Analysis of Public Feedback on Building a Sustainable Trail System in the Mountain Creek Watershed, Michaux State Forest, Pennsylvania

Keywords: Sustainable Trails, Sustainable Recreation, State Forest, Pennsylvania
Abstract Type: Lightning Paper Abstract

Abstract

The existing multiuse trail system in Michaux State Forest’s Mountain Creek watershed has evolved over decades and consists of old logging roads, state forest roads, formal trails, and informal user-built trails. With minimal planning and intensifying use, especially by mountain bikers, this trail system faces several social and environmental sustainability challenges, ranging from user conflicts to the degradation of stream health. This study will present results from an analysis of a stakeholder survey, which will be used to inform the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) efforts to design a more sustainable trail. Utilizing the Social Pinpoint platform over the course of a month, respondents had the option to answer a traditional survey, or provide feedback via an interactive map. Following the data collection period, these responses were coded and sorted in NVIVO to develop common “management need” themes across the survey responses. Comment “management need” themes were sorted under the following categories: Infrastructure, Maintenance, New Opportunity, Safety, and Engagement. Initial results from this analysis showed respondents’ to be most concerned over infrastructure and maintenance in the Mountain Creek watershed trail system. Within infrastructure, respondents expressed concerns over a lack of signage or maps, limited parking, and need for bridges. Under maintenance, respondents were most concerned over eroded trails, wet trails, and general maintenance of the trail system. These public responses and attitudes will provide valuable insight for the Pennsylvania DCNR as they undertake a redesign of the Mountain Creek watershed trail system in the near future.