LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

 The VTGC has become an active advocate for trails organizations both in the Statehouse and with the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation (FPR). Our advisory role provides VTGC a unique position in shaping the conversation and the future of outdoor recreation in Vermont. The breadth and diversity of the outdoor recreation organizations and businesses that make up the VTGC membership gives us a depth of expertise that can help educate lawmakers making difficult land use and recreation decisions in Montpelier. 

Your Voice Can Make an Impact!

Are you passionate about a current policy or outdoor recreation issue?

VTGC member voices are critical to our ability to advocate for sustainable funding for stewardship to improve Vermont’s Trail System and to create accessible, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities across the State.

Nothing motivates elected officials or government administrators as much as receiving authentic, real-life input from their constituents, as your experience in creating, maintaining and protecting trails assets gives you a critically valuable perspective.

We invite you to get involved in advocacy today as VTGC member participation will have a tremendous effect on legislative and rule making outcomes and there are many opportunities in the 2024 session to become involved. 

VTGC Legislative Priorities

Become a VTGC member today

Interested in becoming a VTGC Advocate? contact: sharon@vermonttgc.org.

Act 59/H.126 - This legislation establishes goals of conserving 30 percent of Vermont land by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. Key to meeting these goals is completing an inventory of current conserved lands and developing a conservation plan on or before December 31, 2025. Act 59 requires a stakeholder process and outdoor recreation groups are named as participants in this process.
VTGC Letter of SupportH.467 - This is an outdoor recreation omnibus bill that is currently before the House Agriculture, Food Resiliency and Forestry Committee. This bill is made up of three outdoor recreation bills: 

• H.131, a bill to create the Green Mountain Recreation fund, 
• H.85, a bill requiring trail accessibility, and 
• H.310, a bill to provide one-time funding to the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC);

VTGC and FPR are working closely with the Committee to support a longer form bill that can help provide a vision for the future of outdoor recreation in Vermont. 

Nick Bennette, VTGC Co-Chair testimony

Mariah Keagy, VTGC Co-Vice Chair testimony