FLVRT BULLETIN BOARD – Report finds active outdoor recreation is huge economic driver across the U.S.

The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy by the Outdoor Industry Foundation, estimates a $730 billion economic contribution of active outdoor recreation (bicycling, camping, fishing, hunting, paddling, snow sports, wildlife viewing, and trail- trail-running, hiking, climbing) to the US economy. The report demonstrates that active outdoor recreation is more than just Big Fun – it is a huge economic driver throughout the United States. The report is more than just a tally of industry gear sales. It estimates travel-related expenditures, jobs and taxes generated, and includes a regional breakout of active outdoor recreation impacts on regional economies.
Anybody can download the full Active Outdoor Recreation Economy Report for free by visiting www.outdoorindustry.org and pointing to Research & Resources :: Social Research :: Active Outdoor Recreation Economy Report.

Exploring Models for the Future LVRT

The many kilometers of rail trails in Quebec provide nearby, well-developed models for the future network of trails in Vermont, especially the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Becka Roolf of Going Green explored 500 miles / 800 kilometers of these trails during the summer of 2006, and brought back many photos, maps, and publications. During the Spring of 2007, Becka took her photos on the road to share with FLVRT members and the general public in Hardwick, Swanton, and Cambridge.

Becka Roolf is very knowledgeable about trail development and has been extremely helpful in the mission of the Friends. Please visit www.goinggreenvt.com for more information.

To review the results of the Trail Assessment completed by Alan Robertson, click here:

Engineering Assessment And Proposed Alternative Description Report- 4/08

Clearing the LVRT Right of Way and Helping Vermonters in Need

Low income and elderly Vermonters are in trouble, and they may not even know it yet. With home heating fuels nearly double last year’s price, and with no end in sight, some people will need to make choices this winter between heating their homes or buying food, medicine and other basic necessities. There may be a partial solution right here in Lamoille County (and elsewhere), when the clearing the right of way to build the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail begins.

Trees needing to be cut to clear ditches and culverts could be on their way to the wood stove as the Lamoille County fire wood gleaning project gets under way. Dawn Archbold, executive director of the United Way of Lamoille County, and Dan Noyes, of RSVP and the Volunteer Center, have begun to piece together a program to distribute firewood to help take the burden off home heating assistance programs. “This has been a project I’ve been thinking about for several years,” stated Dawn. “By partnering with area agencies, business, volunteers and groups like the LVRT, we are hoping that no Lamoille County residents will be left out in the cold this winter.

Still in the planning stages, volunteers are needed to collect and distribute wood, and organize and plan logistics and events. For more information or to get involved contact Dan Noyes at (802) 888-2190 or Dan@VolunteerVt.com

Editors Note: The minutes of the last FLVRT Board Meeting held on July 12th indicated that:

• Dan is working with folks from Ithial Falls Campground and the Lamoille Valley Anglers to clean culverts along the LVRT between August 4 and 18,
• Dan is also working with a volunteer faith group from PA and the United Way to cut firewood. The wood will be offered to people who are 150% - 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. They are also accepting donations of wood and money for this project.

Please contact Dan if you are interested in assisting in anyway. Your participation would greatly be apprciated, and who knows just maybe Paul Bunyon will be at these events!!