Traditional trails near backcountry stream corridors are often designed with disregard to their potential ecological impact. Ecological and trail related literature show that riparian landscapes are sensitive to recreation impacts. This thesis examines concepts for designing trails in ecologically compatible ways near backcountry stream corridors. The synthesis of the literature regarding the biophysical processes of stream corridors and the effects of trails on the environment is used to help develop principles and guidelines for locating trails near backcountry stream corridors. In turn, these principles and guidelines assisted in the development of a trail assessment manual useful to scientists, planners, and designers. Seven trail impacts are assessed: excessive soil erosion, wet trails, water on trails, excessive trail widths, multiple trails, root exposure, and stream sedimentation. Three backcountry study sites from the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province of Virginia are evaluated. A ranking and measurement procedure is developed to characterize environmental, use, design/siting, construction, and maintenance factors because each of these influence the degree of impacts along studied trails. Results show that many steep trail segments, especially those without proper drainage features have incised or eroded trail treads. Likewise, many trail segments without drainage features located along flat adjacent landforms have wet soil and water on trail impacts. Overall results show that as use amount or type increase there is a parallel in trail and environmental degradation. Finally, a stream crossing and trail drainage concept is developed illustrating ways to reduce sediment inputs into nearby streams. / Master of Landscape Architecture

Wellington County represents a region with an extensive and well developed horse industry. As a result there is significant potential for development in its rural areas. This study reveals important facts regarding the development of equine trail networks in Wellington County. The existing number of horses, horse farms, related facilities, as well as the enormous interest of horse riders and horse industry associations suggest high potential for use of these equine trails. In particular the research points out the current lack of horse trails in the county which has one of the highest horse populations in Ontario. Identification of current trends, demands, and overall situation within the industry has led to an elaboration of a framework for the Wellington County equine trail development. The evaluation of the equine trail potential impacts and contributions to rural communities indicates positive outcomes resulting in sustainable community development. The recommendations drawn from this research further suggest a need to elaborate a General Horse Trail Planning and Construction Guide; establish an Equine Trail Organization; create a Master Plan; continue ongoing development of stakeholder relationships; establish equine trail spatial planning considering private land utilization; and integrate future trail plans into County and Regional Planning.