Proposed HBRA Trail 3-4 Realignment Project
Submitted April 7, 2011
THE PROBLEM
Trail 3: A section of Trail 3 from approximately its junction with Trail 4 to its junction with Trail 7 is
seasonally wet for at least six months every year primarily because it is located in a draw that
concentrates subsurface water from the surrounding hills. The vegetation is primarily sedges, grasses and
forbs in an open meadow. Horse hooves punch through any practical trail surface, liquefying the soil and
creating slippery, muddy conditions. Hikers seek drier ground along parallel paths, creating multiple
trails that concentrate the water and create ruts. The trail condition is unsafe for many hikers, and is
causing unnecessary damage to the vegetation. It may contribute a small amount of sediment to the
Middle Fork of the Willamette River, a 303d-listed “water quality limited” stream. Hikers not wanting a
muddy experience avoid the north part of the park for much of the year. As a result, recreational use is
concentrated on other trails, which increases the maintenance needed on those trails.
Trail 4 crosses the same draw as Trail 3 and also intercepts the flow from three other seasonal draws that
concentrate subsurface runoff onto Trail 4. The water then flows down the trail causing erosion, a deep
gully and very muddy conditions that are hazardous for both equestrians and hikers for most of the year.
Even in the dry season, the hardened ruts and 8-inch deep holes made by horse hooves pose a risk of
injury to people and animals.
THE NEED FOR ACTION
The Need for Action is to improve the safety of the trails, increase access to the north end of the park,
reduce damage to vegetation, improve water management and surfacing, and reduce erosion and
sediments contributed to the Willamette River. A firmer trail surface would allow more hikers and
equestrians to use this portion of the Buford Park trail network throughout the year and more evenly
distribute use.
SCOPE OF PROJECT
The Project would build 3300 feet (approximately .6 miles) of new trail to create a year-round safe trail
access in the north end of HBRA. Phase I would realign approximately 1600 feet of Trail #3. Phase II
would realign approximately 1700 feet of Trail #4.
HBRA Trail 3-4 Realignment Project
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Figure 1. Howard Buford Recreation Area Trail Map with Project Area identified.
HBRA Trail 3-4 Realignment Project
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Figure 1. Map of Proposed Relocation Routes for Trails 3 and 4, and Existing Trails in the
Vicinity. (Proposed re-routes are shown in dashed yellow lines.)
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PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
The implementation actions described below apply to both Phase I and Phase II.
1. Remove vegetation from new trail corridor consistent with HBRA Trail Management Plan.
Clear vegetation at least 4’ wide and up to 10’ wide and 10’ high (to accommodate equestrians).
o Survey in Spring for tall bugbane (Cimicifuga elata var elata, a candidate for listing
under the Oregon’s Endangered Species Act) and other rare plants. – FBP volunteer
botanists or FBP Stewardship Coordinator.
o Mow vegetation and, where needed, limb up trees to 10’ above the ground. — FBP
volunteers (and FBP crew if funding can be secured) using hand held brush cutters, hand
tools and, where accessible, BCS walk behind mower.
o Apply thermal treatment within footprint of trail corridor – FBP crew with propane
burner tractor implement.
o Fell approximately 3 trees on the new Trail #3 and 6 small trees and limb up 3 trees in
trail corridor. – FBP crew or volunteers with chainsaws and tractor. Before removing
large trees, FBP shall document tree(s) to be removed via flagging, GPS coordinates and
a digital photo that will be emailed to John Moriarty and Phil Guyette.
o If necessary, apply herbicide or thermal treatments (but not in fire season) to control
invasive weeds (such as false brome) along the trail corridor to prevent weed dispersal.
— FBP stewardship assistant or crew using backpack propane torch backpack sprayer.
2. Cut new Trail bed to mineral soil.
o Remove sod within footprint of trail bed to reach mineral soil. - FBP volunteers
(sometimes supported by FBP crew if funding is secured) using a tractor where
accessible or hand tools and motorized wheelbarrows.
o Grade and contour base trail. – FBP crew and volunteers.
3. Apply Gravel Surface where site conditions dictate.
NOTE: This work will be accomplished in multiple volunteer work parties during the project.
o Stockpile gravel at the junction of Trail #1 and Trail #3. If Lane County funding allows,
Lane County drivers will deliver gravel. Alternately, S & M Rock and Loam on Seavey
Loop Road could deliver gravel.
o Transport and apply gravel 3’ wide onto to new trail bed .– - FBP crew & volunteers w/hand
tools, motorized wheelbarrows, and FBP RTV and FBP tractor with front-end loader.
4. Retire and Re-vegetate Abandoned Trail segments AFTER new segments are open
o Sign each end of the abandoned trail segment to encourage use of new trail. – FBP
volunteers (and FBP crew if funding can be secured) using hand tools or powered auger
(if funding permits.)
o Pile downed logs and branches to obstruct each end of abandoned trail segment. – FBP
volunteers (and FBP crew if funding can be secured) using tractor and loader if
accessible, or RTV or hand tools.
o Till top 2” to 3” of compacted abandoned trail bed and then sow a mix of native grass and
wildflower seed in Fall. – FBP volunteers (and FBP crew if funding can be secured).FBP
volunteers (and FBP crew if funding can be secured) using hand tools or powered auger.
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