A chair's job is to build relationships and tap into resources
- Keep your program coordinator informed; build a relationship with your park partners; communicate frequently to build a partnership
- Build a strong trail committee such that they know you will work on problems they have trouble solving
- Take advantage of Trail U workshops and encourage your committee to do so as well.
Safety First
- Say "NO" and walk away from any situation you determine to be an unacceptable risk; then notify your program coordinator and park partner if it is safety hazard to the general public.
- Read the Outdoor Activity Safety Guidelines
Recognitions
- Thank your supervisors during National Volunteer Week and at the end of the year
- Nominate volunteers for awards for which they are eligible
- Ensure that your supervisors and their maintainers get all of the longevity awards to which they are entitled
Your Supervisors
- Work with supervisors to establish best practices
- Walk trails with a new supervisor in his/her park, relay your expectations, discuss any problems with them, and teach them how to report
- If supervisors are having problems with maintainers, unable to provide support, or fail to report, find out why and work to resolve the issue.
- Set a good example to your supervisors, take on an optional responsibility and encourage them to do so as well.
Plan and Budget
- Assess trails using your observations and supervisor and maintainer reports
- Compile a list of projects based on what needs doing based on what your supervisors report; determine priorities; include estimated manpower, hours, and cost of materials
On the Ground
- Participate in updating the Trail Maintenance Guide
- Be familar with your area, by visiting all reported problem areas and other trails as time permits
- Consult with your program coordinator on a regualar basis
- Handle reported trail problems and illegal usage, assign to others to solve, and track their completion.
- Maintain a list of projects suitable for youth or groups; include estimated manpower, hours, and cost of materials
Off Trail
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Be familiar with the Trail Management Guide.
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Take Supervisor 101 so you know what is being taught
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Receive, review, and act upon semi annual supervisor reports
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File Trail Chair Report with the Volunteer Coordinator and Program Coodinator in the required time frame
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Send a report to your program coodinator and partners which includes major projects completed, hours worked, the associated value, and projected projects
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Maintain records
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File trail vacancy and appointment forms in consultation with your supervisors
- Submit a trail change and update when completed
- Supervise approved trail relocations
- Attend Trails Council and chair local committee meetings
- Update information for Trail Conference publications and maps
- Be familiar with the Volunteer Handbook and Youth Policy
Assume responsibility for one or more of the following
- Become a certified chain sawyer or swamper
- Present Trail U courses
- Help keep Trail Mangement Guide current
- Work at outreach and tabling events
- Develop a trail crew with your supervisors
- Advocate on issues important to your region
- Review map changes before printing