DNR Technical Trail Feature (TTF) Policy

Below is the new TTF policy of the MD state Department of Natural Resources. It's public so this isn't anything from the inside. I have yet to read it but I wanted to get it out there asap.

Enjoy!
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
MARYLAND PARK SERVICE
AGENCY POLICY 07-52
17 September 2007

TECHNICAL TRAIL FEATURES ON MPS PROPERTY
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to identify the Agency’s position on the placement or presence of Technical Trail Features (TTFs) on lands or trails managed by the Maryland Park Service (MPS), and to provide procedures for evaluating the appropriateness of TTFs.

II. Scope
A. This policy is applicable to all lands owned or controlled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and managed by the MPS.
B. This policy does not apply to natural or manmade trail features that occur due to the normal business of sustainable trail design and management.
C. This policy applies to the following categories of TTFs:
1. Naturally Occurring TTF – Represented by fallen trees, rocks, and other naturally occurring landscape features.
2. Constructed / Modified TTF –
a. Naturally occurring materials that have been modified.
b. Constructed TTFs made from natural materials.
c. Constructed TTFs made from manufactured materials.

III. Policy
It is the policy of the MPS to promote resource-based recreation in order to connect visitors to their natural and cultural heritage in ways that inspire a stewardship ethic. The MPS will develop and manage trails as a means to support this policy as it relates to resource and visitor protection, and recreational opportunities. Consistent with this objective, the MPS will provide multiple users with trails that are characterized as natural by design, with minimal modification and development. The MPS will not approve modified individual TTF elements that are inconsistent with the natural trail experience.

IV. Procedure
A. Review Process - The established review process used to evaluate proposals for TTFs requires that all requests must be submitted in writing to the park manager. Requests should include site plans, photographs and/or diagrams of the TTF and proposed site. Upon receipt of the request, the manager will forward the proposal for review and approval within the MPS. That MPS review may result in a recommendation for formal DNR Project Review by an interdisciplinary team of resource professionals. The composition of the team may vary depending on the specific nature of the request.
B. Evaluation Criteria – The following criteria will be used to determine the appropriateness of the TTF in relation to the Agency Mission.
1. TTFs considered for placement on MPS managed lands must have a direct connection to the advancement of the mission, goals, and objectives of the MPS.
2. TTFs will be consistent with, and complement, the MPS trail system management objectives, including:
a. Sustainable design
b. Multiple-use
c. Minimal environmental impact
d. Efficient use of limited fiscal resources
e. Consistency with natural aesthetic experience
f. Positive trail experiences
g. Nature or history appreciation
h. Compatibility with existing public use
3. The request will be evaluated for its consistency with any applicable land unit plan or trail management plan. In the absence of a plan, the request will be evaluated for its compatibility with existing resources, facilities and public use.
4. The request will be evaluated for its consistency with MPS public safety and visitor protection objectives, as well as any associated State liability law.
C. Design Standards – Additional considerations that will be evaluated during the review process include:
1. Geographic Location / Placement - The proposed TTF must be located in surroundings relevant to, and consistent with, the park’s management objectives, with particular emphasis on the ecological, cultural, recreational and historical features of the area in which the TTF is located.
2. The TTF shall not be aesthetically intrusive, the evaluation of which will be based on the following criteria:
a. Proportion - The size, scale and shape of the TTF must match its setting. A TTF shall not dominate, interfere with, or detract from natural features or existing facilities. If it is determined that the saturation point of a trail system has been reached, no new proposals will be considered.
b. Materials used - Materials must not divert attention from the land’s natural features and must be compatible in color, texture, and other visual characteristics with the dominant materials of other structures in the area of the TTF.
c. Integrity of setting - A TTF shall not undermine the unity and integrity of the visual setting, and placement must be compatible with the scenic views of the land. Photographs, diagrams and site plans submitted with the proposal will allow for the proper evaluation of this criterion.
3. The TTF shall be in accordance with national design standards for acceptable risk management as established by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA).
D. Approval Process – The results of the review and evaluation by MPS staff, or the Project Review conducted by the interdisciplinary team, and all final recommendations, will be submitted to the MPS Superintendent, or designee, for final approval. DNR becomes the
sole owner of any TTF upon final placement on MPS managed land.