Catamount Trail Association receives grants for trail improvements, prepares for North Face Race to the Top to Vermont
BURLINGTON — The Catamount Trail Association (CTA) was recently awarded two Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants from Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. The CTA was one of nine Vermont non-profit organizations and municipalities to receive trails grants this summer.
The CTA is a Vermont non-profit that develops, manages, and conserves the Catamount Trail, a public-access ski trail that runs the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. The CTA builds partnerships to support the Trail, and fosters awareness and stewardship of Vermont’s diverse landscapes through promotion and use of the Trail. The organization also advocates backcountry and cross-country skiing for the quality of life, recreational, health, economic and educational benefits they provide.
A $31,260 grant award will allow CTA to contract with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and local excavating companies to complete benching, ditching, drainage, culvert, and waterbar projects on the Catamount Trail. These improvements will prevent erosion and make the trail more sustainable for years to come. An additional grant award of $12,540 will support a new initiative–backcountry terrain development. Through CTA’s Vermont Backcountry Alliance (VTBC), and in partnership with the Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA), the CTA will be working to develop new backcountry glades within the Green Mountain National Forest in Rochester, Vermont.
While these grants will go a long way in improving Vermont’s backcountry skiing and riding opportunities in the seasons ahead, trail and glade work is just one element of the CTA’s summer schedule.
On Sunday August 23, 2015, the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont will draw as many as 800 hikers, mountain bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak located in Stowe, Vermont. Presented by The North Face Store @ KL Sport, the course climbs up the historic Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft. For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For others… they come to challenge themselves, and to enjoy the spectacular views.