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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:
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
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INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM THE MAIN GMC, 25 March 2020
Under Governor Scott’s new “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order for Vermonters, you may be wondering about outdoor activities. During the press conference regarding this order, the governor endorsed getting outside for exercise and fresh air. Please just do this locally (not traveling to the Long Trail or other trail systems), with members of your own household, and stay 6’ or more away from anyone you may encounter. We recommend taking walks right out your door and exploring your neighborhood on any trails, dirt roads, or sidewalks you have available. Trails and parks in other states have been overwhelmed with use and had to close because people were not practicing correct social distancing. If we all enjoy the outdoors locally and responsibly, we may be able to avoid that outcome in Vermont. This is a constantly changing situation and we are in daily discussions with our land management partners. We will continue to update you here with news when we have it. INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM THE MAIN GMC, 23 March 2020
Yes, you can still hike! We want you to get out on the trails and your safety is our top priority. We ask that you limit your hikes to local day trips and avoid traveling and congregating in groups. Please continue to maintain social distance of at least 6’ between people even on the trails. For the safety of all, we ask that hikers do not use any overnight sites, shelters, or privies until further notice. These facilities cannot be sanitized and may contain surfaces for the coronavirus to spread through. We also cannot guarantee a COVID-19 free experience while hiking. The current conditions are showing that it is mud season on some trails, while it’s still full winter on others, especially up high. Please be prepared for the conditions and be safe. Please consider that any accidents in the woods are dangerous for you and put a strain on first responders and our already overloaded healthcare system. You can reference more safety recommendations from Leave No Trace. We know that hiking is good for our mental and physical health and can be a source of inspiration in difficult times. The Green Mountain Club is here to help you find your connection to the mountains. Our visitor center staff are taking calls and answering emails. We are working on virtual activities to keep you connected to the hiking community. Reach out using (802) 244-7037 or gmc@greenmountainclub.org. You can also visit our website for GMC related COVID-19 information. Please be safe when enjoying your outdoor pursuits. Sincerely, Mike DeBonis Executive Director Click here to find information about hiking during Mud Season. |
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