b'VolunteersSignage (checks, replacement, andinvolved, so let them know putting them up) has to be cared forearly enough so this can every year as well. Offer to help withbe arranged. Some clubs ordering the required signs or caringmay have enough groomer for the clubs signage inventory. operators, but are looking Some clubs put plywood on theirfor people to ride shotgun bridge decks to help with longevity.with their operators; having Maybe you can offer to care formore than one person in the this either during the week or on amachine helps with safety weekend. concerns if there are any issues while out This time of year is when constructiongrooming.usually occurs. Do you own anSpring & Summer excavator? Maybe you can donateNeedsmachine and operator time. Building bridges takes a crew to complete. MoreThe season has come to hands on deck really helps to get thean end, but not the work. job done. Its a great feeling riding overOffer to help take down that bridge knowing you helped buildsigns, remove plywood it! from decking, or do a Culverts need to be installed forcheck on the trail to trouble-water areas. Its usually aensure no one left trash muddy job, but youll appreciate that itbehind. We want to was done when you ride! keep our landowners happy and our Dont have the time to physically helpenvironment clean. It but have items you can donate to helpis also a time to check offset costs in getting these thingsout the condition done? Let your club know! Whetherof bridges; was any you have culverts, stakes, deck screws,damage done to them lumber, plywood, or paint, gettingduring the riding season or are they these items donated really helps. at end of life and need to go on the Winter Needs list for fall work?So, we are all out there riding.Do youClubs have to obtain landowner see an area where the signage couldpermission when the current be better? Report it to the club. Youpermission form expires. Maybe come across a downed tree? If youthis is an area where you can help.How do you find out what your club dont have the means to care for it,Whether its caring for the inventory ofneeds help with?report it to the club. If you see a branchlandowner permission forms, mailingSo, all this is great and you want to down, which is easy enough for youforms to landowners, following up ifhelp! How do you get in touch with to move to the side, take a moment tono response, or the good old knockingyour club? Hopefully, your club move it. Having your input on whaton the door for signature, it all has toadvertises events and work days on you are seeing while riding is criticalbe done. This can be somewhat timeFacebook, website, newsletter, or email. to the club ensuring a positive ridingconsuming depending on the numberIf not, you can check the VAST website, experience for its membership.Extraof landowners a clubs trail crosses. IfCLUBS tab, to see who the officers eyes out there really does help.you cant manage all of it, maybe offerare in your club and reach out to them Machine maintenance is another areato take care of a portion of it. directly(vtvast.org/clubs.html).where volunteers can help. I wasntPaperwork! Based on the clubsStill struggling to get engaged with really sure where to put this since itevaluation of trails, bridges, andyour club? Maybe reach out to a really can be needed any time of year.equipment, is the club going toneighboring club. Some clubs have A winter breakdown is a pretty bigneed financial support? VAST granta good solid slate of volunteers and deal, though, so I put it here. Do youpaperwork is done in the spring and isothers struggle to get volunteers to have mechanical skills? If you do, letanother area where help is welcomed. help with just the basics. So, if you your club know. This can be a trailFor many clubs, spring is a time tosense a club is not receptive, reach out grooming life- saving need mid-season! evaluate the season just past and beginto another; there are 120 clubs that Are you interested in becoming aplanning for the upcoming season.maintain the VAST trail system. Trust groomer operator? Many clubs areThe lists begin: budgets, events,me, someone is waiting with open always looking to build their groomerfundraisers, signs, construction needs,arms for a volunteer to offer to help! operator fleet. Usually, there is trainingculverts needed, and a bunch moreEveryone can make a difference, on things. and off the trail.Early Winter 2020 | 17'