Be a Trail Chief, Adopt a Trail Section!
The CTA is looking for committed, outdoor-oriented people who have a little spare time, like to hike and work in the woods, and want to make a significant contribution to cross-country skiing in Vermont. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Then why not consider becoming a CTA Trail Chief?
CTA Trail Chiefs are key volunteers who each take on maintenance of a five- to fifteen-mile section of the Catamount Trail. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the Trail is well marked and clear of brush and blow-downs prior to the winter ski season each year. Trail Chiefs help organize local volunteers to assist in these trail maintenance efforts.
They also serve as the CTA's "eyes and ears" on the Trail. We count on them to let the organization know of any major work or improvements needed on the Trail such as bridge construction and repair, erosion control, or a re-route. Some parts of the Trail cross private lands and in these areas Trail Chiefs serve as key landowner contacts. This involves checking in with landowners once per year and signing a landowner “thank you letter” each spring.
The Trail Chiefs do not do all this work alone. The CTA staff work closely with Trail Chiefs and provide support wherever it is needed. Major trail improvements and relocations are usually accomplished with the help of grants and college or youth crew groups. New landowner contact is usually a co-operative effort between staff and Trail Chiefs. Members usually assist Trail Chiefs with annual maintenance by joining one of the fall trail work days. Keeping the Catamount Trail open and in tip-top shape is a team effort!
What do these important volunteers get in return for their service? First and most important, they get the satisfaction of contributing to the betterment of the Catamount Trail. Most of our Trail Chiefs get quite attached to their sections and take pride in keeping their sections well maintained. Numerous trail improvements have been made based on the advice of Trail Chiefs and they get to improve the section of trail they ski the most! Trail Chiefs also get to purchase ski and snowshoe equipment at wholesale prices through our equipment purchasing program, and have access to free or discounted courses in first aid and trail building. Last, but not least, Trail Chiefs get to be part of the unique, energetic, outdoor and ski-loving community of the CTA.
If you are interested in becoming a Trail Chief, please contact Amy Kelsey at 802-864-5794 or at akelsey@catamounttrail.org.