Dos and Don’ts of DIY Trail Maintenance

We’re lucky to have such a keen community of users making use of the Kimberley Forest trails. We want to encourage people to take initiative to improve the trails, but also want to be clear about when you should get in touch with the Committee about an issue you see in the forest.

Do: Bring handheld tools along on your hikes

In the spring and fall, consider bringing along small tools like branch cutters, pruners or a leaf rake to help clear the trail corridor and make the trails easier for other users to follow.

Do Not: Use power tools unless as part of an organized Trailwork Day

If you find an issue that can’t be solved with hand tools, contact us and let us know where and what the issue is. Do not under any circumstances bring your own gas or battery powered tools like chainsaws, leaf blowers or string trimmers into the forest.

Do: Clear the trail surface of debris

Small branches and sticks can create trip hazards or get tangled in the running gear of a bicycle. Feel free to pick up anything wider than your thumb and longer than 18 inches, and toss it to the side of the trail.

Do Not: Place items or obstructions on the trail

Unexpected barriers or debris on the trail can create a hazard for many users. Don’t try to block a trail or repair a section of trail by placing any branches or rocks on the trail surface, unless under the guidance of the Trail Crew.

Do: Prune small branches encroaching on the trail corridor

Low hanging branches can create a hazard to trail users. Feel free to bring a set of small pruners or branch cutters with you to trim back any branches blocking the trail corridor. We like to keep the corridor clear up to 8 feet off the ground, and 3-6 feet wide.

Do Not: Remove trees or saplings

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to include small trees and saplings within the trail corridor. Do not under any circumstances cut down a tree or sapling to widen the trail corridor.

Do: Contact the Friends of the Kimberley Forest if you have a concern

If you see an issue with the trails, please contact us through the form on our Trail Conditions page.

Do Not: Reroute trails, build new trails or fix major issues without guidance

We’re here to help ensure the future sustainability of the Kimberley Forest. If you have concerns, questions or ideas about how to improve the trail network, please get in touch with us and let us help point you in the right direction.