Positive Links Between Sustainable Trail Construction and Youth Development Programs

1. Positive Links Between Sustainable Trail Construction and Youth Development Programs

2. 22 Years - Greening Australia • Core Business has diversified • Training and Education programs • Youth development • Community projects • Land management • Vegetation services • “Changing Landscapes and Lives” • GASA now involved in Sustainable Trail Development

3. Youth Conservation Corps • Youth Development • Protecting and Enhancing Natural Heritage • Community Involvement • Fostering the Volunteers of the Future • Aged 15 to 24

4. Green Corps • Youth Development • Protecting and Enhancing Natural and Cultural Heritage • Training allowance • Aged 17 to 20 years

5. Program Outcomes • Accredited Training • Senior First Aid • Working as a Team • Hands on Understanding of OH&S “Culture of Safety” • Work experience leads to employment

6. Trail Building as Work Experience • Planning • Construction • Maintenance • Signage Installation • Photo Points Installation and Monitoring

7. Physical Achievements in Eagle Mountain Bike Park • About 7km of full bench trail • Planting of 12 000 tubes • 1.5 km of fencing • Seed collection – 2kg, 13 species • Initiation of photo point surveys of trail sustainability • Approx 8000m² of weed removed • Weed Removal along 1km weed front to protect remnant vegetation

8. Eagle Mountain Bike Park

9. Physical Achievements in Cudlee Creek Trail Network • Significant contribution to XC single trails and 1 DH trail – full bench, maintenance and pruning vegetation • Installation of trail markers and trailheads • Construction of boardwalk (north shore) for DH trail • Initiation of photo point surveys of trail sustainability

10. Cudlee Creek Trail Network

11. Cudlee Creek Trail Network

12. Physical Achievements in Melrose for Mawson Trail Loops • 3km of full bench trail • Initiation healthy relationship with the local community • 6 month Green Corp program will commence immediately to build trails and install signs for mountain bike riders

13. Melrose Loop Trails

14. Physical Achievements on the Tom Roberts Trail (Horse SA) • Replaced trail markers and changed trail routes in Belair NP to comply with latest management plans • Repaired eroded trail by introducing drainage mechanisms, steps and aggregate to harden surface in Scott Creek and Belair National Park • Pruning and slashing to improve safety and longevity of trail along roadsides • 6 month Green Corps program to commence immediately to work on Kersbrook and Kidman Trails

15. Tom Roberts Horse Trail

16. Tom Roberts Horse Trail

17. Positive Links • Saving the planet – making a real, measurable difference • Implementing systems that promote a balance between recreation and conservation • Making friends and building confidence • Promotion of healthy lifestyles, outdoor recreation • Networking – contacts for future opportunities, referees etc

18. Associated Plans • State Mountain Bike Plan 2001 • Cudlee Creek Strategic Plan, 2000 • EMBP Draft Management Plan • Vegetation Plans • NVC Approvals • Draft Recreational Trails Strategy • Belair National Park Management Plan • Southern Flinders Ranges Cycle Tourism Strategy • Mount Remarkable District Council Strategic Plans • Agenda 21 – ESD Principles • Yurrebilla

19. Positive Examples • Successful Transplants of endemic species • Lomandra micrantha (Small-flower Irongrass) • Pultenaea daphnoides (Large-leaved Bush Pea) • Dianellea longifolia (Pale Flax-lily) • Boardwalk • Riding Trails at the end of the program • BBQs and recognition from trail users and stakeholders • Adult learning

20. The Warm and the Fuzzy • Win / Win Outcomes – Great trails and an excellent start for the participants • Protecting natural assets • Encouraging healthy lifestyles • Increased Tourism Potential • Positive action and lasting achievements

21. Dr Adam Main: main@greeningsa.org.au www.greeningaustralia.org.au