March 2010

VMBA’s partnership with
the United States Forest Service
yields top award.
 

The Vermont Mountain Bike Association presented with an USFS-issue Leatherman tool, recognizing us as 'Partner of the Year'.
 

For the past several years VMBA has been working in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS), to see increased mountain bike access in the Green Mountain National Forest. This partnership has included securing grants from the National Forest Foundation and the Bikes Belong Coalition, and the USFS approving trails for mountain bike use and maintenance. To date this work has focused on the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, and in the National Forest around Pittsfield and Manchester. 
 

Recently, VMBA signed a 'Cost Share Agreement' with the USFS, through which the USFS will provide us with $38,775 towards project management costs, with VMBA’s matching requirement being $10,175. Together these funds will be used to design and manage trail projects on the Moosalamoo, Chandler Ridge, Oakridge, Leicester Hollow, Hayes Brook and Corridor 7 trails in the National Forest, creating some great new riding opportunities, accessing campgrounds, lakes, and pristine backcountry riding zones.  
 

Expect to hear about many trail workdays in Vermont’s National Forest this spring, summer and fall.  Mark your calendar for June 11-13 for a training session with the IMBA-Trail Care Crew, at the USFS office in Manchester, VT. Also, keep your eyes and ears open for an 'open-house' event in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area in fall 2010, when we will invite ridersalong to check out the new trails, more details will emerge as the work progresses this season.