphasis on effective and safe use of rock bars, the critical tool for all rock work. We’ll tackle basic rock placement techniques for rock walls to last the ages. 

This session covers the fundamentals of Crosscut Saw use. It focuses on hazard assessment, safety procedures, saw selection and tooth patterns, the importance of axes and wedges, and the best practices for clearing trail effectively in challenging and potentially hazardous situations. This course consists of one classroom day and one field day clearing trail. The instructor will determine the certification level. Long-sleeve shirt, pants, leather boots, eye protection, gloves and hard hats are required. Gloves and hard hats will be available for those who don’t have them. Bring a saw if you have one.  A current CPR and 1st Aid card are required to take Saw certification classes.

For students with moderate to extensive trail building experience who want to lead trail crews and work parties. Not a construction techniques class; this is about effective leadership. Students will have classroom and field work in the following topics: work day responsibilities, risk assessment and safety, tool safety and tool talk, leadership and team building, practical experience leading volunteers.

• Layers work best as outdoor temperatures, weather, and your activity level will vary through the day. Follow
  the layering system for your work and camp clothes. Long pants are required to conduct trail work. Long
  sleeve shirts are recommended for sun and insect protection and in some areas are required for trail work.
  • Layer 1: Long underwear tops, bottoms, and socks; made of lightweight wool or synthetic material.
  • Layer 2: Mid-weight wool or synthetic pants and shirt. Can be more than one layer; bring additional
    layers if you get cold easily. Cotton is not advised.
  • Layer 3: Rain coat or other water/wind resistant coat or poncho and rain pants.
• Sturdy boots with slip-resistant tread that offer firm and flexible support. No sandals or sneakers
  while working on the trail but you may want these in camp. Saw students have specific footwear
  requirements. See the Crosscut & Chainsaw Training page.
• Warm hat and warm gloves while at camp.

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Pillow

• Sealable plastic container to pack lunch in
• Plate / bowl for breakfast and dinner
• Silverware
• Cup / insulated drinking mug
• Water bottles / hydration pack

• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, lip balm
• Insect repellant
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Daypack
• Alarm clock

• Camp chair (compact)
• Supplemental snacks
• Camera
• Bandana
• Safety gear (i.e. hard hats, gloves) will be provided throughout the weekend. However, if you have safety gear that you would prefer to use, please bring it with you.