A coalition of outdoor recreation organizations led by the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC), issued a statement today urging
the Vermont Supreme Court to carefully consider the long-term implications of its
upcoming ruling regarding the maintenance of public access trails on private land. The
case, which involves the use of a “legal trail” maintained by the Town that crosses
private property in Tunbridge, has the potential to reshape public access rights
throughout the state, with significant consequences for recreationists, landowners,
residents, and municipalities.
News
Trails on trial: Mountain Top Resort’s cross-country ski routes caught up in legal dispute
The Chittenden resort and its neighbors are at odds over the reconfiguration of two ski trails that cut through private property. Generations of cross-country skiers have flocked to Chittenden’s Mountain Top Resort to spend wintry days gliding along bucolic, snow-capped paths nestled in the shadow of Killington. Now, as the popular cross-country skiing destination celebrates its 60th year in business, Mountain Top finds itself locked in a legal battle with its neighbors, John and Debra Gerlach, over the fate of two of its trails.
VTGC Seeks Consultant to Support Strategic Planning Process
The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to assist in the development of a strategic plan for the next 3 years. This plan will guide our organization in growing membership and promoting and enhancing trails and greenways across Vermont. The request for proposals can be found here. Proposals are due on December 20, 2024. For more information, contact: Caitrin Maloney, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, treasurer@vermonttgc.org mobile: 802-279-1281
In Tunbridge, a legal battle over public trails could restrict access across Vermont
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-11-13/tunbridge-legal-battle-over-public-trails-could-restrict-access-across-vermont
There’s a legal battle playing out in Tunbridge over who should maintain the so-called legal trails in Vermont.
Legal trails are former public roads, which aren’t used for traffic anymore, but are still open for walking and other recreational uses. The eventual court ruling could have an impact on more than 500 miles of public trails across the state.
The fight’s been going on for almost five years. The town has spent almost $40,000 so far defending itself in court.
And the whole thing started with a small sign that was pounded into the ground along a public trail that’s less than a mile long.
Vermont completes first full trail restoration
WCAX
After years of working with the Green Mountain Club, Vermont has completed its first top-to-bottom restoration of Burrows Trail.
Burrows Trail stretches just over two miles up the side of Camel’s Hump Mountain; it’s remained one of Vermont’s most popular trails over its 100-year lifespan, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. But Kathryn Wrigley, who manages state lands in Northwest Vermont for Forest Parks and Rec, said the trail’s age and popularity, coupled with increasing rain and severe weather, have created some challenges.
Wolcott community forest boosts trail access: Supports biodiversity, strengthens climate
News & Citizen
A new 735-acre community forest within walking distance of the Wolcott town center is now permanently protected.
Conserved and created in partnership by the town of Wolcott, Trust for Public Land, Northern Rivers Land Trust, and Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, the new public land is directly next to Wolcott Elementary School, Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the proposed Velomont Trail.
