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ontario parks association

Protecting Tomorrow Today®

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  • Trails Risk Management Level 1

Trails risk management - level 1


Instructed By:


Dr. Jeff Jackson, Ph.D.

Presented in Partnership with:


Trails Risk Management - level 1

Managing trails is about managing risk. Offering trail opportunities creates a significant community asset with immense tangible and intangible benefits. Balanced against these positive effects comes an obligation and responsibility to do it right. There is an inherent tension between providing recreation opportunities and at the same time protecting against their possible negative side effects. This is the mediating role risk management plays.

This live webinar lays the foundation for trail managers, builders and volunteers to plan and organize their risk management practices. This introductory theory course is part 1 of a three-part risk management progression, and is the prerequisite to the level 2 and 3.

The theory session covers:

  •  Mandatory baseline trail risk management practices
  • The legal environment, legislative requirements, and defenses against negligence
  • Trail risk management systems, user safety, and trail management objectives
  • Access, information and signage principles

This live webinar is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

NOTE: this 6 hour training course is delivered via two 3 hour online sessions.

This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council.

This course is worth 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation

Upcoming events

  • Trails Risk Management - Level 3 Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council

    • 22 Jun 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7
    • 7
    Register

    This in-person training course combines classroom discussion with on the ground trail assessment exercises and evaluation of existing trail risk factors and requirements. Risk assessment for multi use or activity optimized trail networks is the core process that identifies risk management needs. This applied training prepares participants as trail inspectors and risk assessors. This is the third training in the trail risk management progression.

    The on-the-ground training covers:

    •  Trail inspection and risk assessment process and procedures 
    • Risk assessment tied to trail management objectives
    • Objective versus subjective assessment criteria
    • Inspection forms and documentation

    This in-person training is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

    Participants are to bring footwear, rain jacket and water bottle, plus their existing inspection forms or inspection documentation.

    Pre-requisite: OPA’s Trail Risk Management – level 1 & 2 online webinar

    NOTE: this 8 hour training course is delivered in-person, in class and outdoors.

    Course Date: June 22, 2026

    Course Time: 8:00am-4:00pm

    Course Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7

    This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

    Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).



    Show details

  • Trails Risk Management - Level 3 Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council

    • 23 Jun 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7
    • 8
    Register

    This in-person training course combines classroom discussion with on the ground trail assessment exercises and evaluation of existing trail risk factors and requirements. Risk assessment for multi use or activity optimized trail networks is the core process that identifies risk management needs. This applied training prepares participants as trail inspectors and risk assessors. This is the third training in the trail risk management progression.

    The on-the-ground training covers:

    •  Trail inspection and risk assessment process and procedures 
    • Risk assessment tied to trail management objectives
    • Objective versus subjective assessment criteria
    • Inspection forms and documentation

    This in-person training is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

    Participants are to bring footwear, rain jacket and water bottle, plus their existing inspection forms or inspection documentation.

    Pre-requisite: OPA’s Trail Risk Management – level 1 & 2 online webinar

    NOTE: this 8 hour training course is delivered in-person, in class and outdoors.

    Course Date: June 23, 2026

    Course Time: 8:00am-4:00pm

    Course Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7

    This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

    Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).



    Show details

For more information on hosting or attending, please send an email referencing the course title to training@ontarioparksassociation.ca

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