The Valley Reporter - Mad River PathThe Valley Reporter, serving the Mad River Valley and Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski communities since 1971. Local news and local views of Waitsfield, Warren,https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path2024-03-29T09:20:09-04:00The Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.comMad River Path to build new section at Yestermorrow2021-06-03T12:46:50-04:002021-06-03T12:46:50-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/15800-mad-river-path-to-build-new-section-at-yestermorrowLisa Loomisjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5107/Yestermorrow-bridge-web.jpg" alt="Yestermorrow built this arch bridge over the drainage area that leads across Route 100. Photo courtesy Yestermorrow."></p><p>A new 1-mile section of the Mad River Path will be constructed behind and uphill from the Yestermorrow Design Build School in Waitsfield this summer.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>“We’re just waiting on Yestermorrow’ Act 250 permit to be amended and we can get started. The application to amend the permit was completed a couple of months ago,” said Ross Saxton, executive director of the Mad River Path. Once the Act 250 permit is in hand, Mad River Path will seek a conditional use permit from the town of Waitsfield.</p>
<p>The trail will be a lollipop loop that runs uphill from the back of the campus, makes a loop and returns with the descent the same as the ascent. It starts up an old logging road and the steepness of that road will be softened with switchbacks, but not 180-degree switchbacks, rather, rounder ones according to Saxton. It will be a multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking and running.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As part of the permitting process Saxton consulted with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department as well as the Department of Environmental Conservation about what restrictions and conditions would need to be part of the new trail.</p>
<p>“This parcel is part of a deer wintering yard so the trail won’t be open from December 15 to April 15. We’ll include signage so people know why to stay out of deer yards in the winter, especially in bad winters,” Saxton explained.</p>
<p>The new Yestermorrow trail segment is linked to other sections of the path including the Sugarbush snowmaking pond loop and a segment that runs across the Kingsbury Farm.</p>
<p>Saxton said that Joe Bossen, owner of the Kingsbury Farm, had recently planted 100 apple trees along the path section that runs through the farm. North of Mac’s Market on another portion of Kingsbury Farm land is Mad River Path bridge that brings people over the ditch and onto Route 100 where they can cross to a mowed path on Yestermorrow’s campus.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Saxton said the new trail section has some very beautiful spots where there will be benches placed. He said it was a good place for birding and that there were nice hardwoods in the new section.</p>
<p>“While I was up there few weeks ago, I saw fresh moose tracks. In early spring and late fall when there are no leaves, there will be nice views across to the hillside across The Valley,” he reported.</p>
<p>Saxton and Mad River Path trail manager David Hodgson will manage most of the construction with some help from volunteers.</p>
<p>“There will be a couple of bridges going in and we’ve talked to the Department of Environmental Conservation about where the landings can go, on each side, to make sure there’s plenty of room for perennial streams. We’ll probably need some help pulling lumber up there,” Saxton added.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Saxton said that the construction style of the new bridges would match the progressive architectural style of Yestermorrow.</p>
<p>“They may not be the most conventional design, but they’ll match Yestermorrow’s style. Yestermorrow built the bridge over the drainage area that leads across Route 100. It’s a cool arch bridge with stone foundations,” Saxton said.</p>
<p>He said that the lumber costs for the project would be less than $1,000 and said that they’d try to use reclaimed and local lumber when possible. The project will take fewer than 200 hours of staff time plus volunteer hours, he said.</p>
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<p> </p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5107/Yestermorrow-bridge-web.jpg" alt="Yestermorrow built this arch bridge over the drainage area that leads across Route 100. Photo courtesy Yestermorrow."></p><p>A new 1-mile section of the Mad River Path will be constructed behind and uphill from the Yestermorrow Design Build School in Waitsfield this summer.</p>
Advertisement
<p> </p>
<p>“We’re just waiting on Yestermorrow’ Act 250 permit to be amended and we can get started. The application to amend the permit was completed a couple of months ago,” said Ross Saxton, executive director of the Mad River Path. Once the Act 250 permit is in hand, Mad River Path will seek a conditional use permit from the town of Waitsfield.</p>
<p>The trail will be a lollipop loop that runs uphill from the back of the campus, makes a loop and returns with the descent the same as the ascent. It starts up an old logging road and the steepness of that road will be softened with switchbacks, but not 180-degree switchbacks, rather, rounder ones according to Saxton. It will be a multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking and running.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As part of the permitting process Saxton consulted with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department as well as the Department of Environmental Conservation about what restrictions and conditions would need to be part of the new trail.</p>
<p>“This parcel is part of a deer wintering yard so the trail won’t be open from December 15 to April 15. We’ll include signage so people know why to stay out of deer yards in the winter, especially in bad winters,” Saxton explained.</p>
<p>The new Yestermorrow trail segment is linked to other sections of the path including the Sugarbush snowmaking pond loop and a segment that runs across the Kingsbury Farm.</p>
<p>Saxton said that Joe Bossen, owner of the Kingsbury Farm, had recently planted 100 apple trees along the path section that runs through the farm. North of Mac’s Market on another portion of Kingsbury Farm land is Mad River Path bridge that brings people over the ditch and onto Route 100 where they can cross to a mowed path on Yestermorrow’s campus.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Saxton said the new trail section has some very beautiful spots where there will be benches placed. He said it was a good place for birding and that there were nice hardwoods in the new section.</p>
<p>“While I was up there few weeks ago, I saw fresh moose tracks. In early spring and late fall when there are no leaves, there will be nice views across to the hillside across The Valley,” he reported.</p>
<p>Saxton and Mad River Path trail manager David Hodgson will manage most of the construction with some help from volunteers.</p>
<p>“There will be a couple of bridges going in and we’ve talked to the Department of Environmental Conservation about where the landings can go, on each side, to make sure there’s plenty of room for perennial streams. We’ll probably need some help pulling lumber up there,” Saxton added.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Saxton said that the construction style of the new bridges would match the progressive architectural style of Yestermorrow.</p>
<p>“They may not be the most conventional design, but they’ll match Yestermorrow’s style. Yestermorrow built the bridge over the drainage area that leads across Route 100. It’s a cool arch bridge with stone foundations,” Saxton said.</p>
<p>He said that the lumber costs for the project would be less than $1,000 and said that they’d try to use reclaimed and local lumber when possible. The project will take fewer than 200 hours of staff time plus volunteer hours, he said.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Your support helps keep local journalism alive.</p>
<p>Please consider subscribing or donating today.</p>
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<p> </p>Beaver baffle installed along Hosford’s Highway on Mad River Path2021-05-10T10:50:28-04:002021-05-10T10:50:28-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/15717-beaver-baffle-installed-along-hosford-s-highway-on-mad-river-pathThe Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5103/beaver-baffle.jpg" alt=""></p><p>Anyone traveling along the Mad River Path’s Hosford Highway boardwalk next to Lawson’s Finest will notice that a family of beavers moved in about a year and a half ago. Previously built 3 feet above ground level, the boardwalk quickly started looking like a dock. In 2020, the beavers made it clear that they’re here to stay by constructing a lodge just a few feet from the boardwalk or at least until their local food supply is eaten up some years down the road. Their series of dams, featuring the 6- to 8-foot high dam just below the lodge, allows them to travel mostly undetected to trees more than 100 yards away from the safety of their lodge.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>“As the beavers continued to do what they do best -- build dams to create ponds -- water began to flood the boardwalk decking, making it impossible to pass by without getting wet feet. While this is certainly an inconvenience for the Mad River Path and everyone who uses the boardwalk, the benefits that beavers provide to the natural world and humans are too great to ignore: new habitat for brook trout, wood ducks, turtles, frogs and many more critters, reduced flooding downstream, trapped nutrients in sediments that would otherwise harm fish in the Mad River and contribute to Lake Champlain’s algae blooms and more water sent into the ground for our drinking water, just to name a few,” explained Mad River Path executive director Ross Saxton.</p>
