Trail Advocacy Corps
Volunteer Program
NSOTAC Adopt-A-Trail Program DRAFT
Purpose of this document: To serve as a roadmap for us for organizing an Adopt-a-Trail program for street legal 4x4 vehicle trails in the Ozark National Forest to promote stewardship, improve trail sustainability, and build relationships between the off-road community and public land managers.
1. Connect with the Forest Service
Establish a working relationship with the US Forest Service (USFS) offices responsible for the Ozark National Forest. Request a meeting with the Recreation or Trails Program Manager, or equivalent position.
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Ask about existing trail maintenance plans, priorities, and needs.
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Propose our Adopt-a-Trail initiative as a volunteer stewardship program
2. Program Goals
Clarify what “adoption” means. Examples include:
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Clearing downed trees and brush
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Removing trash
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Monitoring erosion or trail damage
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Reporting illegal activity (dumping, unauthorized trail creation)
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Installing or maintaining signage
Emphasize:
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Trail sustainability
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Public safety
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Partnership with land managers
3. Map and Assign Trails
Work with the USFS to identify:
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Eligible 4x4 trails (priority trails, heavily used routes, or ones in disrepair)
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Segment trails into adoptable sections, manageable for a club or group
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Provide maps and documentation for each section
4. Recruit Partners
Reach out to:
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Local 4x4 clubs
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Off-road businesses
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Adventure groups and influencers
Give adopters:
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Recognition on signage, social media, and/or your website
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A sense of ownership and pride in their trail section
5. Develop Guidelines & Agreements
With the USFS, create:
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A Volunteer Agreement (the USFS has an official form for this)
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A clear Scope of Work for each group
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Safety and liability guidelines
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Maintenance reporting forms
6. Provide Tools, Training, and Support
Help your adopters succeed by:
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Offering basic hand tools, gloves, and trash bags (via grants or sponsorship)
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Hosting a volunteer orientation or safety workshop
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Giving them a direct point of contact for help and reporting
7. Schedule Maintenance Days
Encourage each group to:
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Visit their trail at least twice per year
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Document their work with photos and a log
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Report trail conditions and any major issues
Host community-wide workdays for tougher projects or high-traffic areas.
8. Celebrate & Recognize
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Host an annual appreciation event (could tie into Rendezvous in the Ozarks!)
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Provide certificates, social media shoutouts, or trailhead signs with group names
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Share success stories to encourage more adoption
9. Track Progress & Evaluate
Keep a simple database or shared spreadsheet:
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Who adopted which trail
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Dates of visits
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What work was done
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Any Forest Service feedback
Review annually with your partners and the Forest Service to adjust as needed.
10. Promote Sustainability & Leave No Trace
Make education a core part of the program. Provide signage or brochures encouraging:
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Tread Lightly principles
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Seasonal trail closures
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Proper trail etiquette
