b'VAST NEWS$2,500 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ESSAYSespecially to small towns like Groton, Danville and even Glover (my favorite place for pizza!).The VAST network includes over 5,000 miles of trails and encourages riders to visit every corner of the state. The VAST partnership with private landowners creates a system where over 90% of our trails are on private land. This provides snowmobilers a unique opportunity to visit parts of theChandler Neveu state they might never otherwise have seen. Gorgeous vistas, ancient forests,Marianna MerrittChandler Neveu is from Montpelierspectacular views, and the sparkle of and is a member of the Buckaroos of 302the sun bouncing off the snow crystals snowmobile club of Caledonia county.and frozen brooks draw both local andMarianna Merritt is from Fairfax,and He plans to attend Clarkson Universityvisiting riders alike. Local volunteeris a member of Fletcher Rough Riders and study Engineering (undecided).clubs work together to maintain andsnowmobile club of Franklin county. groom the trails, giving riders theShe plans to attend VSU-Johnson and confidence to venture to the more ruralstudy Health Science (nursing).Chandlers Essay edges of the network. Even after the snowmobile season ends, the areas When people think of tourism inbeauty encourages visitors to returnMariannas EssayVermont, they usually think of mapleyear-round and explore VermontsId like to take this opportunity to syrup, leaf peeping, and ski resorts.other attractions. introduce myself and highlight my However, they may not recognize theThe VAST trail system connectspersonal goals and expectations. enormous impact of snowmobilingcommunities and people physicallyMy name is Marianna Merritt, and I on our local economy. Snowmobilingand though the development of lifecome from the rural town of Fletcher, contributes to Vermonts economy inlong relationships. Snowmobiling isVT. I consider myself self-driven several significant ways: through directunique as it draws people of all agesand competitive, with a strong sales, by encouraging people to exploreand backgrounds. As a volunteer Idetermination to achieve my personal all areas of the state, and by connectinghave forged relationships within mygoals. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, people and communities.community but also with riders fromI have immersed myself in various The most obvious economicacross New England and Canada. Asactivities such as ski racing, soccer, benefit comes from direct sales toa volunteer I have worked alongsidehunting, fishing, and snowmobiling, all snowmobilers. A study conductedmy family, my neighbors, and ridersof which have deepened my connection by the Times Argus found thatfrom places as far as North Carolina.to the state of Vermont. Over the snowmobiling contributes over 500Snowmobiling in Vermont isnt just ayears, I have sustained injuries from million dollars annually to Vermontssport; its a community of people whothese outdoor pursuits, leading me to economy. These sales arent just toshare a passion for our trails and forchoose nursing as my career path. This fellow Vermonters, over one-third ofour state. decision allows me to remain close to all snowmobilers in Vermont comeIn conclusion, snowmobiling is muchthe activities I love while helping others from other parts of New England. Withmore than just a recreational activityrecover from similar experiences.many snowmobilers packing lightin Vermont; it is a vital part of theSnowmobiling in Vermont highlights to travel across miles of trails, ridersstates economy and community. Fromthe close-knit relationship between purchase fuel and food throughout thedirect sales to rural tourism and thelandowners and snowmobilers, state as well as renting rooms to stay.connections it fosters, snowmobilingas well as the sports significant Snowmobilers bring outside funds toprovides a significant economic boosteconomic benefits. Growing up in rural areas and small local businesses,and helps to keep Vermonts rural areasa small farming community, I have many of which are off the traditionalthriving. The sport brings togetheralways been surrounded by strong, path for tourism. The differencelocals and visitors alike, strengtheningsupportive relationships with friends between a good snow year and a greatbonds and supporting small businessesand neighbors, many of whom are snow year makes a huge differenceacross the state of Vermont. landowners. Despite occasional 2 | Snowmobile Vermont'