<p>After trying to keep the water down through creating dam breaches, almost every day the beavers would immediately repair, Mad River Path and the landowner Lawson’s Finest partnered with the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife to install a beaver baffle. Also called a beaver deceiver, a baffle allows water to drain via a hidden culvert through the dam where the upper end is caged and underwater so the beavers are befuddled to how the water is draining. The beaver baffle helps to keep the pond at a consistent level that in this case is ideally below the boardwalk decking. The water level is also intentionally left high enough so that the beavers can safely travel below the water to their food sources; thick ice during the winter is taken into account. It’s a balance to co-exist that’s very doable and worth the little bit of effort, Saxton said.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Tyler Browne from VT F&W first visited the site to assess our needs and feasibility of a beaver baffle. On his second visit, Tyler brought the materials to install the baffle. Within an hour, the baffle was installed. Overnight, the beavers filled in the dam around the baffle’s culvert and finished the job. Although periods of heavy rain and spring snowmelt may raise the water level to the boardwalk decking, the beaver baffle will keep peoples' feet dry for most of the year with minimal effort,” Saxton said.</p>
<p>MRP thanks VT F&W for installing the beaver baffle and paying for half of the materials costs through grants and Duck Stamp sales, and Lawson’s Finest for their continued commitment to the Mad River Path and the natural world while covering the other half of the costs.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5103/beaver-baffle.jpg" alt=""></p><p>Anyone traveling along the Mad River Path’s Hosford Highway boardwalk next to Lawson’s Finest will notice that a family of beavers moved in about a year and a half ago. Previously built 3 feet above ground level, the boardwalk quickly started looking like a dock. In 2020, the beavers made it clear that they’re here to stay by constructing a lodge just a few feet from the boardwalk or at least until their local food supply is eaten up some years down the road. Their series of dams, featuring the 6- to 8-foot high dam just below the lodge, allows them to travel mostly undetected to trees more than 100 yards away from the safety of their lodge.</p>
Advertisement
<p> </p>
<p>“As the beavers continued to do what they do best -- build dams to create ponds -- water began to flood the boardwalk decking, making it impossible to pass by without getting wet feet. While this is certainly an inconvenience for the Mad River Path and everyone who uses the boardwalk, the benefits that beavers provide to the natural world and humans are too great to ignore: new habitat for brook trout, wood ducks, turtles, frogs and many more critters, reduced flooding downstream, trapped nutrients in sediments that would otherwise harm fish in the Mad River and contribute to Lake Champlain’s algae blooms and more water sent into the ground for our drinking water, just to name a few,” explained Mad River Path executive director Ross Saxton.</p>
<p>After trying to keep the water down through creating dam breaches, almost every day the beavers would immediately repair, Mad River Path and the landowner Lawson’s Finest partnered with the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife to install a beaver baffle. Also called a beaver deceiver, a baffle allows water to drain via a hidden culvert through the dam where the upper end is caged and underwater so the beavers are befuddled to how the water is draining. The beaver baffle helps to keep the pond at a consistent level that in this case is ideally below the boardwalk decking. The water level is also intentionally left high enough so that the beavers can safely travel below the water to their food sources; thick ice during the winter is taken into account. It’s a balance to co-exist that’s very doable and worth the little bit of effort, Saxton said.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Tyler Browne from VT F&W first visited the site to assess our needs and feasibility of a beaver baffle. On his second visit, Tyler brought the materials to install the baffle. Within an hour, the baffle was installed. Overnight, the beavers filled in the dam around the baffle’s culvert and finished the job. Although periods of heavy rain and spring snowmelt may raise the water level to the boardwalk decking, the beaver baffle will keep peoples' feet dry for most of the year with minimal effort,” Saxton said.</p>
<p>MRP thanks VT F&W for installing the beaver baffle and paying for half of the materials costs through grants and Duck Stamp sales, and Lawson’s Finest for their continued commitment to the Mad River Path and the natural world while covering the other half of the costs.</p>
Mad River Path adopts five-year plan2021-01-28T10:14:08-05:002021-01-28T10:14:08-05:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/15392-mad-river-path-adopts-five-year-planLisa Loomisjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/Mad-River-Path_01.jpg" alt=""></p><p>The board of the Mad River Path adopted a five-year strategic plan and also reported that path executive director Ross Saxton, Waitsfield, resigned to take a job in forestry in Bristol.</p>
<p>"I'm sad to be leaving as director, but I'm happy to see that the organization is positioned well to continue big accomplishments with its mission. With a passionate and talented board, an amazing and generous community and strong partners, it's very exciting that the Mad River Path will continue to keep getting bigger and better in coming months and years,” Saxton said at the path board’s January 14 meeting.</p>
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<p>The strategic plan that the path board adopted acknowledges the history of the path association which was formed as a rivers and trails committee of the Mad River Valley Planning District (MRVPD) under the development of the Rural Resource Protection Plan in 1988.</p>
<p>The original scope of this group was to create a publicly accessible off-road pedestrian path extending from Warren through Waitsfield toward Moretown across state- and town-owned lands, private property and farms, villages and commercial districts and school property.</p>
<p>The Mad River Path Recreation Association, as the group was originally titled, was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1990. The path association is a volunteer and community donor-based organization that relies on financial assistance and volunteer efforts from its supporters. The organization also receives financial support from business sponsors, grants from federal, state and local agencies and private foundations, town funds via the Mad River Valley Recreation District (MRVRD) and directly from the town of Waitsfield.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today the organization has a budget of some $86,000 and employs an executive director and seasonal trails manager. Today there are more than 11 miles of paths, sidewalks, dirt roads and trails on public and private properties. At least 13 miles of completed trails are expected by 2021.</p>
<p>The strategic plan started with a community survey and led to the current vision which includes the original goal of a network of connected public paths and trails in The Valley with goal of connecting the towns from Warren to Moretown, but now also to connect Irasville to the Long Trail.</p>
<p>The plan lays out six goals with specific strategies for achieving them. The first goal is creating new sections of trail and connections. The second goal is to connect Irasville to the Long Trail with one continuous public trail, connecting The Valley floor with the ridge of the Green Mountains. The third goal is to continue building new trail connections from The Valley floor to existing networks while safeguarding wildlife, natural communities and remote areas. The fourth goal is to protect and conserve existing path and trail sections in perpetuity including purchasing land and easements as necessary and as funding allows.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The fifth goal is to maintain sustainable finances and the sixth goal is to implement lasting programs that engage the community and visitors with nature and the outdoors, providing opportunities for people to learn about nature and the outdoors.</p>
