Reddit mentions of Lightly on the Land: The Sca Trail Building And Maintenance Manual 2nd Edition

Since you're a boy scout, do the responsible and helpful thing and carry loppers. Sure, they're heavier, but they're an essential tool of what we use to do trail maintenance and they work extremely well. Lop off branches as close to the ground as possible, while taking care not to get dirt into the blades so they don't get premature worn out or damaged, then throw the branches as far away from the trail as you can. Long handles will make it a lot easier to reach deep into brush.

If you ever participate in a trail maintenance project, you'll already have a great tool to work with. That's really the best way to deal with overgrown trails. While there, you'll learn the right way to clear a trail.

If you need to clear bigger branches or small trees, you can use a folding or small fixed saw. The Silky BigBoy 2000 is highly recommended, but there are less expensive options. Again, don't cut in the dirt or your tool will be damaged. A little WD40 or biodiesel is very useful for thinning sap and lubricating the blade.

If you want to learn more, the Forest Service has some free publications, or you can buy Lightly On the Land. I can't remember the link, or the name of the general maintenance guide, but some of the more focused guides are An Axe to Grind and Saws that Sing...both excellent resources if you get serious about trail maintenance.

I just finished my first season as a crew leader and our office provided Lightly on the Land and a copy of this guy. I don't think these are very obscure though so you might have them already.