GM National Forest Trails are Now Open to Equine and Bike Users

RUTLAND, VT (Oct. 17, 2008) - Green Mountain National Forest officials are increasing opportunities for equestrian and mountain bike enthusiasts on some of the existing roads and trails throughout the Forest.

Within the Forest, north of Highway 4 in the towns of Goshen and Ripton, the Forest is designating multiple trails for equestrian use.

"These trails were designed and built for snowmobile, ski and mountain bike use and will easily accommodate horse use and will provide important links between existing trails for loop riding opportunities," said District Ranger Rob Hoelscher.

The following existing trails will be designated and managed for multiple uses including equestrian use:
1. Forest System Trail (FT) 143.12 from FSR 32 to FT 141 (0.1 miles)
2. FT 141 from FT 143.12 to FT 142 (0.2 miles)
3. FT 142 from FT 141 to FSR 67 (2.3 miles)
4. FT 278 from FSR 32 to FT 142 (1.1 miles)
5. FT 257 from FT 142 to FT 143.08 (3.0 miles)
6. FT 143.08 from FT 257 to FSR 32 (1.1 miles)
Downloadable map

Hoelscher also designated forest trail 181, in the town of Ripton, from State Rte 125 to Forest Service Road 92 to include mountain biking as an acceptable use.

In the Forest south of Highway 4, in the towns of Woodford, Glastenbury, Winhall and Stratton, the following existing trails will be designated and managed for multiple uses including equestrian:
1. FH6 Kelly Stand Road to FR320 (9.4 miles)
2. FT 381 from FST 385 to Forest System Road (FR)71 (8 miles)
3. FT385 from FT 382 to FR 71 (5.1 miles)
4. FT 386 from State Route 9 to FT 385 (2 miles)
5. FT 382 from State Route 9 to FT 385 (2 miles)
Downloadable map

Manchester District Ranger Alex Sienkiewicz also designated forest trail 385, or corridor 7, between Highway 11/30 to forest road 30 and forest trail 369, North Backwood Trail, from the Town of Stratton to forest road 341 as a multiple use trail suitable for mountain bike use.

"During the development of the Forest Plan, many members of the public felt that the Forest did not provide enough trail opportunities for mountain biking and horse back riding" said Sienkiewicz who noted that the Forest is working to provide a diverse range of high-quality sustainable recreation opportunities.

The Forest asked for comments from the public in March and received more than 600 responses from groups and individuals interested in new trail designation. Comments were used in making the decision.

No new trails are being constructed and all trails exceed standards for horse and mountain bike use. Trails will be closed to some uses during the wettest times of the year, typically in the Spring.

The Forest will be working on changing trailhead signs to indicate the designation of the new uses and will be partnering with local organizations to assist with maintenance.

For more information please visit the Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/greenmountain/htm/greenmountain/g_home.htm

New Trail Riding Group Formed

The Vermont Trail Trotters is a new group of equine enthusiasts, who are working to encourage public interest and support for the preservation, development and enhancement of equestrian trails.

The first project for VTT is working with the Green Mountain National Forest to designate equestrian use of some of the trails within the national forest.

VTT has requested seasonal equestrian use on some of the snowmobile trails in Bennington County that traverse between Route 9 in Woodford, Vermont, north to Bondville, Vermont. Horses may be ridden on any Forest Service roads open to vehicular traffic, but horses are allowed only on designated trails (of which there are not many).

VTT is proposing to adopt a section of trail and help with monitoring and maintenance of that trail. VTT supports multiple uses of trails by various user groups. They are looking towards education of these groups to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.

The US Forest Service is taking comments on proposals for opening trails to mountain bike and equestrian use. In the current proposal the mountain bikes and horses are on separate trails. A news release being printed in Creature's Corner News on April 1 gives more information and requests participation and input from interested parties. It's very important to make your voice heard. The time to act is now!

Charter members of VTT are Lorraine Thurber, Willene Martin, Jenny Kimberly and Terri Pettibone. They may also be contacted for more information.