b'VAST NEWSLANDOWNER LETTER HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY ON VERMONTS SNOWMOBILE TRAILSAcross Vermont, thousands of miles of snowmobile trails exist because of one essential factor: the willingness of private landowners to allow riders to cross their property.The statewide trail network maintained by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers depends heavily on these relationships. Clubs and volunteers spend countless hours not only grooming trails, building bridges and installing signage, but also meeting with landowners, addressing concerns, repairing damage and maintaining trust season after season.These relationships do not happen automatically. They are built throughTo all riders of our land:Today shortly after sunrise, they years of communication, cooperationThe trail system that crosses ourbrought their own equipment and and mutual respect. LandownersState from the Canadian border toworked to install multiple posts and receive no compensation for allowingthe Massachusetts line and all pointshundreds of feet of rope and signs trail use. Many pay substantialeast and west, is predicated on thealongside devoted club members. property taxes on land that becomesgenerosity of local, state and privateBecause of their actions and the hard part of a recreational system enjoyedlandowners. This trail system wouldwork of the club, we have agreed to by residents and visitors alike. Theirnot be possible without the tirelessreopen our property to grooming and participation is entirely voluntary, andefforts of hundreds of volunteers,riding.access can be withdrawn at any time. young and old, and the generosityWhen riders leave the trail and When riders stay on marked trailsof countless landowners who paydamage private land, it not only causes and follow club guidance, theexuberant taxes on the land that theyphysical damage to the property, but system works. When they do not, theoffer up for everyone to enjoy.it diminishes the relationship between consequences can extend far beyondWith regard to the incident on ourriders, clubs and landowners, which is a single incident. Property damage,property, the riders destroyed plumessential to the continued viability of even when unintended, can strain ortrees and berry bushes that ourthe trail system. permanently break the trust that makeschildren had cared for over severalWe have all made mistakes in our lives, public access possible. A single eventseasons including throughout thebut snowmobilers are running out of can jeopardize an entire trail corridor. drought this past fall. By destroyingsecond chances. Please keep it between Local clubs often respond quicklythese trees they not only damaged ourthe posts, ride sober, and stay on trails. when problems occur, workingproperty, but they destroyed a trustIf you see something, say something with landowners to repair damage,that children hold that adults wouldand report all off trail riding to your improve trail markings and preventbe entrusted to do the right thing andlocal club or law enforcement. future incidents. These efforts reflectmake good decisions. As a landowner and fellow rider, we the broader commitment within theIn the case of the off trail riders onall stand to lose when trails get closed. snowmobiling community to protectour property, all three of the offendersSet a good example for all, young and access and preserve goodwill. came forward and admitted to theirold, and hold each other responsible The following letter from landowners,mistakes. This took tremendousjust like these young men did. This is shared with riders, offers a firsthandcourage. Not only did they comethe last chance for our trail or it will be perspective on how off-trail ridingforward and own their mistake faceclosed permanently. affects both property and relationships.to face, they also agreed to come outEnjoy our land and ride safe,It also reflects the ongoing workand assist the club in marking the trail required to rebuild trust and keep trailsand repairing the tree damage in theBen & Danielle. open for everyone.spring.2 | Snowmobile Vermont'