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.
Whether you’re leading a nonprofit trail organization or volunteering on weekends, understanding how to navigate public land politics is just as essential as knowing how to bench cut. The process isn’t just bureaucratic red tape. Instead, it’s the roadmap for long-term trail access, funding, and community trust. So how do we work within it without burning out?
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Understand Who Owns the Land
First, figure out who manages the land where you want to build. Is it city parkland? County open space? U.S. Forest Service? BLM? Each comes with its own policies, timelines, and quirks.
Public land is managed in the interest of all users (not just mountain bikers). That means trail proposals are weighed against wildlife habitat, indigenous land rights, equestrian access, fire management, and more. The key is to view land managers not as roadblocks, but as stewards with complex jobs. Building relationships early goes a long way.
2. Learn the Language of Agencies
Trail builders are fluent in grades and flow. Agencies speak in acronyms: NEPA, SEPA, CEQA, EA, EIS. These environmental reviews, especially for federal land, are legally required and can take months or even years.
Don’t let that frustrate you. Instead, learn what those reviews involve and what you can do to support them. Often, public comments are part of the process. Mobilize your community to show up and speak up. Outdoor Alliance's Advocacy 101 series is a great tool for understanding these steps and encouraging grassroots involvement.
3. Know the Long Game (and Play It Well)
If you’re part of a nonprofit advocacy group, you already know trail projects can span years from concept to ribbon-cutting. That’s why patience isn’t merely a passive trait. It’s a strategic one.
Keep your supporters informed along the way. Share the progress. Celebrate the small wins. When a permit clears or a plan gets approved, post about it. These updates help volunteers and donors understand that even behind-the-scenes work is trail work.
4. Show Up to Meetings ... Yes, Even the Boring Ones
City council sessions. Parks board meetings. Open houses for proposed master plans. These may not be where you envisioned your trail work happening, but decisions made in these rooms shape where and how you can build.
Get on email lists. Attend meetings. Introduce yourself. Agencies are more likely to trust and collaborate with groups that consistently engage in civic processes, not just when there’s a problem or a petition.
5. Build Coalitions, Not Just Trails
Some of the most successful trail projects aren’t the ones with the loudest voices, but the ones with the broadest support. Consider collaborating with equestrian groups, conservation nonprofits, and adaptive sports advocates.
This isn’t just optics for the sake of looking good. It’s a strategy. Agencies are more likely to greenlight multi-use projects that show broad community backing. IMBA’s Trail Labs and Trail Accelerator grants emphasize collaboration for this very reason.
6. Remember: Trail Politics Is Still People Work
At its core, this isn’t about government. It’s about people. Staff turnover happens. A supportive land manager retires. A new director wants to take things in a different direction. Stay connected. Keep the conversation going. Be the kind of partner agencies want to work with: responsive, respectful, and solutions-oriented.
A Final Word for Volunteers
If you’re new to trail building and find yourself wondering why does it take so long to build just one mile of trail? ...you’re not alone. Behind every dig day is a complex web of relationships, regulations, and reviews.
But here’s the good news: by showing up, staying informed, and supporting your local advocacy groups, you’re part of the solution. Trail building on public land is slow by nature, but it’s also sustainable, legal, and lasting.
The politics may be muddy, but the trails we build through them are worth it.
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also owns and roasts coffee for Loam Coffee.
