What To know about vtgc

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The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council serves as your voice for recreation, trails and conservation in partnership with public land managers. 

The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to support the Vermont trails and outdoor recreation community and officially serves as an advisory body to the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation (FPR). Our primary mission is to ensure that people will always have access to the trails and landscape of Vermont. This mission is driven by a commitment to trails as critical infrastructure for Vermont communities in ensuring better health, sustainable economies, and an increased commitment to conservation. 

Early in its development, VTGC took on some important statutory responsibilities. The Council formally serves in an advisory capacity to FPR with a focus on three primary advisory roles: 

1. Supporting the allocation of federal funds through the Recreational Trails Program of the Federal Highway Department;
2. Overseeing the Vermont Trail System with a focus on making recommendations about membership, trails standards and how to best maintain, build and advocate for trails in Vermont; and 
3. Encouraging and supporting educational programs about Vermont trails and outdoor recreation. 

The Council is organized around a core Board with outreach to a broader group of trails-related  stakeholders throughout the state, including individuals, towns, nonprofits and some for-profit businesses. The current membership includes organizations responsible for more than 100,000 volunteer hours, over 70% of our public trails, and the infrastructure for outdoor recreation as one of our most important industries, providing  more than 50,000 jobs in Vermont. Vermont State Statute