<p>View the full plan here: <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df7dcc1dde20722a1c50377/t/6001b716f27ee60d952765c7/1610725143753/MRP+Strategic+Plan+2021-2026.pdf.">https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df7dcc1dde20722a1c50377/t/6001b716f27ee60d952765c7/1610725143753/MRP+Strategic+Plan+2021-2026.pdf.</a></p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/Mad-River-Path_01.jpg" alt=""></p><p>The board of the Mad River Path adopted a five-year strategic plan and also reported that path executive director Ross Saxton, Waitsfield, resigned to take a job in forestry in Bristol.</p>
<p>"I'm sad to be leaving as director, but I'm happy to see that the organization is positioned well to continue big accomplishments with its mission. With a passionate and talented board, an amazing and generous community and strong partners, it's very exciting that the Mad River Path will continue to keep getting bigger and better in coming months and years,” Saxton said at the path board’s January 14 meeting.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The strategic plan that the path board adopted acknowledges the history of the path association which was formed as a rivers and trails committee of the Mad River Valley Planning District (MRVPD) under the development of the Rural Resource Protection Plan in 1988.</p>
<p>The original scope of this group was to create a publicly accessible off-road pedestrian path extending from Warren through Waitsfield toward Moretown across state- and town-owned lands, private property and farms, villages and commercial districts and school property.</p>
<p>The Mad River Path Recreation Association, as the group was originally titled, was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1990. The path association is a volunteer and community donor-based organization that relies on financial assistance and volunteer efforts from its supporters. The organization also receives financial support from business sponsors, grants from federal, state and local agencies and private foundations, town funds via the Mad River Valley Recreation District (MRVRD) and directly from the town of Waitsfield.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today the organization has a budget of some $86,000 and employs an executive director and seasonal trails manager. Today there are more than 11 miles of paths, sidewalks, dirt roads and trails on public and private properties. At least 13 miles of completed trails are expected by 2021.</p>
<p>The strategic plan started with a community survey and led to the current vision which includes the original goal of a network of connected public paths and trails in The Valley with goal of connecting the towns from Warren to Moretown, but now also to connect Irasville to the Long Trail.</p>
<p>The plan lays out six goals with specific strategies for achieving them. The first goal is creating new sections of trail and connections. The second goal is to connect Irasville to the Long Trail with one continuous public trail, connecting The Valley floor with the ridge of the Green Mountains. The third goal is to continue building new trail connections from The Valley floor to existing networks while safeguarding wildlife, natural communities and remote areas. The fourth goal is to protect and conserve existing path and trail sections in perpetuity including purchasing land and easements as necessary and as funding allows.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The fifth goal is to maintain sustainable finances and the sixth goal is to implement lasting programs that engage the community and visitors with nature and the outdoors, providing opportunities for people to learn about nature and the outdoors.</p>
<p>View the full plan here: <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df7dcc1dde20722a1c50377/t/6001b716f27ee60d952765c7/1610725143753/MRP+Strategic+Plan+2021-2026.pdf.">https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df7dcc1dde20722a1c50377/t/6001b716f27ee60d952765c7/1610725143753/MRP+Strategic+Plan+2021-2026.pdf.</a></p>Flexibility and Diversity Make the Mad River Path2020-10-02T09:39:51-04:002020-10-02T09:39:51-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/15067-flexibility-and-diversity-make-the-mad-river-pathThe Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5024/MRPath-Bridge.jpg" alt="Mad River Path Board Member Dori Ross walking across the bridge next to the McCollough Barn into the Chase Brook Town Forest. "></p><p>Between grassed pathways along active farms, boardwalks crossing beaver ponds, twisty single-track trails through the hills, and downtown sidewalks, the Mad River Path is as diverse as a trail network comes. The network is diverse as a necessity to connect the people and special places of the Mad River Valley, and to offer something for everyone whether you’re just beginning to walk or you want to access world class mountain biking. When considering the mission of the Mad River Path is to connect Warren to Moretown with one continuous public pathway, it becomes even clearer that the trail network needs to be flexible to achieve that goal.</p>
<p>The Mad River Path is purposely set up to cater to landowners who hold a variety of values and interests. For example, the path can skirt around the edge of a property. Privacy fences can be constructed, whether made of dense shrubs or beautiful wood. Although disappointing for some folks, it is sometimes necessary to prohibit dogs on a section. Some landowners choose to donate a permanent trail easement to the Mad River Path to protect it indefinitely. Other landowners allow the path or trail access based on a handshake or simple written agreement. In priority trail connection areas, the Mad River Path Board of Directors will choose to purchase a trail easement or parcel of land to enable a new path section—this is how Wait’s Way behind the Waitsfield Elementary School came to be.</p>
<p>
Advertisement
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While the Mad River Path holds deep knowledge in all of the activities that people enjoy on the trail network, the organization depends on a diversity of partners to strengthen trail building, maintenance, outreach, and conservation. The Mad River Riders, for example, are masters at building and planning highly popular multi-use trails—they’re an important partner for connecting the valley’s trail networks and improving the ones enjoyed today. Friends of the Mad River are essential partners for ensuring that adequate thought is put into trail locations and designs that protect local waterways and wildlife. The Vermont Land Trust is responsible for conserving lands that host multiple path sections, the Chamber and business community help reach more people with messaging, and the Planning District plays an incredible organizing and coordinating role. The Recreation District helps fund many important projects. There are more Mad River Path partners who should be listed here, but the concept is clear that it takes a diverse array of people and organizations to make the Mad River Path a success.</p>
<p>What the next new sections of the Mad River Path will look like is still to be finalized, but what’s for certain is that the valley’s landowners and community members are the future of our region’s expanding and improving trail network. For more information about the Mad River Path and a trail map, visit madriverpath.org.</p>
<p><em>This was written by MRP Board Member, David Ellison, and Executive Director, Ross Saxton.</em></p>
<p>
</p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5024/MRPath-Bridge.jpg" alt="Mad River Path Board Member Dori Ross walking across the bridge next to the McCollough Barn into the Chase Brook Town Forest. "></p><p>Between grassed pathways along active farms, boardwalks crossing beaver ponds, twisty single-track trails through the hills, and downtown sidewalks, the Mad River Path is as diverse as a trail network comes. The network is diverse as a necessity to connect the people and special places of the Mad River Valley, and to offer something for everyone whether you’re just beginning to walk or you want to access world class mountain biking. When considering the mission of the Mad River Path is to connect Warren to Moretown with one continuous public pathway, it becomes even clearer that the trail network needs to be flexible to achieve that goal.</p>
<p>The Mad River Path is purposely set up to cater to landowners who hold a variety of values and interests. For example, the path can skirt around the edge of a property. Privacy fences can be constructed, whether made of dense shrubs or beautiful wood. Although disappointing for some folks, it is sometimes necessary to prohibit dogs on a section. Some landowners choose to donate a permanent trail easement to the Mad River Path to protect it indefinitely. Other landowners allow the path or trail access based on a handshake or simple written agreement. In priority trail connection areas, the Mad River Path Board of Directors will choose to purchase a trail easement or parcel of land to enable a new path section—this is how Wait’s Way behind the Waitsfield Elementary School came to be.</p>
<p>
Advertisement
