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Course Syllabus

OLE 1540 Backcountry Trail Steward

  • Division: Business and Applied Tech
  • Department: Business
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1-3; Lecture: .5-.5; Lab: 2-5
  • Semesters Offered: TBA
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2024
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
  • End Semester: Fall 2029
  • Optimum Class Size: 11
  • Maximum Class Size: 11

Course Description

This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental skills and knowledge of backcountry/non-motorized trail building and stewardship. Students will learn about and use trail-building tools, volunteer trail stewardship planning, implementing, and evaluating basic and advanced trail features and building projects. (Field trips required).

Justification

This course teaches fundamental principles of building/maintaining non-motorized/backcountry trails, including skill development, making informed decisions, exercising safety and risk management, contributing as an active member of a group, and understanding and practicing Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics; all while experiencing the natural world around them as they build and maintain non-motorized trails.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will designate the difference between trail maintenance and trail construction for non-motorized/backcountry trails.
  2. Students will identify and demonstrate the proper methods and procedures for the use and maintenance of hand tools.
  3. Students will identify the different parts of a trail and be able to adequately perform trail maintenance and construction of basic trail features.
  4. Students will demonstrate and articulate backcountry safety.
  5. Students will demonstrate appropriate Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
  6. Students will perform as contributing members of a small group as it relates to an outdoor environment.

Course Content

Efforts are made to provide multiple perspectives and viewpoints by using several methods/activities to deliver course content which include:Leave No Trace Outdoor EthicsHand Tools and UsesBackcountry/Non-motorized Trail FeaturesNavigationSafety/Risk ManagementMaintaining/Building Backcountry/Non-motorized Trail Features