1. Find out who owns the land you want to build on.

I know it ounds stupid, but you wouldn't believe how many trails have been built without knowing who owns the property. An example of this in Socorro is the "Single track" that located off the EMRTC access road. Most riders believe that the trail was built on New Mexico Tech and or BLM property. The truth is that trail, as it exists, is predominantly on private land. Given that the property owners (there are at least 2 separate owners) are legally protected by New Mexico state law for recreational use, it still would have been best to obtain permission before building the trail. The trail is also located on BLM land, and in its original configuration "secured" EMRTC property. During the summer of 2006 a small group of volunteers moved the trail outside of the secured zone.

2. DO YOU HAVE PERMISSION?

Just because it is "Public Land" does not mean there is public access. Check with local land managers before building.

3. Is there a need for a trail where you want to build it?

This not asking "Do I want a trail?" The question is: Isthere a need of a new trail in the area, and is that need great enopugh to mitigate the damage done when contstructing and mainaining the new trail?

4. Map the proposed trail.

Look at the trail line. Map it with a GPS so you can go over it with land managers. Flag the trail line. Come back another day look at the line again. Ask yourself "Is this the best line for this trail?"

5. Do all steps of #3 again to make sure you have it right.

Seek a second opinion (and a third, and a fourth). Poor trail design, inept and inapt trails are the biggest contributors to trail degradation.

6. Follow, as resonably as possible, the IMBA trail standards.

IMBA is not the end all be all, last word, in trail design. But it is a good start.

7. Think in terms of years. How long will your trail last? Will your kids be able to ride it too? Will is still have its "nature" when they do ride it?

Trails develop personality. A good part of that personality is determined by the original design; the rest develops over time. When I worked at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, I was often told by visitors that "this trail looks just like it did when I first came here ..." What most visitors didn't realize was the hundreds of man hours it took to keep the trails looking "the same." The goal was always to maintain the trail, not to "improve" or change the personality.

8. Keep track of your work hours.

Local land managers and the powers that be like to keep track of volunteer wokr hours numbers. Grants and matching funds are often based on the number of volunteer hours contributed.

9. Be inclusive.

Include as many other trail user groups as is workable. Remember, a trail on public land is a public trail. It is not just your trail. It is not just a mountain bike trail.

10. Have fun.