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While the Mad River Path holds deep knowledge in all of the activities that people enjoy on the trail network, the organization depends on a diversity of partners to strengthen trail building, maintenance, outreach, and conservation. The Mad River Riders, for example, are masters at building and planning highly popular multi-use trails—they’re an important partner for connecting the valley’s trail networks and improving the ones enjoyed today. Friends of the Mad River are essential partners for ensuring that adequate thought is put into trail locations and designs that protect local waterways and wildlife. The Vermont Land Trust is responsible for conserving lands that host multiple path sections, the Chamber and business community help reach more people with messaging, and the Planning District plays an incredible organizing and coordinating role. The Recreation District helps fund many important projects. There are more Mad River Path partners who should be listed here, but the concept is clear that it takes a diverse array of people and organizations to make the Mad River Path a success.</p>
<p>What the next new sections of the Mad River Path will look like is still to be finalized, but what’s for certain is that the valley’s landowners and community members are the future of our region’s expanding and improving trail network. For more information about the Mad River Path and a trail map, visit madriverpath.org.</p>
<p><em>This was written by MRP Board Member, David Ellison, and Executive Director, Ross Saxton.</em></p>
<p>
</p>The Mad Dash Returns for its 24 1/2 years2020-09-02T17:13:53-04:002020-09-02T17:13:53-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14978-the-mad-dash-returns-for-its-24-1-2-years-2The Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5019/madDash-web.jpg" alt=""></p><p>Twenty-four and one-half years? The Mad Dash was prepared for a 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration; then the pandemic hit. Facing the uncertainty and possible cancellation, the Mad Dash chose to persevere and host its first virtual event, saving the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary for 2021. For the past 24 years, runners and walkers alike have enjoyed participating in the Mad Dash which benefits the Mad River Path Association. This year participating by running (or walking) individually will still take place.</p>
<p>The Mad Dash normally takes place over the Columbus Day weekend and attracts over 750 participants. As a virtual event, participants can pick and choose a day and time to run or walk a 5k or 10k. For those looking for a measured course, Harwood Union High School will be newly marked. The course markings will be in place by September 1. The course is laid out on the trails used by their cross-country team and winds through wooded areas that is marked and measured. Participants can start their own timing and enter the information on the Mad Dash website.</p>
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<p>Registration fees will let participants raise additional funds for the Mad River Path Association. Along with registration, Mad Dash shirts and Mad Path hats are available as well.</p>
<p>For those living in the Mad River Valley, just visiting or from out-of-state this event is open for all; joining hundreds of others that take advantage of the wonderful local path system.</p>
<p><a href="https://madriverpath.org/maddash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com/images/issues/5019/Aug%202020%20Mad%20Dash%20ad.png" alt="Aug 2020 Mad Dash ad" width="600" height="253" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p>For registration and event information, go to <a href="http://www.runsignup.com/maddash">www.runsignup.com/maddash</a>. For information about the Mad River Path, go to www.madriverpath.org.</p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5019/madDash-web.jpg" alt=""></p><p>Twenty-four and one-half years? The Mad Dash was prepared for a 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration; then the pandemic hit. Facing the uncertainty and possible cancellation, the Mad Dash chose to persevere and host its first virtual event, saving the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary for 2021. For the past 24 years, runners and walkers alike have enjoyed participating in the Mad Dash which benefits the Mad River Path Association. This year participating by running (or walking) individually will still take place.</p>
<p>The Mad Dash normally takes place over the Columbus Day weekend and attracts over 750 participants. As a virtual event, participants can pick and choose a day and time to run or walk a 5k or 10k. For those looking for a measured course, Harwood Union High School will be newly marked. The course markings will be in place by September 1. The course is laid out on the trails used by their cross-country team and winds through wooded areas that is marked and measured. Participants can start their own timing and enter the information on the Mad Dash website.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Registration fees will let participants raise additional funds for the Mad River Path Association. Along with registration, Mad Dash shirts and Mad Path hats are available as well.</p>
<p>For those living in the Mad River Valley, just visiting or from out-of-state this event is open for all; joining hundreds of others that take advantage of the wonderful local path system.</p>
<p><a href="https://madriverpath.org/maddash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com/images/issues/5019/Aug%202020%20Mad%20Dash%20ad.png" alt="Aug 2020 Mad Dash ad" width="600" height="253" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p>For registration and event information, go to <a href="http://www.runsignup.com/maddash">www.runsignup.com/maddash</a>. For information about the Mad River Path, go to www.madriverpath.org.</p>The magic that makes the Mad River Path2020-08-02T18:13:09-04:002020-08-02T18:13:09-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14884-the-magic-that-makes-the-mad-river-path-the-magic-that-makes-the-mad-river-pathThe Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5015/boarwalk01.jpg" alt=""></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Mad River Path depends on community support to keep working toward a continuous series of recreational paths connecting the towns, businesses and homes of the Mad River Valley. After nearly 30 years of building pathways, the Mad River Path has perhaps seen the most traffic ever this spring. “During these last few months dealing with COVID-19, the path has been enjoyed even more by all of us,” said executive director Ross Saxton.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ever wondered how the Mad River Path is built, maintained, funded, organized, planned and sustained? The answer is found within this community’s volunteers and donors.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There are a number of different ways to help the Mad River Path. The most effective way to support the path is by becoming one of the organization’s 400-plus-strong supporters. Contributions, no matter what size, are vital for the organization to continue growing its recreational trails and opportunities for families and individuals to have fun outside.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Another way to help is to volunteer muscles or mind. At least one big project is going on every summer, along with constant maintenance, and extra hands are always welcome. The ongoing Heart of the Valley Trail, which stretches from the Lareau Swimming Hole to Wait’s Way behind Waitsfield Elementary School, is just one of these projects that exists today thanks to both volunteers on the ground and financial donors. Countless hours donated by many Mad River Path supporters have made a respite the town center linking people to each other, businesses, homes and nature. Also, consider becoming a board member when a seat is available.</span></p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Landowners in The Valley have the opportunity to host a path or trail section, depending on the property location. Of most importance are those land parcels near the Mad River or Valley floor along with several other essential connection areas. On this front, the Mad River Path leads all the heavy lifting and handling the details. Take a look at the Mad River Path website for more information or reach out to a board member at any time. Many generous landowners over the years have made critical portions of the path possible, and there are more connections to be made.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Mad River Path’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Mad Dash 5km and 10km run or walk, relies on nearly 50 volunteers. Volunteering for the Mad Dash includes interacting with more than 500 event participants from the community and beyond. Running or walking in the Mad Dash is a big help to the Mad River Path, while business sponsors and silent auction donors have a huge positive impact on the organization’s ability to complete trail work. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Trail users have the opportunity to be an enormous asset to keeping the path open and enjoyable for all while ensuring new sections are built. Following the rules and practicing good trail etiquette are critical. Leashing and picking up after dogs is extremely important. Avoiding closed trails, carrying out trash, staying on trails that travel through private land and parking at designated trailhead lots are all ways to help the Mad River Path prosper across The Valley.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Visit <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org">www.madriverpath.org</a> for more information about the Mad River Path.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Article written by Mad River Path board members Kyle Neyer, Alison Duckworth and Jessica Tompkins.