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First Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub Summit charts bold vision for inclusive outdoor recreation
On Wednesday, June 14, Bolton Valley Resort’s Timberline Lodge played host to the inaugural Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub (TAH) Summit, bringing together more than 50 thought leaders and advocates to advance trail accessibility across Vermont. This collaborative event united representatives from more than 30 organizations and agencies, setting the stage for a transformative future in trail-based outdoor recreation.
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Vermont’s outdoor recreation valued at $2.1 billion in 2023
VT Digger
Many Vermont residents value the outdoors. What they may not know is just how much the Green Mountain State’s outdoor recreation economy is worth. Outdoor recreation contributed $2.1 billion in value added, or 4.8% of the state’s gross domestic product in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. That means it made up the second-highest percentage of state GDP, after Hawaii. Since the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis started tracking this data a few years ago, Vermont has maintained its position near the top, said Rebecca Washburn, director of the lands administration and recreation division of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation in Vermont.
Dread your commute? These folks suggest trying a trail instead
VT Digger
Imagine a commute without the worry of traffic jams, potholes or detours, a path to town that’s nearby, maintained and linked to routes just like it all over the state.
That’s the Cross Vermont Trail Association’s vision — to create a web of trails for bikers and walkers to have easy access and safe travels between north-central Vermont towns.
American Trails Capacity Grant 2025 Opens
American Trails
American Trails and Bronco Wild Fund are pleased to continue the Trails Capacity Grant Program in 2025. This program is targeted for projects on all federal public lands, as well as state, local, and private lands accessible to the public. Project applicants may include nonprofit organizations, businesses, or agencies at the state or local level. American Trails is administering this grant program, and is soliciting proposals for funding, with awards between $2K and $10K per project. Deadline is January 31, 2025 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Northern Forest Center Funds Trail Sustainability in Vermont
Northern Forest Center
The Northern Forest Center recently awarded grants to The Town of Marshfield, Southern Vermont Trails Association, Dog Mountain, The Town of St. Johnsbury, and South Hero Land Trust.
VTGC Seeks Contractor to Support VT Trail Accessibility Hub
The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC) is seeking proposals from qualified independent contractors to support the Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub (TAH). This person will collaborate with TAH partners on several projects including: 1) Lead the process to research and write a long-term sustainable operating model; 2) Produce a final report with recommendations to the State of Vermont Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation; 3) Develop a Trails Accessibility Advisory Council, and 4) support TAH communications and events. Contact sharon@vermonttgc.org for more information. Applications due 12/20/24.
Vermont Trails and Greenways Council Releases Statement Regarding Potential Vermont Supreme Court Ruling on the Authority to Maintain Trails
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.
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.
