Thank you to the volunteers for your time and dedication to helping make the Vermont trail system a safe and enjoyable place.
To be mindful of volunteers and your time, VAST will continue with an online format for the 2026 VAST Spring Course.
An eNews will be sent to all VAST clubs to their club email on Wednesday, April 29, introducing the 2026 VAST Spring Course. A follow-up email was sent on Friday, May 1.
Clubs wishing to apply for any of the VAST Grant-in-Aid Programs must have at least one member in attendance for the entire Spring Course and fulfill the associated requirements throughout the course. Multiple members from a club may complete different sections of the course. The Spring Course will be accessible to clubs starting Friday, May 1, with a completion deadline of Sunday, May 31. Attendance will be recorded throughout the course. If no one from your club can attend and complete the course, your club will not be eligible for any VAST Grant-in-Aid for Fiscal Year 2027, including Emergency Funds.
New for the 2026 VAST Spring Course: May 1 - May 31
This year’s course features a new layout compared to previous years and includes five sections in addition to the AORRG Chainsaw Safety Course:
- Administrative
- Communication
- Signs
- Trails
- Grooming
Each section is designed to connect the relevant club members with the topics most applicable to their responsibilities. For instance, a member responsible for organizing deadlines, managing the annual club contact form, payments, club events, and other administrative tasks should complete the Administrative section. This may differ from a member focused on trail development or bridge construction. At least one member from each club is required to complete each of the five sections listed above.
Chainsaw Safety & Operation: May 1 - August 15
Using a chainsaw on the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) lands requires proper training and the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Individuals must wear chainsaw PPE whenever operating a chainsaw on state lands. VAST encourages everyone to adhere to this policy when using a chainsaw on any property.
- This Chainsaw Safety & Operation section will automatically close at 11:59 PM on the last day. You do not need to complete the courses all at once; you can bookmark the link and return later.
- A raffle drawing for the eligible clubs that completed the Chainsaw Safety & Operation section will be held at the 2026 VAST Annual Meeting in Orleans County on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Upon successful completion of each section of the VAST Spring Course, as well as the Chainsaw Safety & Operation section, a personalized certificate will be issued. Please save this PDF file as confirmation of your course completion for your club.
***There are NO make-up options for missed attendance***
If you do not have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet for the course, you are welcome to contact VAST to schedule an appointment to complete the course onsite at the VAST office.
Thank you all for your hard work and dedication; we couldn't have the amazing VAST trail system without you!
CLUB VIDEO RESOURCES
VAST Club Manager Video Tutorial
Working with ANR to maintain VAST trails on state land, 2025