</i></span></p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5015/boarwalk01.jpg" alt=""></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Mad River Path depends on community support to keep working toward a continuous series of recreational paths connecting the towns, businesses and homes of the Mad River Valley. After nearly 30 years of building pathways, the Mad River Path has perhaps seen the most traffic ever this spring. “During these last few months dealing with COVID-19, the path has been enjoyed even more by all of us,” said executive director Ross Saxton.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ever wondered how the Mad River Path is built, maintained, funded, organized, planned and sustained? The answer is found within this community’s volunteers and donors.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There are a number of different ways to help the Mad River Path. The most effective way to support the path is by becoming one of the organization’s 400-plus-strong supporters. Contributions, no matter what size, are vital for the organization to continue growing its recreational trails and opportunities for families and individuals to have fun outside.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Another way to help is to volunteer muscles or mind. At least one big project is going on every summer, along with constant maintenance, and extra hands are always welcome. The ongoing Heart of the Valley Trail, which stretches from the Lareau Swimming Hole to Wait’s Way behind Waitsfield Elementary School, is just one of these projects that exists today thanks to both volunteers on the ground and financial donors. Countless hours donated by many Mad River Path supporters have made a respite the town center linking people to each other, businesses, homes and nature. Also, consider becoming a board member when a seat is available.</span></p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Landowners in The Valley have the opportunity to host a path or trail section, depending on the property location. Of most importance are those land parcels near the Mad River or Valley floor along with several other essential connection areas. On this front, the Mad River Path leads all the heavy lifting and handling the details. Take a look at the Mad River Path website for more information or reach out to a board member at any time. Many generous landowners over the years have made critical portions of the path possible, and there are more connections to be made.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Mad River Path’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Mad Dash 5km and 10km run or walk, relies on nearly 50 volunteers. Volunteering for the Mad Dash includes interacting with more than 500 event participants from the community and beyond. Running or walking in the Mad Dash is a big help to the Mad River Path, while business sponsors and silent auction donors have a huge positive impact on the organization’s ability to complete trail work. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Trail users have the opportunity to be an enormous asset to keeping the path open and enjoyable for all while ensuring new sections are built. Following the rules and practicing good trail etiquette are critical. Leashing and picking up after dogs is extremely important. Avoiding closed trails, carrying out trash, staying on trails that travel through private land and parking at designated trailhead lots are all ways to help the Mad River Path prosper across The Valley.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Visit <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org">www.madriverpath.org</a> for more information about the Mad River Path.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Article written by Mad River Path board members Kyle Neyer, Alison Duckworth and Jessica Tompkins.</i></span></p>On the Path: Landowner interviews with Mac Rood2020-07-17T13:47:48-04:002020-07-17T13:47:48-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14805-one-the-path-landowner-interviews-with-mac-roodThe Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p>This Mad River Path landowner interview is with Mac Rood in Waitsfield where he plans to donate a permanent trail easement for a new section of path coming soon! Hear some interesting reasons why Mac is a big fan of the Mad River Path, and see why a few historical MRV pictures show the importance of completing the Path from Warren to Moretown.</p><p>This Mad River Path landowner interview is with Mac Rood in Waitsfield where he plans to donate a permanent trail easement for a new section of path coming soon! Hear some interesting reasons why Mac is a big fan of the Mad River Path, and see why a few historical MRV pictures show the importance of completing the Path from Warren to Moretown.</p>History of the Mad River Path2020-06-04T20:30:36-04:002020-06-04T20:30:36-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14737-history-of-the-mad-river-path-2Laura Brines and Betsy Jondrojeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5007/MRPath-header-5007.jpg" alt=""></p><p>The Mad River Path (MRP) has been working for 31 years to build and maintain a network of multi-use public pathways to foster a healthy community by connecting the people, businesses and special places of the Mad River Valley. The MRP is a nonprofit that relies on community support – both financial and volunteers – to continue its mission. The MRP is more committed than ever to continue to expand this important Valley asset. During these past few months the MRP has seen a big increase in use as people discover its nine sections and 11-plus miles of trails throughout The Valley.<br /><br />The MRP has been fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers participate by becoming board members, working on a committee and the Mad Dash, hammering boardwalk planks, planting gardens, building bridges, clearing knotweed, contributing financially or becoming a hosting landowner. A 1988 survey indicated that 78% of Valley residents supported the creation of a path linking Warren to Moretown. This enthusiasm continues today with more than 500 people and 100 local businesses donating to the MRP every year. The community support over the decades has allowed the MRP to grow both in the length of trails and the strength of the organization. Collaboration with The Valley towns, landowners and other trail and recreation organizations continues to be critical to the future of the MRP and recreation in the Mad River Valley. One example of many is the grant support awarded to the MRP by the Mad River Valley Recreation District each year, who in turn enjoys expanding support by the towns.<br /><br />First board president Ellen Strauss of Warren shared some history of the start of the Mad River Path:<br /><br />“The Mad River connects The Valley towns in the most magical way, but not everybody can travel it by boat. A path along the river from Warren to Moretown is much more user friendly and would be a fantastic community asset. Connect the towns with an alternative to Route 100 and enjoy the river. At least that is what Arthur Williams, Clesson Eurich, Allen Clark and I thought in 1988. They were all walkers and bike riders. I was young and pregnant. What did I know? Seemed like we could get it done in a season or two. So we jumped right on it and did the section north of the Warren school – piece of cake! Harrison Snapp, MRP board member since 1991, loved the vision and enthusiasm of the first MRP board. He and Fred Gilbert, MRP board member emeritus, both got involved because they wanted to expand opportunities for community members and Valley visitors to connect with each other, connect to businesses, but most importantly to connect with what nature has to offer.”<br /><br /></p>
<h4 class="null">EAST GREENWAY</h4>
<p><br />“In 1992, working closely with Elwin Neill, farmer, the town of Waitsfield and the Mad River Ridge Runners, the East Greenway was created connecting Tremblay Road to Meadow Road. Next up was the Mill Brook Trail which connected the former Tucker Hill Lodge cross-country ski system and the Catamount Trail. The first Mad Dash was held in 1996 – a community event that is in its 25th year and continues to be the MRP’s annual fundraising event. Kevin Russell became the MRP’s first paid executive director in 1998 – a turning point for the organization that had previously been all volunteer-based and Kevin founded the Mad Dash,” Strauss said.<br /><br />Russell said he is proud to have been part of the MRP and its work.<br /><br />“I have had many prideful moments running on the paths and the sidewalks. I am particularly proud of the continuation of the Mad Dash as it celebrates 25 years this October. Hats off to the many incredible board members, directors and volunteers of the Mad River Path that for over 30 years continue to create a more vibrant walkable community. I am very proud to be part of that legacy,” Russell said.<br /><br />Floods in 1998 and 2011 destroyed large sections of the MRP which were restored through huge volunteer efforts. Lessons were learned, and since the MRP has been working to build more resilient trails. In 1999, through the collaboration of Waitsfield, the Vermont Land Trust, Friends of the Mad River, the MRP and Neill Farm, the West Greenway became the first permanently protected section of the MRP. In 2014, the MRP’s first-ever land purchase project came together, which involved the purchase of 4 acres of land by Waitsfield Elementary School and the establishment of a new ½-mile path, Waits Way. This land is now owned by the school and available for public use. The MRP is also adding new trail easements every year to protect the trail sections.<br /><br /></p>
