'Standard Practice' for clearing trails?

[jhl99]

I recently road some high use trails in a local park (Western PA, Boyce Park).

Whomever cleared and/or developed the trails ended up cutting down some either small shrubs and or 'clumpy' woody saplings that were adjacent the pathway. What was left was groups of 1/2 - 1" diameter woody stumps, about 1 foot high right at the edge of the trail-- the perfect height for snagging feet/pedals or impaling shins or worse... not to mention it looks kind of ugly.

What is the 'best practice' for clearing such stuff?
At what height should saplings be cut off?

I would assume if the objective is to remove a sapling, it should be cutoff at or below ground level. If a trimming offensive branches is the objective, the branches should be trimmed flush with the existing trunk of the tree to avoid leaving little stubs that can impale.

Before everyone gets all excited about 'watering down' the technical aspects of trails... my inquiry is more concerned that trail improvements should not introduce unplanned hazards.

Jeff

[chunk]

That's pretty much stadard pratice when clearing brush. Sounds like who ever cut those trees 1' high has created a safety hazzard.

[NDSPEED]

i can see you bashing pedals but shins that is prety low you must be draggin knees though them turns.:D after all you did say they were an inch high

[Fergie]

Ouch, just sharpen the ends, and you will have a nice booby trap!

Yeah, sapplings should be removed as low as possible, and it is best to never leave nubs poking out.

For the bible on trail work, check out a book called, <i> Lightly on the Land</i>

And for lack of a better link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0898864917/qid%3D1032533242/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-9105013-6688949