Number: 2000-09
WHEREAS, recreational trails for non-motorized use are increasingly being developed and being used by the public for purposes of recreation, education, transportation, aesthetics, and physical and social enjoyment; and
WHEREAS, recreational trails have the potential to negatively impact wildlife and their habitats through direct human-wildlife conflicts, habitat fragmentation, disruption of migration corridors, and degradation of important and sensitive habitats through erosion, compaction and other impacts; and
WHEREAS, unplanned recreational trails made by recreationists and insufficient trail management including maintenance, monitoring, and enforcement may have further negative impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitats; and
WHEREAS, agencies may reduce the negative impacts of recreational trails on wildlife and their habitats by specifically addressing wildlife concerns during the planning, development and management phases of trail projects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 16-18, 2000, in Seattle, Washington, supports the construction, utilization, maintenance and management of non-motorized recreational trails by agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private land owners that
- inventory and evaluate the lands and waters under their purview in order to be able to identify appropriate trail routes;
- include environmental criteria in the design, construction and management planning processes that will minimize impacts on wildlife and their habitats;
- minimize impacts on sensitive fish and wildlife areas through geographic or time or structural restrictions;
- evaluate appropriate use of trails to balance recreational and wildlife needs;
- develop and follow appropriate trail management plans which include maintenance, education, and enforcement of trail regulations; and
- provide adequate resources for implementation of all of the above.