They site the trail away from special habitat features, such as cliffs. Trail users see the flight of the peregrine falcon but do not come near its nest on the cliffs and jeopardize the success of its nesting effort. Stewards place trails away from vernal pools, essential habitat for salamanders and invertebrates. If a purpose of the trail is to show a vernal pool, a viewing area can be created nearby without disturbing the pool. Here again, the tree canopy is maintained so the shade keeps the pool from drying up.
Stewards develop trail rules that define permitted uses.
They may limit the number of users, close sections of trails during nesting season and, if dogs are allowed at all, require that they be leashed. Natural areas associated with water, and adjacent upland habitats, have fragile soils and vegetation. They are very important habitat for wildlife, fish and plants. 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.