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  BinderInterested in being an Ambassador for TART? Check out the contents of the training binder either by downloading the pdf or reading the content below!TART Trail Ambassador Binder.pdf I. TART TRAILS MISSION AND GOALS The mission of the TART Trails is "to enrich the Grand Traverse area by providing an interconnected network of trails, bikeways and pedestrian ways; and encouraging their use." To fulfill this mission, TART Trails has established the following goals:
The TART organization works to maintain and enhance the TART Trail system which includes the Boardman Lake Trail, Leelanau Trail, TART Trail, Three Mile Trail, and the Vasa Pathway and encourage stewardship through volunteer programs, educational outreach, and community partnerships. We strive to promote healthy, environmentally responsible transportation and recreation and provide access to the beauty of the Grand Traverse region, now and for future generations. II. TRAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within this overall mission of the TART organization, the goals and objectives of the Trail Ambassador Program shall be to promote the safe, responsible and enjoyable use of the TART Trail system with an emphasis on:
The Trail Ambassador Program is a volunteer driven program of trail enthusiasts who wish to contribute to the community, TART Trails, and collaborating agencies/organizations. The Trail Ambassadors will focus on working with the biking, hiking, running, walking, in-line skating and skiing communities, as these groups comprise most of the TART Trail uses. A. What is a Trail Ambassador? There are several opportunities for Trail Ambassadors to choose from including:
B. Required Training 1. Volunteer Information Sheet and Training: Prospective Trail Ambassador volunteers must complete the Volunteer Information Sheet plus the designated TART Trail Ambassador training. This will include but is not limited to:
Trail Ambassador training will be made available and dates will be announced at various times throughout the year as demand dictates. Rights, privileges and performance expectations of volunteers are documented later in this manual. Thanks for your interest in the TART Trails Ambassador Program! C. Additional Training (but not required) 1. CPR/First Aid training offered at: a.) American Red Cross - "First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community - This course combines lectures, demonstrations and video with hands-on training and practice. Participants in this course learn to recognize and respond to emergencies including shock, cardiac and breathing emergencies for adults, children and infants, heat and cold emergencies, sudden illnesses and poisonings. Additionally, participants will learn first aid for everything from cuts and scrapes to muscle, bone and joint injuries." Northwest Michigan Red Cross 735 S. Garfield Ave. Suite B100 Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone (231) 947-7286 b.) American Heart Association - "The Heartsaver First Aid Course teaches how to manage illness and injuries in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. Course content includes General Principles, Medical Emergencies, and Injury Emergencies. Optional topics include CPR and AED, and Environmental Emergencies." Western Michigan American Heart Association 3940 Peninsular Dr SE Suite 180 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Phone (616) 285-1888 2. Basic bike repair training offered at: a.) Brick Wheels- training offered every Saturday at 10:00 am in June and July 736 E. 8th Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone (231) 947-4274 -- Ask for Marty b.) City Bike Shop- training dates to be determined 322 S. Union Street Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone (231) 947-1313 c.) McLain Cycle- training dates listed on web site www.mclaincycle.com 2786 Garfield Rd. N Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone (231) 941-8855 3. Leave No Trace ethics-www.lnt.org III. THE TART TRAIL AMBASSADOR The TART Trail Ambassador is a volunteer position. TART Trails Inc.'s objective is to create a community of members to volunteer and become an active voice in representing the TART Trails Inc., educating others, and assisting trail users for a more enjoyable experience on the TART Trails system. The goal is to create and maintain sustainable, open, safe and fun trails for all users. The Trail Ambassador Program will be managed by a TART staff member or volunteer. Duties shall include communication with Trail Ambassador volunteers, management of information reporting forms, coordination of training dates and open houses. A. Trail Ambassador Program 1. Trail Ambassadors Duties
2. Trail Ambassador Qualifications/Abilities
3. Communications a.) Cell phones- While working as a volunteer on the TART Trails system, it is advisable to have a working cell phone for communications, but it is not required. There are some remote areas on the Leelanau Trail and Vasa Pathway where a cell phone may prove to be valuable in an emergency situation. b.) Law Enforcement- In the unlikely event that you run into someone who is causing problems, please remove yourself from the situation and contact the Grand Traverse County Sheriff, Leelanau County Sheriff, State Police, Traverse City Police or Department of Natural Resources depending on where you are located. Write down a description of the person or vehicle with any defining characteristics. Do not try to handle the problem yourself! c.) Emergency Medical Services- It is not required of a Trail Ambassador to take basic first aid and/or CPR training for your duties on the TART Trail system. Optional training is offered locally. See page 3. Should you encounter an emergency situation and have access to a phone, contact 911. Try to stay with the victim(s) and get as much information as possible and relay that information to the dispatch. Please remember to fill out the appropriate paperwork to document the incident and return it to the TART Trails office. 4. TART Trails, Inc. Responsibilities
B. Types of Trail Ambassadors 1. Roaming Ambassador A roaming ambassador is someone who uses the trails frequently and is willing to represent TART Trails Inc. by assisting trail users when necessary. He/she is willing to answer questions from other trail users, report maintenance issues, present a "watchful eye" along the trail, etc. a.) Duties
b.) Recommended equipment
c.) Follow-up
2. Stationary Ambassador A stationary ambassador represents TART Trails Inc. at open houses to greet, inform, assist, and educate users on the TART Trails. He/she encourages trail users to support TART Trails through volunteering, membership, and/or financial support. A stationary ambassador may also obtain feedback through TART surveys and sign-up sheets. a.) Duties
b.) Recommended equipment
c.) Follow-up
3. Trail Maintenance ambassador A trail maintenance ambassador is trained to check specific assigned sections of the trails for maintenance issues/concerns. Each trail section will have a site specific maintenance checklist that is to be completed on either a semi-annual or quarterly basis (depending on trail section.) a.) Duties
b.) Recommended equipment
c.) Follow-up
4. Program/Educational ambassador A program/educational ambassador is an individual who can offer a useful service to TART users and members. There are many possibilities limited only by our imaginations. Several examples could include:
a.) Duties
b.) Recommended equipment
c.) Follow-up
IV. VOLUNTEER RULES, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES Since the Trail Ambassadors are representing the TART Trails, it is of the utmost importance that Trail Ambassadors treat all trail users with courtesy and respect and attempt to use their knowledge and skills to assist trail users in the following ways: providing information about proper use of the TART Trails, regulations and layout, local services and attractions, and trail conditions. A. Volunteer Rules of Conduct
B. Volunteer Rights and Privileges
C. TART Guidelines Trail Ambassadors need to have a reasonable working knowledge of the Trail Guidelines as posted along the trails. If a Trail Ambassador is witness to a violation of the Trail Guidelines and has the opportunity, they should identify themselves, courteously explain the trail guidelines, and ask for compliance now and in the future. TART hopes that our trail users will use the trail in a respectful and responsible manner. As a Trail Ambassador, please exemplify proper trail etiquette at all times. Please remember to yield to slower trail traffic and stop at all stop signs. Our current Trail Guidelines are printed below. Trail Guidelines 1. Be considerate of all trail users. 2. Cyclists yield to slower traffic, especially children. 3. Keep to the right, except when passing. Cyclists - single file when other users present. 4. Alert others when passing. 5. Keep pets on a 6-foot leash. Clean up after your pet. 6. Respect private property. Stay on the trail. 7. Stop at all STOP signs 8. For all emergencies, DIAL 911 D. Thank you! We appreciate your interest in our Trail Ambassador Program! TART Trails, Inc. P.O. Box 252 Traverse City, MI 49685 (231) 941-4300 www.traversetrails.org |
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