Project Goal
The Trails Bureau was seeking to create a centralized location where authoritative trails data and resources can be managed and accessed for internal operations. The project took the current GIS database for the Bureau of Trails by expanding and upgrading it to become a world class administrative tool for management of the state of NH's trail system. These upgrades and new tools have set up the bureau for future operations of the state’s management of the state trail system.Business Problem Solved
We solved the need to document maintenance activities on infrastructure we manage and maintain. This includes both point and linear maintenance. The linear maintenance documentation was something that that ESRI came up with a unique solution to. We also integrated other state department data into our tools to use in real time when making management decisions.
Technology Implemented
ArcGIS Pro & Arc GIS online. Online tools such as experience builder, dashboards, web mapper, sites & pages. Field maps for mobile application.
Development Team Biography
Alexis Rudko: Deputy Chief for Bureau of Trails. Alexis built the original GIS database for the Trails Bureau using her skills acquired while obtaining her Master of Science degree at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Natural Resources. Her thesis was creating habitat suitability models using ArcGIS to study common loon (Gavia immer) distribution throughout NH. Alexis has been with the Trails Bureau for over 10 years and continues to promote and expand recreation opportunities for all users through the state. Alexis oversees the Bureau’s grant programs for trail maintenance including the federally funded Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant and has become a resource for other states when managing their own RTP grants.
Craig Rennie: Chief for Bureau of Trails. Craig is a certified wetlands scientist and wildlife biologist for the state of NH. He used GIS while working in wetland permitting for the State of NH’s Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
Company Overview
The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails administers multiple-use trails on state, federal, and private lands within the state of New Hampshire. The Bureau of Trails assists organizations, municipalities, and trail clubs with the development of trails on both public and private lands. Included in the bureau's management are 1000 miles of wheeled off-highway recreational vehicle trails, over 300 miles of state-owned rail-trails, and 7422 miles of snowmobile trails. The Bureau of Trails is within the Division of Parks & Recreations in the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NH DCNR) is to protect, preserve, promote, and manage the State’s natural and cultural resources, supporting New Hampshire’s high quality of life and strengthening the experiences of residents and guests.
Return on Investment
These tools are already seeing use by providing project planning maps when applying for grant funds to maintain the state trail system.