Vermont is fortunate to have thousands of miles of recreational trails. Trails provide a means of exercise and recreation and expose us to the wonder of natural life in the outdoors. They also make a sig nificant contribution to the economy of the state.
However, trails, like roads, need to be maintained if they are to provide safe and enjoyable experiences while protecting the environment. Heavy rain, snow, and winds along with continual use often leave trails in a state of disrepair. Trails can easily become overgrown and eroded. Partially blocked or poorly marked trails can also be a personal safety hazard.
A good trail is well drained, clearly marked and free of blocking growth. By adopting a trail on state land you can help to ensure that Vermont's trails are maintained to high standards.
Individual trails may have specific needs, but in general Adopters are expected to concentrate on the three following tasks:
Adopters are asked to go out at least once in the spring, summer and fall. Other trips may be necessary after damaging storms.
After each work trip, adopters are asked to send a maintenance report form to the appropriate District Trails Coordinator. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation will provide technical information on trail maintenance and standards. Materials and supplies such as signs and paint will be provided. Hand tools may be available upon request.
Trailhead parking areas and trail shelters may be adopted as separate facilities.
Any person or group can adopt a trail. An individual, couple, or families with children, school groups, scouts and clubs all make great Adopters. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and a little physical work will make a good trail Adopter.
Adopters gain personal satisfaction from their work on the trail. By adopting a trail, you will be able to take pride in knowing that you are helping to take care of an important resour~ and making a valuable contribution to others enjoyment.
You will receive a Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation "Volunteer" patch. This will identify your role and help spread information about this program. At the end of the season, you will receive a certificate of recognition and the option to renew your agreement for the following year.
If you are interested in adopting a trail on state lands, please fill out and return the form to the appropriate District Office. The District Trails Coordinator will contact you. We appreciate your help and hope to see you on the trail!
Please return this slip to your nearest district office as listed on the reverse side.
Name:_______________________________________________________
Address :_______________________________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________________________
Trail Name:_______________________________________________________
Past Trail Maintenance Experience:
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This brochure was printed through financial assistance of the Vermont Recreational Trails Fund.(Please return this form to the appropriate District Trails Coordinator upon completion of each work trip.)
Name of Adopter: __________________________________
Trail Assignment:__________________________________
Spring Report Date Visited: ________
Summer Report Date Visited: ________
Fall Report Date Visited:________
Other Report Date Visited:________
Total number of person-hours spent working on this trip: ________
Please describe work done on the following tasks:
Are there any major problems regarding the above aspects or others which may need to be looked into further by the District Trails Coordinator? Please explain the situation and give approximate locations. What in your opinion, will it take to correct this problem?
Feel free to include additional comments on the back. THANK YOU!
I (we) do hereby adopt the _______________________ for the period _________ to ___________, and agree to the terms listed below.
Adopters will assume the following responsibilities, once before, during and after the primary season of use and after damaging storms. They will report to the District Trails Coordinator after each work trip.
Trails will be cleared in early spring so trails are open for summer use. Clip brush and stumps flush with the trail to avoid snags. Try not to alter the natural landscape dramatically. When possible, discard brush out of sight.
Trails will be well drained. Clog-causing debris will be removed from drainage devices. Light repair work may be needed. Drainage devices will be cleaned after the leaves have fallen so that good drainage will occur during fall rains and spring runoff.
Appropriate signs will be in place and in good condition. Blazes will be visible from both directions. However, you shouldn't see more than one blaze from any location.
Major construction or reconstruction will be done on the trail
only with authorization from the District Trails Coordinator.
Tne Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation will provide relevant technical information on trail maintenance and standards. Materials and supplies such as signs and paint ~ill be provided. Hand tools may be available upon request.
Your offer to volunteer your services to the State of Vermont is permitted under 3 V.S.A. SS207(b) (temporary volunteer). For the purposes of 3 V.S.A. SS1101(b) (legal defense), 12 V.S.A. SS5601-5605 (liability protection), and 21 V.S.A. SS629 (worker's compensation) you will be considered a State employee.
You will not be deemed a State employee and will not be subject to the provision of law relating to Stare employment and collective bargaining agreemenrs relating to hours of work, rate of compensation, leave, and State employee benefits.
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Signature of Adopter
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Printed name of Adopter
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Address
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Day/Evening phone
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Date
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Signature of District Trails Coordinator
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Printed name of District Trails Coordinator
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Office Address
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Day/Evening phone
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Date