b'Annual MeetingBest Signed TrailsThe following club was in tough shape at the end of the 2020/21 season. TheyBest Groomed Trails Project of the Yearare responsible for over 80 miles ofThe grooming crew for this club isThe nomination described this project trails. They were given notice froma new group of operators.This clubas being a shining example of clubs VAST that their trail signage neededtook a big step and took over theirworking together to bring a project improvement. The club took thiscontractors contract three years ago. to fruition after years of overcoming notice very seriously and committed toThey are responsible for approximatelyobstacles.making strong improvements for the50 miles of trail. The terrain ranges for safety of the riders, to be in compliancenarrow wooded mountainous sectionsTwo clubs worked together to with VAST and to have pride of ourto wide open flat sections in the lowerconstruct a new trail of approximately trails within the club. elevations. 6miles long. The trail uses a Many club volunteers stepped up andcombination of existing town trails, put in countless hours marking everyThree volunteer groomer operatorsmaintenance roads for a cell tower and intersection properly and replacinghad to learn best practices, completelogging roads.posts where needed. They checkedhands on training and assist each otherThe clubs worked with the town to and updated bridge markers, cornerthroughout the season. The rewards offacilitate the use of town forest and arrow signs, stop ahead and generaltheir hard work and dedication can beconservation land as well as several warning and related signs as needed.seen by the many positive commentsprivate landowners in order to bring They ensured that all signage met orriders posted to their Facebook pagethis trail into existence. The town paid exceeded the VAST standards. regarding the great condition of theirfor the materials to construct two trail system. The club went throughbridges which were needed.They also went on to create twoa leadership transition and those landing zones, properly marked andvolunteering seem to be workingThis trail provides a crossing of I-89, cleared in the event there is a need forwell together for the benefit of theirreplacing the one that was lost with the a helicopter to assist in an emergency. members. closing of the Waterbury suspension The Canaan Border Riders of EssexThe 2022 Best Groomed Trails awardbridge. It also provides access to food, county receive the Best Signed Trailsgoes to The Coles Pond Sledders ofgas and lodging.award for 2022. Caledonia county. The Barre Town Thunder Chickens and Northfield Snowmobilers of Washington county receive the Project of the Year award. Early Winter 2022 | 9'