The wider the ecotone, which is the transition from water to upland area in this edge habitat, the more valuable it is for wildlife. A large number of species use these areas as travel corridors and for nesting. High human-use trails along the water s edge bisect the habitat, separating water from upland, greatly reducing its usefulness to many wildlife species. Yet people are drawn to water. To satisfy this desire, and still protect the habitat, a dead-end trail spur can branch from the main trail to the water s edge at an appropriate place.
People can get to the water view and the habitat is protected.
Bridges and other structures also protect riparian areas from the effects of trails and their use, such as mechanical disturbance and the gas and oil leaks from motorized vehicles that are devastating to aquatic environments. The other important step in developing a trail, in addition to the inventory, is to know the purpose. A well-planned trail is designed to accomplish the particular purpose. A family trail used a few times a year or a cross country ski trail used only in winter are very different, in terms of potential impact and design standards, from a public trail that will be used year-round by many people. Type of use, frequency of use, and seasons of use all need to be reflected in the design and construction of trails.