Forest department seeks trail volunteers

Vermont has a rich tradition of community engagement with public land management. Recreation trails within state parks and forests would not be the resource many enjoy without the efforts of countless non-profit organizations and volunteers.

With over 250 miles of trails in Orange, Washington and Lamoille counties, the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation’s is seeking the public’s support in maintaining trails. Currently, over 43 miles do not have a trail maintainer to support general trail maintenance. The trails available to help are primarily in Little River State Park, Elmore State Park, the Worcester Range and Spruce Mountain.

Trail maintainers are asked, at minimum, to visit their trail twice a season — spring and fall. They assess and record trail conditions, itemize maintenance needs and report to the department’s district recreation staff. For trail maintainers who want to perform hands-on trail work, the department will provide additional training on general maintenance activities such as erosion control, corridor maintenance and trail blazing.

The department will offer community building and informational training events to provide an opportunity for trail maintainers to meet other individuals in the program.

The program is scheduled to start with a kick-off event on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3, at Elmore State Park beginning at noon. Join department staff for a barbeque and initial training in observing and reporting techniques and to distribute tools and resources to trail maintainers.

Interested individuals should contact Jesse Hoover, regional trails coordinator at d4trails@vermont.gov. Prior trail experience is beneficial but not required to participate in the program.