5 minute read
Outdoor Recreation
Killington Ski Resort
Photo: Hyun Lee
-Commissioner of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
Anticipated increases in human population will likely influence the demand for more outdoor recreation (Vermont Forest Resources Plan, 2010). The wild land Vermont works tirelessly to conserve is appealing to many people. Enjoying a scenic drive, seeking outdoor adventure, or participating in activities such as hunting or fishing are all reasons that people are drawn to the state. Continuing to support out-of-state visitors, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts will economically benefit Vermont, as it is estimated that the outdoor recreation industry brings in around $2.5 billion annually for the state (fpr.vermont. gov).
The Farm & Wilderness land and the surrounding Coolidge State Forest and Okemo State Forests allow public recreation on trails. The Forest Legacy program, a federal grant program which helps landowners conserve forest land from becoming developed, requires that public access be available on such land. Much of the landholdings of Farm & Wilderness are in the Forest Legacy program, and the organization welcomes the public to their land. With the increased interest for outdoor recreation, there will be pressure to create more trails that provide a diversity of recreation types.
During the covid pandemic, Farm & Wilderness noticed more visitors coming to their land asking for directions to trails nearby. Because of this, and because of increasing population in Vermont and New England, Farm & Wilderness is planning for more trail use on their land. The organization welcomes the increased interest from the public about their landholdings and the trails that wander through some ecologically unique areas.
The Sugarbush Trail at Woodward Area
Photo: Kelly Beerman, Farm & Wilderness
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Climate Change & Outdoor Recreation
SNOW
The trail systems in Vermont are being affected by warming temperatures, shorter winters, and more frequent rain events. Shorter winters and reduced snowfall negatively impact snow-dependent sports such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.
The Catamount trail system is the longest backcountry ski trail in North America, and travels over 300 connected miles through the state and reaches the borders of Canada and Massachusetts. A portion of this trail travels through the land at the Ninevah Area, and Farm & Wilderness allows all-season use of this trail for recreationists of all types.
The VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) trail system travels through over 4,700 miles of trails in Vermont. Only available in the winter months with adequate snow cover, the VAST trail is a winter haven for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers. A portion of this trail travels through Farm & Wilderness land.
With the changing climate, the need for snowmaking in order to maintain a lucrative and enjoyable ski season will likely increase. Killington/Pico Ski Resort Partners own Killington Ski Resort, approximately four miles north of Woodward Reservoir as well as Pico Ski Resort, a smaller ski area , approximately four miles northwest of Killington Mountain. Both mountains use Woodward Reservoir to supply water for snowmaking. As winter temperatures warm and snowfall decreases, increased demand will be placed on the reservoir as a water source for artificial snowmaking. The allowable drawdown from the lake is monitored by the state, but Farm & Wilderness should continue to act to protect the health of the lake and its water quality as snowmaking pressures increase.
MUD
More freeze-thaw events cause trails to soften and become muddy, causing undesirable conditions for recreationists, and increasing potential for trail erosion and trail damage (Monz and Kulmatiski, 2016). High recreation use on saturated soil causes soil compaction, which damages plant health and reduces permeability (water absorption) of soil. This disrupts natural plant cycles and may also contribute to increased flooding events as the once-permeable soil has reduced ability to absorb water effectively. To avoid muddy sections of trails, trail users often walk around the perimeter of the area, which tramples vegetation and widens trails.
Many state parks in Vermont will close trails during this “mud season” (often April-June) to reduce the negative effects of using muddy trails. Outdoor recreationists during this season should seek trails that have drier conditions.
Increased human activity on Farm & Wilderness trails is welcomed, but during the mud season the organization should monitor trail impacts diligently. Farm & Wilderness should also remember that critical habitats for some animals, especially those which rely on large, contiguous blocks of forest, will be impacted by the increase of trail creation and human use (Vermont Forest Resources Plan, 2010). Any new trails should be designed to avoid ecologically sensitive and unique areas.
Current Practices
Campers enjoy a dayhike at Pico Peak
Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart, Farm & Wilderness
Farm & Wilderness has retained Timber & Stone, a small group in Montpelier, VT that assesses, designs, and constructs outdoor recreation trails, to conduct a trail assessment on the Farm & Wilderness properties. Approximately 20 miles of combined trails within the Woodward and Ninevah Areas will be assessed for safety, erosion, and accessibility.
Farm & Wilderness is also in contact with forest managers from Coolidge State Forest and the Forest Legacy program. This small focus group meets throughout the year to discuss access and quality of trails. More time and planning with this group will benefit Farm & Wilderness, and possibly help connect its existing trails to larger trail networks within Coolidge State Forest. Through ecological surveys, Farm & Wilderness has identified areas of ecological significance. These are areas where human interaction should be limited, and taken into account when planning any new trail construction. Sensitive areas include any areas where wildlife habitat is located, especially for wildlife that is threatened or endangered. Areas containing sensitive plant communities should also be avoided.
Bicknell’s thrush
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WOODWARD AREA HIKING TRAILS
NINEVAH AREA HIKING TRAILS
