We suggest the addition of signage to the new split rail fences. The text might read:

The recommendations described above were determined by reviewing trail and forest road maintenance literature and represent, in the authors opinion, a viable course of action to reduce future erosion of the trails. There are many alternative methods available to treat erosion problems on forest trails. Trail construction and maintenance reference materials are available from a variety of organizations including:

Erosion from forest roads maintained for timber harvest in the Pacific Northwest has been intensely studied in recent decades due to sedimentation problems related to fish habitat, (Elliot and Tysdal, 1999, Weaver et al., 1987, Reid and Dunne, 1984, Megahan and Kidd, 1972). Many mitigation measures have been well tested, documented, and evaluated in erosion control and prevention projects on steep forested lands, and have been shown to be effective in reducing sediment yield from managed forest roads, (Harr and Nichols, 1993, Weaver, 1998, Pacific Watershed Associates, 1994c). These proven techniques used for erosion assessment on forest roads include a field inventory of erosion and mitigation recommendations designed to minimize or eliminate the erosion. These recommendations usually entail a physical modification of the road surface (i.e. diversion ditches and/or regrading), in order to divert surface water runoff away from the road, minimizing future erosion. Many parallels exist between timber harvest roads and the trails in Joaquin Miller Park, such as compaction due to land use, loosening of surface soils, and drainage problems. Because of these similarities, techniques used to reduce erosion on forest roads may be applied to recreational trails.

Finally, we recommend that the City of Oakland develop a trails management plan to set goals, procedures , and milepost for improving and maintaining the trails system in Joaquin Miller Park. Adequate city funding and the participation of user groups must be secured to insure effective implementation of the plan. The plan might include park goals, action plans for each trail including maintenance and repair procedures, planned improvements, existing and planned signage, depiction on the park visitors maps, and responsibilities of park staff and volunteers.

Trails erosion will continue in Joaquin Miller Park if action is not taken. Fluvial erosion, the primary erosion process on the established trails and most severe on the steeper trails, continues regardless of recreational use. Physical alterations to the trails must be made to mitigate the problem. Impacts from recreational use can be mitigated both by prohibiting use in delicate area such as off-trail, and by rebuilding established trails in such a way that erosion from use is minimal. Properly designed and maintained, the trail system can serve the needs of park visitors as well as minimally impact the extraordinary natural environment of Joaquin Miller Park.

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