Vermont eyes outdoor recreation as lure for prospective residents

By KATY SAVAGE

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BROWNSVILLE, Vt. —As the state struggles to attract families and millennials, there is an increased focus on outdoor recreation to boost the state’s economy.

“(There’s) a growing awareness of the value of outdoor recreation,” said Trey Martin, an environmental lawyer from Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC.

Outdoor recreation generates about $5.5 billion in consumer spending each year in Vermont, according to a recent study from the Outdoor Industry Association in Colorado. About 72 percent of Vermonters participate in some type of outdoor recreation, the study found.

“It’s big and at the same time…it can fit into a rural economy, like in Vermont and New Hampshire,” said Randy Richardson, director of development at the Upper Valley Trails Alliance.

Richardson is also chair of the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, a nonprofit established by the Legislature. A 2016 study from the organization found about 400,000 people use the trail systems each year. About $15 million in new sales occur as a result of trail use.

While Vermont has already been known to attract winter traffic from the ski resorts, small, non-resort towns are creating and expanding trails for walkers, hikers, bikers and skiers.

The non-profit, Mt. Ascutney Outdoors, in Brownsville, was created in 2015 and has been working since then to develop the area as a recreation destination since the town suffered the loss of Mount Ascutney ski resort in 2010 due to bankruptcy.

There are about 30 miles of trails on Mt. Ascutney now. This past year, Ascutney Outdoors received around $1 million from capital campaign fundraising efforts. A new T-bar and tubing lift will be installed before the winter season begins. A new 3,000 square-foot community building is also about halfway through construction. It’s slated to be done this year.

“We’re at the leading edge of what’s being encouraged,” said Steve Crihfield, who chairs the Ascutney Outdoors board. “The committee itself is looking for ways to enhance recreational infrastructure and stewardship.”

Gov. Phil Scott is also supporting the efforts. He established the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative Steering Committee (VOREC), by executive order in June 2017 to help communities grow their outdoor economies.

Some organizations have already seen significant success.

Kingdom Trails in East Burke has been expanding its trail system since 1994. 

There are about 100 miles of trails in East Burke and Lyndonville. The average trail user spends about $115 a day on gas, food and other items, said Kingdom Trials Executive Director Abby Long.

“Our town is feeling the effect,” said Long.

Similarly, the Rochester/Randolph Area Sports Trails Alliance, founded in 2013, is expanding its trail system.

“There’s a renaissance of trail networks being developed in Vermont…it’s big and it’s sustainable,” said Doon Hinderyckx of RASTA. “It’s developing the local economy without trashing the environment. It’s worth paying attention to.”