<h4 class="null">UNDERPASSES</h4>
<p><br />The MRP was instrumental in getting two underpasses built under Route 100 to ensure safe travel for people – one connecting the Sugarbush Snowmaking Pond Loop and Riverside Park near the Warren Lodge and one connecting Lareau Farm and Mad River Riders trails with the Lareau Swimming Hole and Austin Walk. In recent years, two steel-beamed bridges have been designed by Mac Rood, MRP board chair: the Clay Brook Bridge behind the Warren Lodge and the Chase Brook Bridge across from Fayston Elementary School. Connections like these are essential to the MRP’s mission, and additional pedestrian connections are planned and created each year. While some connections are simple and can be made in a matter of weeks, others are the result of years of planning, fundraising, partnership building and, finally, constructing.</p>
<p><br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/96390724b924068850c3c82c1/images/2fb5ba4d-1284-48eb-ac8d-f92af6124d65.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="303" data-file-id="1182838" data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/96390724b924068850c3c82c1/images/2fb5ba4d-1284-48eb-ac8d-f92af6124d65.jpg" /></p>
<p><br />The most visible and popular section of the MRP is the newly created 3-mile Heart of the Valley Trail, which connects Waitsfield Elementary School to Fiddler’s Green utilizing sidewalks, boardwalks and gravel and dirt pathways. Nearly 50 businesses are found just off the MRP in this section and others. Board members hope to connect Fiddler’s Green to the Austin Parcel and the Lareau Swimming Hole without having to walk on Route 100 in the future.<br /><br />This year, the MRP will grow by at least 2 miles, including trails on the Yestermorrow property and land owned by Chris Lamonia behind the Big Picture. Planning to connect sections along the Mad River is a constant activity, and a new project to connect Irasville to the Long Trail is underway.<br /><br />As the MRP is the community’s and has been for more than 30 years, it continues to be designed by what the people of the Mad River Valley want and need. Some of the MRP is on public land, but generous private landowners who have the community’s interests in mind host most sections.<br /><br />The Mad River Path is a 501c3. To learn more about the MRP, visit <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.madriverpath.org">www.madriverpath.org</a> or call 802-496-7284.<br /><br /><em>Brines and Jondro are Mad River Path board members. Brines is past president.</em></p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5007/MRPath-header-5007.jpg" alt=""></p><p>The Mad River Path (MRP) has been working for 31 years to build and maintain a network of multi-use public pathways to foster a healthy community by connecting the people, businesses and special places of the Mad River Valley. The MRP is a nonprofit that relies on community support – both financial and volunteers – to continue its mission. The MRP is more committed than ever to continue to expand this important Valley asset. During these past few months the MRP has seen a big increase in use as people discover its nine sections and 11-plus miles of trails throughout The Valley.<br /><br />The MRP has been fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers participate by becoming board members, working on a committee and the Mad Dash, hammering boardwalk planks, planting gardens, building bridges, clearing knotweed, contributing financially or becoming a hosting landowner. A 1988 survey indicated that 78% of Valley residents supported the creation of a path linking Warren to Moretown. This enthusiasm continues today with more than 500 people and 100 local businesses donating to the MRP every year. The community support over the decades has allowed the MRP to grow both in the length of trails and the strength of the organization. Collaboration with The Valley towns, landowners and other trail and recreation organizations continues to be critical to the future of the MRP and recreation in the Mad River Valley. One example of many is the grant support awarded to the MRP by the Mad River Valley Recreation District each year, who in turn enjoys expanding support by the towns.<br /><br />First board president Ellen Strauss of Warren shared some history of the start of the Mad River Path:<br /><br />“The Mad River connects The Valley towns in the most magical way, but not everybody can travel it by boat. A path along the river from Warren to Moretown is much more user friendly and would be a fantastic community asset. Connect the towns with an alternative to Route 100 and enjoy the river. At least that is what Arthur Williams, Clesson Eurich, Allen Clark and I thought in 1988. They were all walkers and bike riders. I was young and pregnant. What did I know? Seemed like we could get it done in a season or two. So we jumped right on it and did the section north of the Warren school – piece of cake! Harrison Snapp, MRP board member since 1991, loved the vision and enthusiasm of the first MRP board. He and Fred Gilbert, MRP board member emeritus, both got involved because they wanted to expand opportunities for community members and Valley visitors to connect with each other, connect to businesses, but most importantly to connect with what nature has to offer.”<br /><br /></p>
<h4 class="null">EAST GREENWAY</h4>
<p><br />“In 1992, working closely with Elwin Neill, farmer, the town of Waitsfield and the Mad River Ridge Runners, the East Greenway was created connecting Tremblay Road to Meadow Road. Next up was the Mill Brook Trail which connected the former Tucker Hill Lodge cross-country ski system and the Catamount Trail. The first Mad Dash was held in 1996 – a community event that is in its 25th year and continues to be the MRP’s annual fundraising event. Kevin Russell became the MRP’s first paid executive director in 1998 – a turning point for the organization that had previously been all volunteer-based and Kevin founded the Mad Dash,” Strauss said.<br /><br />Russell said he is proud to have been part of the MRP and its work.<br /><br />“I have had many prideful moments running on the paths and the sidewalks. I am particularly proud of the continuation of the Mad Dash as it celebrates 25 years this October. Hats off to the many incredible board members, directors and volunteers of the Mad River Path that for over 30 years continue to create a more vibrant walkable community. I am very proud to be part of that legacy,” Russell said.<br /><br />Floods in 1998 and 2011 destroyed large sections of the MRP which were restored through huge volunteer efforts. Lessons were learned, and since the MRP has been working to build more resilient trails. In 1999, through the collaboration of Waitsfield, the Vermont Land Trust, Friends of the Mad River, the MRP and Neill Farm, the West Greenway became the first permanently protected section of the MRP. In 2014, the MRP’s first-ever land purchase project came together, which involved the purchase of 4 acres of land by Waitsfield Elementary School and the establishment of a new ½-mile path, Waits Way. This land is now owned by the school and available for public use. The MRP is also adding new trail easements every year to protect the trail sections.<br /><br /></p>
<h4 class="null">UNDERPASSES</h4>
<p><br />The MRP was instrumental in getting two underpasses built under Route 100 to ensure safe travel for people – one connecting the Sugarbush Snowmaking Pond Loop and Riverside Park near the Warren Lodge and one connecting Lareau Farm and Mad River Riders trails with the Lareau Swimming Hole and Austin Walk. In recent years, two steel-beamed bridges have been designed by Mac Rood, MRP board chair: the Clay Brook Bridge behind the Warren Lodge and the Chase Brook Bridge across from Fayston Elementary School. Connections like these are essential to the MRP’s mission, and additional pedestrian connections are planned and created each year. While some connections are simple and can be made in a matter of weeks, others are the result of years of planning, fundraising, partnership building and, finally, constructing.</p>
<p><br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/96390724b924068850c3c82c1/images/2fb5ba4d-1284-48eb-ac8d-f92af6124d65.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="303" data-file-id="1182838" data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/96390724b924068850c3c82c1/images/2fb5ba4d-1284-48eb-ac8d-f92af6124d65.jpg" /></p>
