Erosion is a natural process that is defined as the gradual diminishing of something, often by force of wind, water, ice, or gravity. The process of erosion removes soil, rock, and other earth materials from one location and deposits them to another.
If we look close enough we can see signs of erosion all around us as we explore the outdoors. Rounded stones, the emergence of brooks and streams, as well as the expanding sandy beaches we traverse. Natural forces have been at work for millennia creating many of the spectacular landscapes we enjoy visiting and erosion has played a key role. The existence of rivers, canyons, and beaches are just a few examples of how erosion by wind, water, and ice have shaped the landforms we see on the earth’s surface.
Erosion has become a more common topic as urban sprawl and climate change continue to impact the speed at which it occurs. Increased weather events and temperature shifts have altered landscapes in both subtle and drastic ways, while human population growth and the spread of its footprint have contributed their fair share to increased rates of erosion. Deforestation, urban development, and agricultural activities accelerate erosion by removing surface level vegetation, root systems, and nutrients that maintain a balance in soils, help with filtration, and anchor things in place. The absence of these natural elements and the introduction of non porous surfaces, such as pavement, alter hydrology and encourage water from weather events or seasonal shifts to move soil and stone faster than it should.
Trails at several Maine Audubon sanctuaries experience erosion via natural and human driven forces. The coastal East Point Audubon Sanctuary has seen some of the most drastic changes over the past few years. Several sections of the trail that were once stable now fall in the high water mark zone and have begun to collapse.
In addition to natural erosion caused by higher tides, hiker traffic has begun to expand the zone of impact in these already compromised areas. Creating bypass trails is an unconscious human response that allows for safe passage. As hikers, our eyes take in the environment around us and work with our brain to signal when there is a hazard we should avoid. The body’s response to a threat is to seek an alternative route. Established “social trails” can change a trail network drastically. The intent behind them is likely not bad, but social or bypass trails are not laid out with forethought for the area and commonly cause greater issues with water runoff down the line. So, what do we do when the trail tread is disappearing and we still want to enjoy the sanctuary?
Rerouting trails farther inland, when possible, is often the best solution. Most New England trails were originally created to provide the best views and the quickest access to water. In a time when outdoor recreation was less popular and extreme weather events were fewer, those routes may have made sense. But as foot traffic and storms increase, so too does the rate that erosion occurs. The need to design trails sustainably rather than creating them out of convenience has never been more pressing.
Improperly designed trails can quickly become cupped and either hold water or send it down hill faster than desired. Cupped trails result in hikers seeking dryer routes with fewer obstacles. When social or bypass trails pop up, they create new avenues for water to travel on, creating larger scars that often expand the area at risk for, or already experiencing, collapse.
With rerouting, will the visitor experience be different? As a trail builder, I can say that the experience and some views will change, but it’s important to recognize that not all change is bad. The intent of bringing a trail inland is not to restrict or prevent hikers from enjoying the intrinsic beauty that a sanctuary has to offer, but rather to protect that ecosystem in a way that benefits wildlife and provides an experience for generations to come. Rerouting trails away from the critical coastal edge can help slow the rate of tread erosion and create a more sustainable network. Having a few spur trails that provide properly graded beach access will reduce the likelihood of full trail sections being lost to the sea.
The next time you’re out at a Maine Audubon sanctuary, I encourage you to stay on the designated path. If a trail is not identified on the map found at a sanctuary kiosk, then it’s not an approved trail. We can all do our small part to prevent the spread of social trails. Whether a path looks defined or not, please refrain from contributing to the erosion. Over time, Maine Audubon sanctuary trails will change, and in turn, will become more sustainable. Trails designed to work with topography rather than against it can provide better habitat protection, while providing a more inclusive user experience.
