July Chapter Update
VT Mountain Bike Fest Was a Success!
Mountain Bike Olympics
Finding the perfect ride
Great scene at the fest with cows
RTP Funding Info Has Been Published
Hello Trail Partners!
This year’s 2013 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant Applications are now available on our website! If there are trail projects identified in your community in need of funds for NEXT year (spring/summer of 2014), you can apply now for a $20,000 grant! ~ Check out our website to learn more: http://www.vtfpr.org/recgrant/trgrant.cfm
Technical assistance can be obtained from trail professionals around the state, many whom are members of the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council (VTGC). VTGC serves as a clearinghouse for trail information. To learn more what the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council has been doing check out their website @: http://vermonttrailsandgreenways.org/
And, here’s webinar (for a small fee) that may interest many of you, sponsored by American Trails:
John Favro will be presenting “Building Your Trail Right the First Time” that is taking place next Thursday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. For more information, go to:
http://www.atfiles.org/store/shop/webinar-building-your-trail-right-first-time/
Enjoy the weekend, and thank you all for making trails in Vermont the very best, … still!
~ sherry
Sherry Smecker Winnie
Recreational Trails Program Administrator
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3801
Telephone: 802-760-8450
Growing Pains
Moving forward we will accomplish even more - together. Our Association is experiencing significant growing pains this year. I ask that you persevere with me as we define our united value to the state and realize the level of support that matches the demand on trails built on the backs of volunteers. Riding in Vermont isn't free!
My commitment to this objective can be seen in two important ways. First, I have been working for months with the state on our new corridor management agreement. They have been tremendously supportive and are willing to work with us to define roles and responsibilities required to develop a genuinely sustainable future for mountain biking in Vermont. This will lead to further education, funding, and of course...access.
In addiiton, VMBA is at work collecting survey data. On the surface, a survey may not appear profound. It is. These data are the empirical facts the state needs to realize our collective impact on the state's economy. For example, over 25% of those in attendance at the festival last weekend were from out of state, the hotel and Ascutney State Park were full - this is big news for VT Tourism, a VMBA partner. Out of state riders are not new to us. I recognize the sensitivities of tourism traffic for many chapters and am not sending riders to these places.
Lastly, I sent a letter a few weeks back reiterating chapter programs, which outlined the ways chapters and VMBA can reciprocate support. Chapter dues and event proceeds sharing represents the foundation of chapter programs. Please take a look at the rest of your riding season to learn how/when VMBA can support you and to what extent you can reciprocate that support through dues and event revenue. More information on the VMBA chapter program can be found on the "Chapter Documents" link on vmba.org Thanks.