Upcoming Webinar: Aggregate Trail Surfacing: From Fundamentals to Field Application
May 28, 2026 | 10–11 AM Pacific / 1–2 PM Eastern
Free and open to everyone
Go beyond materials and layering to explore how design, construction, and real-time field decisions shape long-term durability for aggregate trail surfaces.
Topics include:
• Drainage-first construction
• Gradation and matrix selection
• Rutting and washout troubleshooting
• Compaction and moisture management
• QA/QC and post-storm inspections
We recommend watching the first Fundamentals of Aggregate Surface Trails webinar from December 2024 before attending this session.
Presented in partnership with @americantrails this is the final webinar in this year’s PTBA webinar series.
Register 🔗 link in bio
Past webinars 📚 link in bio
Instructors: Erin Amadon, @town4trailservicesllc ; Jed Talbot, @obptrailworks
#TrailBuilders #TrailConstruction #TrailDesign #Trails #protrailbuilder
From a small group of western trail contractors in 1976 to a global professional industry today, PTBA’s first 50 years have been defined by evolution, innovation, and growth.
As part of PTBA’s 50th Anniversary, we looked back at three major eras in the organization’s history:
1. 1976–2004 // Western Trailbuilders Association
The founding years focused on building trails across public lands, innovating mechanized trail construction, and establishing professional trail contracting as a specialized trade.
2. 2004–2016 // The Transformative Years
PTBA formally changed its name from the Western Trailbuilders Association to the Professional TrailBuilders Association, reflecting the organization’s expansion beyond the western U.S. and the growing professionalism and diversification of the industry.
3. 2016–Present // Global Growth and Professionalization
PTBA has grown to more than 150 member companies and 2,000+ trail professionals, with major milestones including the Trail Competency Framework, expanded training and educational resources, larger conferences, and the first International Conference in Tasmania.
What started with 8 contractors nearly 50 years ago has grown into a global community helping shape trails and outdoor experiences around the world.
📸 Photo Credit 📸
1976 - 2004 Photos: Tri-State Company and @twinoaks1978
2004-2016 Photos: Kay-Linn Enterprises, @woodykeen , @tonyboonetrails , Tri-State Company, PTBA Conference
2016 - present Photos: @town4trailservicesllc , @oregonwoods_trail_crew , @hello_allegra , @greatlakestrailbuilders , @naturetrailsllc , Derby Conference, @forestoration.inc
#PTBA50 #ProfessionalTrailBuilder #Trailbuilders #TrailIndustry #trailbuilding
Two special Lifetime Achievement recognitions were part of the 2026 Sustainable Trails Conference in Boise, celebrating not only incredible careers and companies, but the deeper legacy of trailbuilding itself.
Doug Hansen of Cuddy Mountain Trails was recognized for decades of craftsmanship, mentorship, innovation, and leadership in the trail industry. One of the most touching moments of the week was seeing Doug’s entire family surprise him in Boise to celebrate alongside him — a true testament to the impact he’s had both professionally and personally.
We also honored Twin Oaks Trail Builders and the legacy of Daryl Hoyt, whose family and company have helped shape trails and the trailbuilding community for nearly five decades. While we missed Krista and Avery in person, their films and historic family photos from decades of trailbuilding became part of the PTBA 50th Anniversary lookback plenary session, helping share the story and history of Twin Oaks with the PTBA community.
Thank you to Doug Hansen and the Hoyt family, Daryl, Krista, and Avery, and the many families who have helped build and shape this industry over the last 50 years. 💚
.
.
.
@twinoaks1978@cuddymountaintrailcompany
#TrailBuilders #PTBA50 #TrailIndustry #ProTrailBuilder #trailbuildinglegacy
Trail construction season is underway in many regions—and we’re looking ahead to what 2026 will build.
Here’s what PTBA member companies collectively delivered in 2025:
• 3,000+ miles of trail constructed
• 4,000+ miles of trail designed
• 5 miles of bridges built
• 250 trail master plans delivered
• 200 bike parks designed and constructed
• 2.85 million hours of professional trail work
This is the scale of work happening across the trail industry—led by professionals doing this work every day.
.
.
.
📸:
1: @dewolf_dirt_co
2: @greatlakestrailbuilders , @obptrailworks
3: @oregonwoods_trail_crew
4 + 5: @integratedtraillab
6: @dirttektrails
#trailbuilders #trailindustry #professionaltrailbuilders #trailbuilding #protrailbuilder
The Boise conference was something special.