<p><br />The most visible and popular section of the MRP is the newly created 3-mile Heart of the Valley Trail, which connects Waitsfield Elementary School to Fiddler’s Green utilizing sidewalks, boardwalks and gravel and dirt pathways. Nearly 50 businesses are found just off the MRP in this section and others. Board members hope to connect Fiddler’s Green to the Austin Parcel and the Lareau Swimming Hole without having to walk on Route 100 in the future.<br /><br />This year, the MRP will grow by at least 2 miles, including trails on the Yestermorrow property and land owned by Chris Lamonia behind the Big Picture. Planning to connect sections along the Mad River is a constant activity, and a new project to connect Irasville to the Long Trail is underway.<br /><br />As the MRP is the community’s and has been for more than 30 years, it continues to be designed by what the people of the Mad River Valley want and need. Some of the MRP is on public land, but generous private landowners who have the community’s interests in mind host most sections.<br /><br />The Mad River Path is a 501c3. To learn more about the MRP, visit <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.madriverpath.org">www.madriverpath.org</a> or call 802-496-7284.<br /><br /><em>Brines and Jondro are Mad River Path board members. Brines is past president.</em></p>Get to know the Mad River Path2020-05-22T09:00:59-04:002020-05-22T09:00:59-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14580-get-to-know-the-mad-river-path-2The Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5005/Scrag_Kiosk.jpg" alt="Get to know the Mad River Path"></p><p>Over the next six months The Valley Reporter and the Mad River Path (MRP) are bringing content straight from the path. Articles, videos and audio clips will help the community get to know the path system better regarding where it is, who hosts the sections, some fun history, exciting plans and more. The content will be written and recorded by Mad River Path board members and staff – all of whom are Mad River Valley residents and enthusiastic about helping the community get outside. We hope people will stay entertained and well-informed by the different perspectives.</p>
<p>Coming up first, people will hear from current board member Betsy Jondro and recently retired board member Laura Brines. They’ll share what the path association is up to, where the path association board members are headed and some fascinating things from the past.</p>
<p>After that, readers will hear from current and upcoming landowner hosts of path sections. These folks will explain about why they host the path and will paint a clear picture on what it’s like to be a path host. Print and online readers of The Valley Reporter will also learn about ways they can be and stay involved with the Mad River Path and the challenges the path association board has as it works to accomplish the organization’s mission and goals, and there will be virtual tours of path sections.</p>
<p>Keep an eye on weekly Valley Reporter issues, The Valley Reporter website at www.<a href="https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/recreation/mad-river-path" target="_blank">valleyreporter.com/index.php/recreation/mad-river-path</a> (or see the Mad River Path tab), and the Mad River Path website at <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">madriverpath.org</a>.</p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/5005/Scrag_Kiosk.jpg" alt="Get to know the Mad River Path"></p><p>Over the next six months The Valley Reporter and the Mad River Path (MRP) are bringing content straight from the path. Articles, videos and audio clips will help the community get to know the path system better regarding where it is, who hosts the sections, some fun history, exciting plans and more. The content will be written and recorded by Mad River Path board members and staff – all of whom are Mad River Valley residents and enthusiastic about helping the community get outside. We hope people will stay entertained and well-informed by the different perspectives.</p>
<p>Coming up first, people will hear from current board member Betsy Jondro and recently retired board member Laura Brines. They’ll share what the path association is up to, where the path association board members are headed and some fascinating things from the past.</p>
<p>After that, readers will hear from current and upcoming landowner hosts of path sections. These folks will explain about why they host the path and will paint a clear picture on what it’s like to be a path host. Print and online readers of The Valley Reporter will also learn about ways they can be and stay involved with the Mad River Path and the challenges the path association board has as it works to accomplish the organization’s mission and goals, and there will be virtual tours of path sections.</p>
<p>Keep an eye on weekly Valley Reporter issues, The Valley Reporter website at www.<a href="https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/recreation/mad-river-path" target="_blank">valleyreporter.com/index.php/recreation/mad-river-path</a> (or see the Mad River Path tab), and the Mad River Path website at <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">madriverpath.org</a>.</p>Mad River Riders close trails, Path Association suggests safety2020-04-05T14:11:10-04:002020-04-05T14:11:10-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14763-mad-river-riders-close-trails-path-association-suggests-safety-2The Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/4950/MRRiders-corona.jpg" alt=""></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Mad River Riders are joining other members of the Vermont Trails Alliance in keeping trails closed. Trails are often closed during April to allow them to dry out, but this closure is broader than that and is aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Mad River Riders is encouraging people to use the dirt roads to stay safe and active during the pandemic, while maintaining social distancing, avoiding parking lots and trailhead areas.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Here is an excerpt from the Mad River Riders April 4 newsletter, quoting the statement of the members of the Vermont Trails Alliance:</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">"The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, members of the Vermont Trails Alliance, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, the Green Mountain Club and the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation have evaluated the current status of our recreational trail systems in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Scott’s executive order. Together we have agreed that:</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">“The primary directive from the governor is to protect the public health and safety of Vermonters. We are in the middle of a health emergency, and to avoid the spread of COVID-19 we must stay at home as much as possible. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">“It is spring mud season, trail conditions are poor and trail use has always been discouraged during this time of year. In addition, trail work and maintenance is not an essential or critical activity . . . and is, therefore, prohibited. </span></p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">If our trails cannot be prepared for safe public use and properly maintained, they should not be used for recreation. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">“Trail usage would create unnecessary risk of injury at a time when our sole focus should be on supporting Vermont's efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus with all available medical resources and not diverting them to emergency response actions.”</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Here are some suggested dirt roads for people to enjoy while maintaining appropriate social distancing. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Waitsfield Common Road</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Park at the corner of East Warren Road and the Common. It starts with a flat section.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Tremblay Road to North Road/Pony Farm Road. Park at the Pines Rest Area. Go up Tremblay and turn left on North Road. This route is relatively flat, features beautiful views, a covered bridge and generally slow traffic. North Road turns into Pony Farm Road as it crosses the Moretown line and ends at RT 100B in Moretown Village.<b> <br /> <br /> </b>The Sidewalk:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Park at the Waitsfield School. The Waitsfield village sidewalk stretches from the school to the RT 17/100 intersection. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Plunkton-Senor-Roxbury Gap Loop: Park at corner of Plunkton and East Warren Road. Plunkton is paved now and Senor tends to dry out pretty fast.<b> <br /> </b></span><span class="s2"><b><br /> </b></span><span class="s1">Moretown Common Road: Park at the corner of Farnham and Common Road, off to the side. Head northeast on the Common Road and turn around at the horse farm with a view of Camel's Hump, or descend and climb back up from RT 100B. </span></p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hill Climbs:<b> F</b>or bigger challenges, we have a wide variety of tough climbs, including the App and Moretown Gaps, West Hill Road and Bragg Hill Road. Remember to descend slowly and keep it safe. Moretown Gap is dirt, but tends to dry out faster than Roxbury. Lincoln Gap Road is still covered in snow and closed.