Preface

This course book is meant to accompany the Michigan Trails—Trail Building, Law and Policy  course currently being taught in the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University. The course provides students with opportunities for learning about trail policy and law and a broad array of trail building and management topics that will familiarize students with the emerging national and state movement on trails.

Students will become familiar with statutory and common law issues associated with trails; understand how trails are managed and promoted; learn about the organizations that help build trails; study historical, cultural, and natural resources issues associated with trails; and explore the future of trails both in Michigan and nationally.

Students will come to appreciate the important lessons that trails provide in helping ensure that citizens have sustainable routes for transportation, recreation, and cultural connections and how both the past and future of trails are linked with meeting public trust responsibilities for providing access to all people.

Importantly, the course features direct work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and their trail program in their efforts to continue to enhance and improve Michigan trails. Students have the opportunity to work with the department in helping develop master trail plans and conducting a variety of trail surveys and research work. These opportunities enrich the learning experience and help provide for a network of job opportunities for the students.