Covid-19 Update 4 April

INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM THE MAIN GMC, 25 March 2020

Thank you for your patience as we work with our partners and landowners to protect public health and manage recreation resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Under Governor Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order for Vermonters, you are encouraged to get outside for exercise and fresh air. We encourage you to spend time outdoors locally with members of you own household and to stay 6’ or more away from anyone you may encounter.
We are in the middle of a health emergency and to avoid the spread of COVID-19, we all must stay home as much as possible. As of April 3, the Long Trail and side trails on state lands are closed by the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. The Green Mountain Club doesn’t have the authority to close trails on other lands, but we are asking everyone to please avoid using  the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, side trails, and facilities until the Governor lifts the Stay at Home order.
It is important to know:

• It is spring mud season, trail conditions in many locations are poor, and trail use on wet and muddy trails are always discouraged during this time of year.
• Under the Governor’s order, trail work and maintenance are not considered essential or critical activities and are prohibited. This means that GMC staff and volunteers cannot get out to prepare and maintain trails for public use.

We do not take this decision lightly but feel it is in the best interest of protecting public health. We recognize this is a difficult time and is made more difficult by decreasing access to the outdoors.
I look forward to writing you about upcoming hikes and outings, but until then I thank you in advance for your cooperation. If we all do our part, we can keep the public safe and protect our vulnerable trail resources.
Sincerely, 
Mike DeBonis
Executive Director
​