From a warm welcome in Boise to a packed few days with 430 trail professionals, the energy never let up. We spent time learning what makes Boise a true trail city. Dillon Osleger explored the connections between trails, conservation, history, and impact, and Nathan Reigner closed with a high-energy look at the intersection of trails, outdoor recreation, and the economy.
Hands-on workshops, educational and technical sessions, and constant learning defined the week. And when the weather had other plans, we pivoted—bringing the Dirt Demo into the Boise Centre and making it work (because that’s what this industry does).
The 5th annual women’s gathering was the best yet, alongside the second women’s mechanized workshop—both continuing to build space, skills, and community.
And woven through it all: celebrating 50 years of the Professional TrailBuilders Association. Retro hats, old photos, and a shared recognition of how far the trail industry has come—and where it’s headed.
Grateful for this community. Already looking ahead. 💚
.
.
.
@ridge_to_rivers@cityofeagleid@visitboise@52eighty_creative@vosssigns@sierratrailworks@kafkagranite@americantrails@avimoridaho@bedfordreinforcedplastics@titustrails@dillon.osleger
Today is Earth Day 🌎
A reminder that protecting the places we care about takes intention.
“People don’t need trails, the land does.” — Jim Angell
We take that to mean: well-designed, professionally built trails are a conservation tool. They guide use, protect resources, and create access - building a constituency that cares.
That’s the work. Creating access. Building sustainably. Leaving a legacy.
50 years on from WTBA, that idea still drives the trail industry forward. 🌿
Photo: @forestoration.inc
#EarthDay #SustainableTrails #TrailBuilding #Conservation #trailbuilder
🌍 Where PTBA Members Worked in 2025
Trail professionals often travel far and wide to design and build trails — bringing specialized skills to landscapes and communities around the world.
In 2025, PTBA member companies reported projects across six continents and more than 40 countries, from local community trail systems to internationally known destinations.
Wherever trails are being developed, PTBA members are helping advance the profession and deliver high-quality trails for people and places everywhere.
.
.
.
📸:
1. @integratedtraillab
2. @dirttektrails
3. @sentiersboreals
4. @hello_allegra
5. @obptrailworks
6. @dirtraction.trails
#trailbuilders #trailindustry #trailsworldwide #professionaltrailbuilders
High-load rigging is one of the most technical—and highest consequence—skill sets in trailbuilding.
This workshop focuses on modern rigging systems used in demanding field conditions, from machine recovery to complex pulling and lifting scenarios. Participants will explore today’s materials—synthetic ropes, soft shackles, and updated winching systems—and learn how to apply them safely and effectively when working with heavy loads.
The experience begins with a one-hour classroom session during the conference on Wednesday, followed by a half-day, hands-on field session on Thursday where participants will build and test real-world rigging setups.
Led by Jack Thompson and Curran Wilbour of Northwest Trails, Inc., this workshop is best suited for those with prior rigging experience and will be tailored to participant skill levels.
Spots are limited to 20 participants.
.
,
.
#sustainabletrails2026 #protrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuildersconference #heavyrigging
Big thanks to our Supporting Sponsors for backing the 2026 Sustainable Trails Conference and supporting the people, projects, and progress behind the trail industry. 🙌
@avimoridaho@bedfordreinforcedplastics@titustrails #sustainabletrails2026 #protrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuildersconference
Join us in the field for a half-day workshop exploring Southwest Idaho’s first purpose-built adaptive mountain bike trail system at Avimor. Developed through a partnership between the Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association (SWIMBA), professional builders, and the adaptive riding community, this project puts inclusive design into practice with a system of loops that deliver flow, challenge, and accessibility for a wide range of riders.
You’ll learn how the team translated vision into reality—from planning and partnerships to terrain selection, adaptive design criteria, and construction techniques. Small-group, on-trail sessions will highlight how rider feedback directly shaped the final trail experience.
We’re excited to have riders from the Challenged Athletes Foundation on site to demonstrate adaptive equipment in action and share their perspectives.
Led by Brian Vaughan (Titus Trails) and Damian Kolbay (Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association).
Thank you to Avimor for hosting this workshop and supporting the conference as a sponsor, and to Titus Trails for their support as a sponsor and leadership in this work.
.
.
.
@titustrails@swimba.trails@avimoridaho@cafoundation #sustainabletrails2026 #protrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuildersconference
Thank you to Kafka Granite for supporting the 2026 Sustainable Trails Conference as a Special Event Sponsor.
From surfacing solutions to long-lasting trail infrastructure, their work plays a key role in building durable, sustainable trails across the industry. We’re grateful for their partnership and commitment to advancing trailbuilding.
.
.
.
@kafkagranite #sustainabletrails2026 #protrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuilder #professionaltrailbuildersconference
