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UTAP Certified Coordinator Training What is the Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) Congratulations to those selected to participate in the 2007 UTAP Certified Trail Assessment Coordinator Training:
There are currently fewer than a dozen UTAP-certified Trail Assessment Coordinators in New York State, all of whom work for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and assess only state-managed lands. Parks & Trails New York offered a UTAP Coordinator training in 2006 to our first training page for 16 individuals selected through an application process. Many of those persons have now completed their requirements to become certified UTAP Coordinators and are continuing to conduct UTAP assessments of trails across the state. Our Goal Parks & Trails New York’s goal is to increase the accessibility of New York’s outdoor trails for people with physical limitations that affect the quality of their recreational experience. We are providing this second free training in order to continue to build a group of persons who know how to assess trail accessibility and will commit to assessing several miles of trail (within their area) within a year of completing the training. The resulting information will be added to our on-line Trail Finder Maps. UTAP Training The UTAP training workshop will be held on July 25 and 26 at Gilbert Lake State Park, Laurens, NY (approximately 20 minutes from Oneonta, NY). Wednesday’s session will begin at 11:00 am. A lunch and dinner break will be included, and the session will end no later than 8:00 pm. Thursday’s session will begin at 8:00 am and will include breakfast and lunch and will end no later than 5:00 pm. Up to 16 persons will be selected, including at least one from each of the 11 regions of the state, as defined on our Trail Finder Maps. The workshop will be presented by two UTAP certified trainers. It will consist of both classroom instruction and outdoor trail sessions. Generally, easier trails with some variation of conditions will be used for training on Wednesday. More challenging trails and a greater variety of trail conditions will be introduced on Thursday. At the end of the second day, a certification exam will be given. Participants who score 70% or higher can become certified by UTAP and American Trails, a national nonprofit trails organization. Our Trainers Patricia Longmuir - Founder of PEL Consulting, Ms. Longmuir works with public, not for profit and private agencies to enhance the physical activity and recreation opportunities available to people of all abilities. She is a Master Trainer for the Universal Trail Assessment Process who specializes in access to outdoor, natural environments and has completed numerous trail assessments and UTAP training workshops. Ms. Longmuir holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Toronto and is a Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant. Carole Fraser - As Universal Access Program Coordinator for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Ms. Fraser has worked since 2001 to improve accessibility to NYSDEC programs. Prior to her current assignment, she worked in DEC’s office of Legislative Affairs and as the Assistant Editor of the Conservationist, NYSDEC’s award winning magazine. Participant Commitment After successful completion of the UTAP workshop, and in return for this free training, each participant will work with Parks & Trails New York staff to select and assess at least 3 miles of trails in their region during the next year. Parks & Trails New York will help each participant organize others to assist with these trail assessments. The accessibility information will then be added to the Trail Finder maps, Parks & Trails New York’s on-line multi-use trail locator. Costs The UTAP training will be provided free of charge. As part of this training, the following will be provided:
Costs NOT COVERED by Parks & Trails New York
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