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CVTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS FORMED,
INCORPORATION STATUS ATTAINED!
The Cross Vermont Trail Association (CVTA) now has a board of seven directors. They are: Rose Paul (Plainfield), Sandy Woodbeck (Montpelier), Mary Hensley (East Thetford), George Sporzynski (South Burlington), Ben Rose (Wiliiston), Lucy Gibson (Woodstock), and Susan Bulmer (Barrel. A more qualified group of individuals would be very difficult to find. Between them, they bring to the CVT well over 100 years of combined experience in areas that are highly relevant to the purpose and mission of the Cross Vermont Trail. Look for CVT board member and volunteer profiles in upcoming issues of the CVT Newsletter. Although the CVTA has a good number of representatives from across the state, more are needed. if you or someone you know wants to work with your local community to develop the Cross Vermont Trail In your area, contact the CVT Coordinator at (802) 828-5696.
On September 10, 1999, the Cross Vermont Trail Association was registered as an incorporation by the Vermont Secretary of State. This accomplished, the CVTA can now apply for non-profit status. Once they have become a non-profit organization, they will become eligible for numerous grants and funding opportunities that target similar non-profits. Additional plans for the near future include an insurance policy to further protect landowners and towns from liability, and hopefully a grant for some seed money to fund outreach events and small trail projects.
Are you looking for a safe, enjoyable alternative to riding your bike on the roads? Then join a group of folks who will be exploring the Cross Vermont Trail and the Montpelier-Wells River railroad bed in Groton and Ryegate this Fall.
Free rides will start at 10 and 10:30AM on Saturday, September 25. The rain date will be on Sunday, September 26. Two rides will be offered: one for families with small children or those who only want a short ride (approx. 6 miles in length), and one for those who want a longer nde (approx. 12 miles in length).
The longer ride will start from the Kettle Pond parking lot, located on Rte. 232 in GrcPton State Forest. Riders are asked to show up by 9:30; this ride
starts at 10AM.
The shorter ride will start from the Ricker Pond parking lot, also found on Rte. 232 in Groton State Forest. Riders are asked to show up by 10:30; this ride leaves around 11:00AM.
Both rides will finish at the memorial ball-field in Ryegate at around 12PM, where there will be free ice cream, refreshments, and events (to be announced). Lunch will also be sold at a concession stand for those who don't bring their own. Anyone is welcome to join us for lunch at the ball-field, even if they don't want to ride their bicycles. Shuttle service will be provided to take riders back to their vehicles.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring snacks and water for the ride. You can either bring your own lunch or purchase it at the Ryegate ballfield. The trail is flat, unpaved, and a little rough in places. Bicycles with fat tires are recommended, and a helmet is required for every rider.
A special thanks goes out to Steve and Debbi Desroches of Groton, and Mike Thomas of Newbury for working so dilligently to put this event together. Debbi Desroches is responsible for designing the wonderful flyer (and map) which is included in this mailing.
For map and directions, see the attached flyer. For more information, call Steve Desroches at 584-3990 (Groton, VT); Mike Thomas at 7573960 (Newbury, VT); or Eric Scharnberg at 828-5696 (Montpelier, VT). Please call first if you plan to attend.
The newly-formed Cross Vermont Trail Association (CVTA) and the Newbury Conservation Commission are working together to apply to the Vermont Agency of Transportation's (VAOT) Enhancements 2000 program to fund trail construction on several key sections of the Cross Vermont Trail (CVT) in the town of Newbury and the village of Wells River. The cornerstone of this project will involve the construction of about 300 feet of trail, which would pass under the I-91 Wells River bridge. This route would cut across the fall line of a steep sidehill on the south bank of the river.
In November 1999, the Williston Conservation Commission and the CVTA will also apply for Enhancements 2000 progra;n funds: Specifically, the funds will be used to help with a scoping project to determine a safe, scenic, and efficient route for the Williston section of the CVT. which will provide a link between the towns of Richmond and South Burlington.
Burlington Bikeways, Inc., is a small, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing cycling opportunities in the Burlington area. They have teamed up with the Cross Vermont Trail Association on an effort to fund an education program that will focus on bicycle/traffic safety and bicycle facility information. An important component of this project will be the construction of an information kiosk, located at or near the Perkins Pier in Burlington. This kiosk will serve to educate and inform visitors about the four bike path systems that meet at this scenic location. It would also be a valuable site for educational display promoting bike and traffic safety.
The State of Vermont plans to allocate $2.25 million (via federal funds) for projects funded for this next year. Clearly, this is a significant resource for Vermont communities to draw from to facilitate projects in their area which have a strong relationship to the transportation system.
The filing date (letter of intent) for this year's program has already passed, but if you are interested in applying in the future, contact Lani Ravin at !802) 828-3885.
3/4 of a mile south on Rt. 14 from E. Montpelier
Years ago stood a Checker Board feed store
Farmers bought their grain there
Feed baskets, milk pails, and much more
I remember the train stopping there
Unloading feed from big box cars
Wishing I was old enough to be a hobo
Jumping the train and travelling far
From our farm on Hillister Hill
Through Plainfield to Marshfield, the train would go
Early every evening
I could hear the train whistle blow
For one mile through the woods
From Rt. 14 to the Country Road
I have picked more raspberries and blackberries
Than anyone will ever know
Especially after the railroad tracks and ties were removed
That stretch is such a beautiful drive
No one passing or honking at you
It's God's country, making you feel so alive
One November day driving that stretch of road
I really had good luck
Suddenly a deer crossed
And I shot an eight point buck
I am proud to be an American
And proud to say as a boy I walked those rails
I salute with pride the efforts
Being put into the Cross Vermont Trail
Copied on January 11, 2000 by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from the printed newsletter using a scanner and OCR software. Unintentional errors are likely!
