As a 12 year old, new to the Pacific Northwest I was fascinated with trees. I transplanted various conifers saplings in our commons “to see how they would do”. I loved exploring and building trails down to the Little Spokane River and years later this would be a site for my Shorelines Management Program work. Those were the lazy days of youth, absorbing nature. But those moments were thrown into a turmoil while I watched the IMAX film “Man and Nature” which played at our 1974 Spokane Exposition. As a result, I caught the tail end of the environmental movement propelling me later into planning study and GIS work: Bachelors degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and Masters Degree in Planning and Public Policy followed by joining a GIS startup business in Boise, Idaho.
After pursuing municipal civil service for many years, I have returned to my roots – Trails, Restoration, and Trees .
Trees
As an arborist, my focus is always with the health, structure, and architecture of trees. Below are some of my experiences:
- five(5) years pruning trees
- Urban Forestry & Ecological Restoration Certificate Programs – South Seattle Community College
- Northwest Certified Forestry: 2012
- Olympic Region seven (7) years of USDA Cost-Shared Agreements with the US Forest Service managing the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail; Class “B” sawyer
- Certified Arborist: International Society of Arborists PN-8028A
- Washington Native Plant Society
- Chair of the Port Townsend Parks Recreation and Trees Board 2009-2010
Trails
Designing trails with nature, this is the starting point when a conceptual plan has been laid out. The individual steps should include a systematic process of evaluating all natural elements in the context of going from point A to B. I employ the Ian McHarg method of mapping and evaluating Constraints and Opportunities to guide design. Masters work involved developing a Visual Enhancement Guide for Highway 101; though not a trail, the site principals are the same. Ultimately, I offer my services with trails/pathways to bring out the best qualities in nature and purposeful function. I work closely with clients to accomodate needs and desires within the context of these systems. Below are more of my experiences:
- Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail – US Forest Service Cost Share Agreements: Management of trail corridor on the Olympic Peninsula seven(7) years, developed youth trail building programs, advocated for National Scenic designation: accepted 2009 President Obama
- Designed and built private landowner trails for four (4) years: Jefferson and King County
- GIS mapping: King County CDBG program, two(2) years as cartographer Geographic General Inc. Boise (no longer in business)
Ecological Restoration
Two (2) years experience conducting ecological assessments and restoration in King County. Currently implementing various pilot projects to explore the efficacy of materials and methods in trail construction, including:
Wood Straw at Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance sites
ReGreen- sterile wheat at Green River Coalition sites
Seeking Partnerships with those who see the benefits of community stewardship! Let me help you with your dreams – Nicoterra Trails: pathways to nature
AFFILIATIONS
- Washington Native Plant Society
- Solanus Casey Center
CIVIC PARTICIPATION
- Washington State – Recreational Trails Program: Advisory Committee
dmcollins1962@gmail.com – 360.531.0447
Daniel Collins
NICOTERRA 