February 19, 2020
A letter to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy businesses:
Vermont’s enduring outdoor recreation legacy is because we have gotten some things right:
● Our rural communities nestled against mountains, woodlands, and waterways support businesses that provide innovative products and services and meaningful employment;
● Organizations work with landowners and land managers to build and maintain recreation assets that balance access for locals and visitors with a healthy eco-system.
● Outdoor enthusiasts value the healthy lifestyle and culture that comes from the enjoyment of the outdoors.
● Most importantly, people come together in times of change.
One of Vermont’s outdoor recreation gems, the 25-year-old, 100-mile Kingdom Trail network, is undergoing just that - necessary change brought on by the challenges of their success as a premier outdoor recreation destination.
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) recognizes that the Kingdom Trail Association is not the first organization in the state to navigate the legitimate concerns of landowners providing recreation access on their private land or to address pressures on community infrastructure. And we know they won’t be the last.
How we, as an outdoor recreation community, respond with support and engage in finding solutions together is critical to the future success of Vermont’s outdoor recreation system, affecting investments and arrangements in communities and economies large and small.
We have witnessed the benefits of the Kingdom Trail experience to local businesses and the Vermont “brand” nationally and internationally and seen how it has served as a model for outdoor recreation economy hubs in other places. We support the efforts of the Kingdom Trail Association, local businesses, landowners and community partners in addressing their circumstances of the present in order to continue to improve their experience for the future.
With that in mind, VOBA invites the following actions:
1. Spread the word
Although four landowners have removed bike access from the Kingdom Trail network, there continue to be 97 landowners whose private land provides for 80 plus miles of world-class riding. We encourage locals and visitors to participate in events, bring your families and play with your friends in all seasons. Support the local businesses that are part of the backbone of the region’s economic prosperity.
2. Thank landowners
Vermont’s land is 80% privately owned and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association states that 80% of mountain bike trails are on private land, therefore so much of our access to bike, hike, fish, paddle, ski, snowmobile and recreate in other ways relies on the generosity of private landowners that are rewarded in the fact that they are keepers of the Vermont tradition of open access. Take opportunities to recognize and appreciate Vermont’s landowners and strengthen relationships and communications.
3. Educate the community
Encourage productive dialogue with your employees, customers, business partners, and neighbors about each of our roles in the responsible use and promotion of Vermont’s natural and recreation resources. Provide information including trail rules and etiquette to recreation users and partner with organizations and land managers in implementing education and stewardship efforts.
4. Show support and get involved
Lend your voice to the Kingdom Trail Association’s year-long planning process that will analyze region-wide issues and opportunities concerning trail amenities, access points, community connections, traffic, circulation, and safety (take the survey: www.kingdomtrails.org/networkcapacity) or get involved in a community discussion closer to home. Join the organizations that build and maintain trails and promote their efforts to your networks.
By working together, businesses, employees, and customers can play important roles in strengthening our outdoor recreation system, ensuring Vermont continues to be an exemplary place to work, play, and live.
Sincerely,
VOBA Board and Policy Committee