Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

Trail Ambassador Program

Stretching from Richford to St. Albans, the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail travels through the heart of Northern Vermont's communities and agricultural farm lands. The 26Y2-mile path invites neighbors and friends to look beyond Vermont's postcard image and experience the lives and livelihoods that make Franklin County communities work. It provides a means of recreation, transportation, education, exercise, and physical rehabilitation for its travelers. The trail also contributes to the economy of the region.

By becoming a Trail Ambassador, you can help to ensure that the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail continues to be a friendly and inviting resource for all trail users and a good neighbor to adjacent businesses and homeowners. Trail Ambassadors act as vital links in the neighborhood-to-Council connection. They promote trail safety and relay information between the Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council and trail users.

The Trail Ambassador's Role

Spread Goodwill

Smiling, waving, and saying "hello to other trail users are essential parts of the Ambassdor's responsibility. A welcoming attitude and an easily-identifiable button help make the trail a friendly, welcoming place for neighbors and trail users. Ambassadors introduce themselves to trail users and let others know about upcoming trail activities, special events, and the Friend of the Trail program when it seems appropriate. They answer questions when they can, and they refer questions to the Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council when they are unsure of the answer.

Be Our Eyes & Ears

As a regular trail user, Ambassadors are the Council's eyes and ears on the trail. They observe and assess actions, situations, and conditions along the trail that may be inappropriate, unsafe, or illegal. Trail safety is everyone's job; however, Trail Ambassadors take on extra responsibility by agreeing to report situations where trail safety is jeopardized. It is important to take this responsibility seriously. Ambassadors must keep their own safety in mind at all times and should never place themselves or other trail users in a situation where anyone feels threatened or in danger. Violations of law should be reported to the Vermont State Police or the Northwest Rail Trail Council (depending on the immediacy). Law enforcement is not an Ambassador's responsibility.

Report Concerns

Ambassadors are encouraged to take a note pad and pen with them on the trail to jot down maintenance needs, use violations, and comments from users. They send the Council the notes or simply call in the comments.

Rules of the Trail

As an Ambassador, it's important to know and follow the rules of the trail. The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is managed as a state park. Park rules adopted by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation are enforceable on the trail. The primary responsibility for law enforcement lies with the Vermont State Police. In general, trail rules include: When an Ambassador observes a rules infraction, his/her responsibility is to take notes rather than intervene, unless the Ambassador feels completely comfortable speaking with the violator. Ambassadors who choose to intervene must always introduce themselves and identify themselves as a Trail Ambassador working with the Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council. They must be pleasant and are encouraged to be direct -- telling the violator the rule and why that rule is in effect. Ambassadors never threaten an action the Council can't or won't carry out and never physically or verbally threaten the violator.

Spreading goodwill will reduce violations quicker than actions perceived as negative. The majority of people who visit the trail appreciate it and the efforts of Trail Ambassadors.

Keeping Updated and Informed

Trail Tracks.

Twice a year, Trail Ambassadors receive the Council's newsletter, Trail Tracks. They also receive occasional updates about construction activities, trail events, and other news to share with trail users.

Special Meetings & Trainings.

The Council hosts issue specific meetings and trainings, as needed. Ambassadors are welcome to suggest topics and share ideas for how the Council can support Ambassadors.

Calls & Correspondence.

Communication is a two-way trail. The Council lets Ambassadors know what is happening with the Council and Ambassadors let the Council know what is happening on the trail!

Becoming An Ambassador

To become a Trail Ambassador, simply fill out the enclosed information sheet and return it to: 

Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council,
% Northwest Regional Planning Commission,
7 Lake Street, Suite 201, 
St. Albans, VT 05478.

Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council

Volunteer dedication and enthusiasm is the hallmark of the Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council, a non-profit organization formed to promote public use of recreation paths within Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, Vermont. The Council acts as advisor to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FP&R) on management and use issues for the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail. It provides a close-to-home connection to quickly address local issues. Its 20 appointed members meet monthly and represent various user groups, each municipality along the trail, and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST).

Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

Trail Ambassador Program


 Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________

Town/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________

Phone: (Days) ____________________________ (Evenings) ________________________

What segment of the trail do you generally use?



How frequently do you use the trail?

( ) every day
( ) on weekends only

( ) other _________________________________

What time of day and what day(s) of the week do you generally use the trail?



What type of activity brings you to the trail?

( ) bicycling ( ) walking ( ) horse riding
( ) x-country skiing ( ) snowmobiling 

( ) other _____________________________________

What seasons do you use the trail?

( ) summer ( ) fall ( ) winter ( ) spring

Do you have a partner to use the trail?

( ) no
( ) yes, Name: ____________________________________________________

Are you certified in First Aid or do you have other training which may be helpful?

( ) no
( ) yes (please tell us about it) ______________________________________________

Have you ever done anything like this before?

( ) no
( ) yes (please tell us about it) _______________________________________________

Trail Ambassador's Pledge:

 As a Trail Ambassador, I agree to abide by the rules of the Trail and to carry out the Trail Ambassador's Role to the best of my ability. I will work to keep the Trail a safe and friendly place by reporting maintenance and safety concerns and spreading goodwill.

Signature_______________________________________________________________

Return form to:

Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council, 
% Northwest Regional Planning Commission, 
7 Lake Street, Suite 201, 
St. Albans, VT 05478

Copied by Kenyon F. Karl <Webmaster@new-england-rail-trails.org>.
  Unintentional errors are likely!

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