b'VAST NewsVAST AWARDS TWO $1,500 SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING STUDENTSNicole Fullerton is from So. Woodstock, VT and is a member of the Long Hill Snowmobile Club of Windsor county. She plans to attend Vermont Technical College to study Business Technology and Management (AAS) program.Nicoles Essay: I have lived in Vermont my whole life. It is a place I, and generations before me have called home. Going to school close to home is something I have always wanted. Going to college at VTC will give me all the same opportunities to be with my family. Being a true Vermonter, I have learned about our little state, town, and community. Snowmobiling has always been a large part of my familys life. I was given my first snowmobile at age seven. It was a 120. When I outgrew it, I had a 440 and now a 660. All Arctic Cat. I took the snowmobile safety course test, andNicole Fullerreceived my snowmobiling license. Safety while snowmobiling has alwaystrail being created, the trail needsDustin Beloin is from Troy, VT been valued in our family. After myclearing. Having all of these trailsand is a member of Country Riders mom was in a snowmobile accident,connect and lead to places is vital toSnowmobile Club of Orleans county. we are very cautious on the trails andour state. They also have to make sureHe plans to attend Vermont Technical are sure to check our snowmobilesthey have landowner permission whenCollege and study in the Automotive at the beginning of each season. Mymoving a trail. Without landownerTechnology (AAS) program.dad helps with this, and knows a lotcompliance, it would not be possible about snowmobiling. My dad is afor riders to support local businesses very present member and volunteerand enjoy Vermonts wooded areas.Dustins Essay: in the Long Hill Snowmobile Club. HeMany local businesses depend on also serves as the Assistant Windsorsnow travelers. Snowmobilers comeThe relationship between landowners County Trail coordinator. He groomsfrom all over to snowmobile here. Theyand snowmobiling in Vermont plays local primary VAST trails in the areaspend money at gas stations, generalthe most crucial role in maintaining the with a 1989 Tucker 2000. While doingstores, restaurants, and other touristVAST trail system and the livelihood all of this, he is a struggling smallattractions along the trails. Havingof snowmobiling as it is. My family is business owner. I have gone with himthe trails in good condition for thesea landowner with VAST trails running to do trail work and know many of thetravelers is vital to Vermonts economy.through our property and an avid local trails. I have been grooming withThough the development of these trailssnowmobiler I can speak towards both him and help him with his book workimporantion, all snowmobilers needsides of the picture. for VAST. Along with my dad, otherto preserve certain areas, so VermontThe most important thing for the VAST members put in many volunteer hourscan continue to have a future. I find ittrails is keeping landowners happy as to make trails safe. In the winter, theyimportant to read signs, slow downmore than 80% of Vermonts trails are work to make trails in good conditionand stay on trail to keep snowmobilingon private property. There are many for riders. Checking trails throughoutpresent. Snowmobiling is meaningfulways to keep landowners happy. Some the season to ensure theyre safe andto our family, community, and state. Byare happy to just have a trail on their many other unrecognized volunteerstaying in Vermont for my schooling,land, some are willing to volunteer hours. In the warmer months, they areI intend to snowmobile as much as Ito help improve trails on their land. fixing bridges, shifting trails, cuttingcan. To support local clubs, businessesMany landowners are active members trees and taking out hazards. When aand much more. All while traveling thein their local clubs and organizations trail needs to be moved, they need totrails that I love. and even go beyond in helping to find another route. If there is a new'