The Politics of Dirt: How to Navigate Trail Building on Public Land

You show up early with coffee and donuts. The crew is ready, shovels in hand, eyes on the ribbon of flagged trail that’s been months in the making. But just before tools hit the ground, a ranger rolls up with a clipboard and an apologetic shrug. “Sorry ... still waiting on clearance from the district supervisor.” You sigh, again.

This is the part of trail building that rarely makes the highlight reel. The part where advocacy, politics, and patience collide.