About CTA's Trail Protection Campaign

The uniqueness of the Catamount Trail lies not only in its length, but also in the fact that its existence is made possible through the generous permission of nearly 200 private landowners whose property the Trail crosses.

Because 165 miles of the 300-mile Trail cross private land (the rest of the Trail is located on state and federal land), development pressure and changing landowners constantly place the Trail in jeopardy of closure. Since 1998, the number of landowners has more than doubled as land has been subdivided and sold.

Recognizing that the future existence of the Trail can only be assured by permanently conserving the trail corridor, CTA initiated a strategic Trail Protection Program in 1998.  The Trail Protection Program provides the framework within which CTA’s Trail Protection Committee and Trail Protection Director work to accomplish CTA’s long-term protection goals and work with willing landowners who wish to donate permanent trail easements across their property. The Trail Protection Director also partners with the state of Vermont and the many land conservation groups in the state on projects that include the Catamount Trail within the parcel’s boundaries.

As of spring 2008, more than 75 miles of the Trail have been permanently conserved with easements held by CTA or a conservation partner. The CTA is committed to conserving the entire Catamount Trail corridor in perpetuity and ensuring this special recreation resource exists for skiers for generations to come.