The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) announced Wednesday that construction on the first phases of the long anticipated Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is under way. By the end of summer this year, more than 33 miles – or one third of the trail – will be useable for 4-season recreation. When complete, the LVRT will span the width of Vermont 93.2 miles from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. VAST is actively seeking public support and new committee members for the trail construction and has sponsorship opportunities and additional information about how to help on its website www.lvrt.org.
“This is a major milestone for VAST and our community partners and we are thrilled to be
moving this project forward so that Vermonters and visitors alike can take advantage of this great
Vermont resource,” said Cindy Locke, Executive Director of VAST. “VAST can’t do this alone,
we hope that the progress we are making will inspire more to get involved and support the
construction of the LVRT.” The LVRT is estimated to cost more than six million additional
dollars to complete.
On June 17, 2015 there will be an LVRT Committee meeting in Johnson, VT at the town offices
beginning at 5:30pm. If you are interested in joining the committee, or would like to come by and
learn more about the trail, please plan to attend. Monthly meetings are held at this same time and
the third Wednesday of each month. These meetings move around Vermont, with the July
meeting being in Morrisville (Town offices) and August in Cambridge.
The first phases are located in Caledonia and Lamoille Counties and offer some of the most
spectacular scenery. Phase 1a in Caledonia County goes from Mt. Vernon Street in St. Johnsbury
to Joe’s Brook in West Danville and phase 1b in Lamoille County goes from Morrisville to
Cambridge. The LVRT stretches the length of Vermont, 93 miles through some of our state’s
most picturesque landscape. From St. Johnsbury to Swanton, through 18 Vermont communities,
when complete, the LVRT will be the longest rail trail in New England.
The trail is a partnership between the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) and the
Vermont Agency of Transportation with input provided by the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Committee. The Friends of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail support the trail as well with a mission
to support the development, maintenance, and promotion of the LVRT as a public resource
offering tranquil and scenic year-round multi-use recreation.
Once completed, the trail itself will be level and smooth for use in all seasons. What makes this
trail so special is that the permitted uses vary so that all users – young and old, of all abilities, all
year long – can enjoy the trail doing what they love. Walkers, runners, equestrians, bikers, cross
country skiers, snowshoers, dog mushers, bird watchers, snowmobilers, and more will all have
access to the trail.
“The LVRT will be a great economic boost for the region as trail users frequent restaurants,
outfitters, accommodations and more,” Locke continued. “This part of the state, where
unemployment is high, will benefit greatly as tourism and recreation are critical to our rural
economy.”
With the support of Senator Bernie Sanders, VAST and the LVRT received a federal grant in
2005 to assist with construction costs. The organization needs to raise significant private dollars
to draw down those federal funds and continue construction. There are great ways for the
community to get involved and make a contribution to the trail through sponsorships for mile
markers, bridges and more.
Source: VAST 6.10.2015For more information about the LVRT and to support the construction of the trail, visit
www.lvrt.org