Vermont Backcountry Ethics Released
Ethics to Promote Backcountry Safety and Responsible Use of Vermont’s Winter Mountain Environment
Vermont Backcountry Ethics (Short Version)
To be posted at trailheads, shops, events and other venues
Vermont Backcountry Ethics (Long Version)
For online viewing, primarily
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2015
Green Mountains, VT – In an ongoing effort to promote the safe and responsible use of Vermont’s backcountry environment, the Vermont Backcountry Alliance (VTBC), a new program of the Catamount Trail Association(CTA), in close partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (DFPR), Green Mountain Club (GMC), Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF), the Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, has finalized a new set of Leave No Trace guidelines for the Vermont backcountry.
The Vermont Backcountry Ethics feature seven principles that have been adapted, with Vermont’s winter environment in mind, from the seven core and nationally recognized guidelines for outdoor travel developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
“Vermont’s backcountry community is proud to stand behind these common sense guidelines,” says Ned Houston, a volunteer with the Vermont Backcountry Alliance who helped to spearhead the project. “Our hope is that the Vermont Backcountry Ethics will help make the winter backcountry experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
Vermont Backcountry Ethics will be displayed on durable, letter-sized signs at backcountry trailheads, ski areas and other locations throughout the state, and be publicized online via the VTBC, CTA and partners’ websites. Anyone interested in helping to helping to promote Vermont Backcountry Ethics, or post a sign, is encouraged to contact the VTBC or CTA.
VTBC is also working closely with DFPR, the GMNF and other land managers to help update strategies for responsibly managing terrain for backcountry skiing and riding, in partnership with local communities. The Rochester Area Sports Trails Alliance (RASTA), a pilot-CTA Chapter, has several projects off the ground already that will serve as models for others around the state.
Anyone interested in getting involved or supporting the VTBC are encouraged to join or donate to the CTA, which will be accepting grants and donations in support of relevant backcountry skiing and riding initiatives in Vermont.
For more info, please visit vtbc.org, catamounttrail.org, Facebook.com/vermontbc.,lnt.org
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VTBC Mission: The Vermont Backcountry Alliance (VTBC) seeks to protect, advance and advocate for human-powered backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Vermont. The VTBC facilitates public access to backcountry terrain while promoting the conservation and responsible management of our mountain environment.
Contacts: Brian Mohr / VTBC ph 802-989-0570 / email: brian@vtbc.org
Amy Kelsey/ Catamount Trail Association (CTA) ph 802-864-5794/email: akelsey@catamounttrail.org
Jessica Savage/Dept of Forests, Parks and Rec (DFPR): ph 802-249-1230/ email:Jessica.savage@state.vt.us
More Info: vtbc.org, catamounttrail.org, lnt.org
Photos available for publication: Please contact brian@vtbc.org
