SAROOF Submission

Written by Francois Smit, SAROOF

Saturday, 15 October 2005

Article Index SAROOF Submission Page 2 Page 2 of 2 A TRAIL GRADING, EVALUATION AND ASSESMENT FRAMEWORK (This framework is submitted to NOW to stimulate further debate and discussion and do not represent  any formal positioning statements.) Background A formal trail evaluation assessment initiative was started in 2004 as a joint venture between DriveOut Magazine, participating Trail Owners and a group of independent assessors nominated from the 4x4 (off-road) fraternity. During the 1st year, more than 60 trails were evaluated. This framework has been continuously improved throughout this period, and although it still requires a lot of fine tuning and inputs from this forum (NOW) and others, it provides a starting point and standards to be developed further. The proposed strategy is to, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nature Conservation and other relevant departments, adopt this process and framework. Additional information, focus areas and standards can be incorporated in order to satisfy the minimum requirements of the EAI process. It is envisaged that, after a trail has been assessed for the first time, the information can be used to formally apply for approval of the 4x4 trail / destination by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Should additional information be required- or areas of concern be identified, then a comprehensive EIA processes can be initiated. The Trail Evaluation and Assessment Model are divided into different sections and each section is assessed. Certain sections weigh more than others in providing the Final Score. The outline is as follows: An example of a completed assessment is included, with permission from the trail owner, in this document. This must be reviewed in conjunction with the following framework in order to provide the necessary perspective. Section A: Essential Information. This section covers contact information of owner, the evaluator, trail grading information available, cost of trail and general comments / recommendations. Section B: Accommodation: This section requires information on the type of accommodation that exists e.g. is there covered accommodation, formal camping and/or bush camping. Section C: Trail Assessment. In this section the trail is assessed on reception and access control, information provided, driving experience and trail maintenance. Section D: Environmental Assessment: This section evaluates aspects of the trail such as trail registration status, trail facilities, governance, specific rules and signage, implementation and procedure and practice. Section E: Overall Experience: Aspects that are taken into consideration for this section is the ability to maintain interest and driving experience, scenery, richness of fauna and flora, variety of attractions on offer, quality or appeal of camping or accommodation facilities, commitment to preserving / rehabilitating the environment, charisma or commitment of guides / owners, value for money and the wilderness or get-away-from-it-all experience. FRAMEWORK Destination Classification PRISTINE: Only contact with local population Only guided groups Pollution free environment Environmental policy in place Route rotation Vegetation – Indigenous Bush Natural Water Natural Swimming throughout year Natural Drinking Water Natural Game No Farm Animals NATURAL: Only contact with local Population Unguided Groups (Permit System ) Indigenous Vegetation with some Alien flora Man Made Dams Natural Drinking Water Alien Fauna Farm Animals RURAL/URBAN: Facilities open to all Alien Fauna/Flora Man made Structures Swimming Pools and Picnic Areas Unguided Groups Accommodation What do we look for Covered accommodation    Formal camping (e.g. permanent tented camps)    Bush camping   What do we look at Overall impression (Atmosphere)        Position / location        Views        Shade        Facilities: upkeep, condition, hygiene, comfort of bathroom, showers, baths, toilets, sleeping quarters, rooms, cooking area, kitchen.    Upkeep, condition , comfort and atmosphere of  Social area  / Lapa    Braai facilities        Other noteworthy facilities        Trail Assessment Trail Type Day trip Weekender Extended Across the Border Trail Focus Scenic                        Adventure                        Eco-awareness                        Educational                        Challenging                        Training                       Terrain Mountainous                        Coastal                        Wilderness                        Mud / slippery                        Sand / dunes                        Forest                        Open plains                       Experience Required Novice                        Competent                        Expert                       Vehicle Restrictions Suitable for 4x2 vehicles with diff-lock            Suitable for soft roaders (No low range & limited ground clearance) Vehicles needs good ground clearance            Suitable for vehicles without diff-lock            Low-range essential / required                Quad bikes are welcome / only on special request?   (Mark which)   Trail Facilities Guiding Rescue Shade Water Communication Navigation Fuel Accommodation Other Trail Grading (Difficulty Assessment) Overall        Most difficult obstacle without an escape route        Most difficult obstacle with an escape route        What percentage of the trail is grade1, 2, 3 ,4 or 5       Reception and Access Control Signage to find trail        Are guests received in person by the owner or his representative?    Friendliness        Efficiency (bookings / reception)        Reception facilities        Administration (Indemnity forms, access register completed)    Does the owner know who is on the trail and who has left - at all times Is assessment of vehicles done before visitors attempt the trail    Is experience of driver tested before attempting the trail       Information Provided Information of general interest supplied        Information supplied of the trail specifically        Navigational information supplied (MAPS, GPS Maps, Waypoints) Trail focus information supplied (See C2.1)       Driving experience To what extend was the trail objective / vision of the trail owners achieved (Refer to C1: Trail Focus) Scenic or other interests on the trail        Ability of trail to maintain interest of guests        Shade        Water / swimming available        Signage or guiding            Trail maintenance   Trail Maintenance Overall impression / trail conditions        Erosion repair        Litter control        Cutting back of bushes to prevent scratches        Alien control        Trail Environmental Assessment Trail registration status Has the trail been registered with the Department of Environment and Tourism (DEAT)?    Has the trail been inspected by Nature Conservation?    Has there been a formal application by the Land Owner or by a specialist consultant?   Land Status Is the property or part thereof a World Heritage Site?    Is the property privately owned, or is it under the control of a National of Provincial Body? Is the property or part thereof within the boundaries of an official Biosphere?    National / Provincial Nature / Game Reserve? (Tick)    Private Nature / Game Reserve (Tick)    Any other official conservation / protection status applicable? Is the property on a farm and, if so, is it a working farm or dormant land?    Are there any protected fauna &flora, archaeology features, caves, Bushman paintings etc. found on the property?   If yes, please specify the nature thereof   Trail facilities   Is the route and facilities laid out in an environmentally friendly way? Does the route reduce soil erosion? Are there erosion walls in place in steep sections and are these maintained?        Are the areas around the campsite and accommodation in good condition (vegetation)    Are biodegradable products used?        Are separate bins available for waste? Is non-degradable waste, e.g. glass, tin, plastic and other synthetic material disposed of on the property? Are visitors required to remove their own waste? Environmental Rehabilitation Policy Active Environmental Impact Assessment Conducted Environmental Information available Medical Evacuation Plan Fire extinguishers/Fire Buckets Environmentally friendly waste policies Environmentally friendly lighting Secure Parking Secure Environment       Governance (With regards to the following focus areas, are the governing structures, corresponding rules in place and is there appropriate signage / information to remind visitors thereof? ) Accommodation        Driving Experience / Trail        Environmental         Safety        Focus as defined in Section B (Trail Vision)        Specific Rules and Signage   Specific Rules and Signage Speed limit on the route and roads        Banning of undue noise        Firearms and shooting forbidden        Collecting of firewood forbidden        Collecting of any animal, plant, insect or rock forbidden    Littering forbidden        Fires only in designated areas        Driving only on existing tracks and roads        Is there a comprehensive map showing sensitive areas       Implementation, Procedures and practice   Are the above procedures and rules actually applied?        Are visitors briefed orally or on paper regarding the environmentally friendly approach on the property?    << Prev - Next