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Mad River Path Association remains open and people are also directed to adhere to social distancing, avoid areas that look crowded, recreate alone or with household members, stay 6-10 feet away from others, keep dogs on a leash so others who are out won’t brush up against or pet them. </span></p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/4950/MRRiders-corona.jpg" alt=""></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Mad River Riders are joining other members of the Vermont Trails Alliance in keeping trails closed. Trails are often closed during April to allow them to dry out, but this closure is broader than that and is aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Mad River Riders is encouraging people to use the dirt roads to stay safe and active during the pandemic, while maintaining social distancing, avoiding parking lots and trailhead areas.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Here is an excerpt from the Mad River Riders April 4 newsletter, quoting the statement of the members of the Vermont Trails Alliance:</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">"The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, members of the Vermont Trails Alliance, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, the Green Mountain Club and the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation have evaluated the current status of our recreational trail systems in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Scott’s executive order. Together we have agreed that:</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">“The primary directive from the governor is to protect the public health and safety of Vermonters. We are in the middle of a health emergency, and to avoid the spread of COVID-19 we must stay at home as much as possible. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">“It is spring mud season, trail conditions are poor and trail use has always been discouraged during this time of year. In addition, trail work and maintenance is not an essential or critical activity . . . and is, therefore, prohibited. </span></p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">If our trails cannot be prepared for safe public use and properly maintained, they should not be used for recreation. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">“Trail usage would create unnecessary risk of injury at a time when our sole focus should be on supporting Vermont's efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus with all available medical resources and not diverting them to emergency response actions.”</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Here are some suggested dirt roads for people to enjoy while maintaining appropriate social distancing. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Waitsfield Common Road</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Park at the corner of East Warren Road and the Common. It starts with a flat section.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Tremblay Road to North Road/Pony Farm Road. Park at the Pines Rest Area. Go up Tremblay and turn left on North Road. This route is relatively flat, features beautiful views, a covered bridge and generally slow traffic. North Road turns into Pony Farm Road as it crosses the Moretown line and ends at RT 100B in Moretown Village.<b> <br /> <br /> </b>The Sidewalk:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Park at the Waitsfield School. The Waitsfield village sidewalk stretches from the school to the RT 17/100 intersection. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Plunkton-Senor-Roxbury Gap Loop: Park at corner of Plunkton and East Warren Road. Plunkton is paved now and Senor tends to dry out pretty fast.<b> <br /> </b></span><span class="s2"><b><br /> </b></span><span class="s1">Moretown Common Road: Park at the corner of Farnham and Common Road, off to the side. Head northeast on the Common Road and turn around at the horse farm with a view of Camel's Hump, or descend and climb back up from RT 100B. </span></p>
<p>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hill Climbs:<b> F</b>or bigger challenges, we have a wide variety of tough climbs, including the App and Moretown Gaps, West Hill Road and Bragg Hill Road. Remember to descend slowly and keep it safe. Moretown Gap is dirt, but tends to dry out faster than Roxbury. Lincoln Gap Road is still covered in snow and closed.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Mad River Path Association remains open and people are also directed to adhere to social distancing, avoid areas that look crowded, recreate alone or with household members, stay 6-10 feet away from others, keep dogs on a leash so others who are out won’t brush up against or pet them. </span></p>Over 500 runners for Mad Dash2019-10-18T07:00:44-04:002019-10-18T07:00:44-04:00https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/mad-river-path/14740-over-500-runners-for-mad-dash-2The Valley Reporterjeff@valleyreporter.com<p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/4926/72201538_10215301050426897_3484352258227830784_o.jpg" alt=""></p><p>The sun was shining, the leaves were bright and the temperatures were perfect for the 24th annual Mad Dash. More than 500 people joined the autumn fun to run or walk the 5K or 10K course, including dozens of future racers in the Kids Fun Run. A benefit for the Mad River Path, the event was held once again on fields owned by Neill Farm off Meadow Road. The dirt road courses, farms, views, food and camaraderie bring people back to the Mad River Valley for this event year after year from around New England and as far as Minnesota, Wyoming, California and the Bahamas. </p>
<p>“The Mad Dash is truly a community-supported event,” said Mad River Path executive director Ross Saxton. “More than 50 volunteers make the event possible and nearly 125 businesses help make our fundraising efforts successful between sponsorships and silent auction donations. It’s hard not to feel a lot of love coming from all over the Mad River Valley and beyond this time of year.”</p>
<figure><img style="display: block; margin: 5px auto;" src="https://www.valleyreporter.com/images/issues/4926/IMG_0143.jpg" alt="Photo: Michael Cunningham Runners passing through Pine Brook Bridge during Sunday’s Mad Dash" /><figcaption>Photo: Michael CunninghamPhoto: Michael CunninghamRunners passing through Pine Brook Bridge during Sunday’s Mad Dash.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The races started off with the sound of the siren as the 10K racers went out to enjoy the course first. Five minutes later, the 5K runners and walkers began their event. First in for the 10K folks was Colin Rodgers, Waitsfield, in a very speedy time of 33 minutes and 59 seconds, which is an average of a 5:28 minute mile. Coming in six seconds behind Rodgers was Topher Gaylord, Warren, and a few minutes later was Jon Floyd of Waterbury Center for third place. Cathleen Balantic, Burlington, won the 10K women’s field with a time of 43 minutes and 1 second, averaging a fast pace of 6:55 miles per minute. Christina Hall of Plymouth, MA, and Karissa McDonough of Waterbury Center claimed second and third in the women’s 10K.</p>
<p>The 5K overall winner was Seth Jackson of Montpelier crossing the finish line in a quick 17 minutes and 22 seconds, and Kate Currie of Holliston, MA, took first place for the women’s 5K in 20 minutes and 36 seconds. Carlton Cummiskey of Warren finished in second place and Luke Groom, also of Warren, took the 5K third place. The women’s 5K second- and third-place finishers were Paige Joyce of Plymouth, MA, and Kasandra Reid of Montpelier with times of 21 minutes and 26 seconds and 21 minutes and 57 seconds, respectively.</p>
<p>Registrations to participate in the Mad Dash account for much of the funds raised for the Mad River Path’s work to complete a continuous path between Warren and Moretown. The Mad River Path also builds trails into the hills and is planning to host nature-based education programming in the future. More info about the Mad River Path and full results for the Mad Dash is found at <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org">www.madriverpath.org</a>.</p><p><img src="https://www.valleyreporter.com//images/issues/4926/72201538_10215301050426897_3484352258227830784_o.jpg" alt=""></p><p>The sun was shining, the leaves were bright and the temperatures were perfect for the 24th annual Mad Dash. More than 500 people joined the autumn fun to run or walk the 5K or 10K course, including dozens of future racers in the Kids Fun Run. A benefit for the Mad River Path, the event was held once again on fields owned by Neill Farm off Meadow Road. The dirt road courses, farms, views, food and camaraderie bring people back to the Mad River Valley for this event year after year from around New England and as far as Minnesota, Wyoming, California and the Bahamas. </p>
<p>“The Mad Dash is truly a community-supported event,” said Mad River Path executive director Ross Saxton. “More than 50 volunteers make the event possible and nearly 125 businesses help make our fundraising efforts successful between sponsorships and silent auction donations. It’s hard not to feel a lot of love coming from all over the Mad River Valley and beyond this time of year.”</p>
<figure><img style="display: block; margin: 5px auto;" src="https://www.valleyreporter.com/images/issues/4926/IMG_0143.jpg" alt="Photo: Michael Cunningham Runners passing through Pine Brook Bridge during Sunday’s Mad Dash" /><figcaption>Photo: Michael CunninghamPhoto: Michael CunninghamRunners passing through Pine Brook Bridge during Sunday’s Mad Dash.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The races started off with the sound of the siren as the 10K racers went out to enjoy the course first. Five minutes later, the 5K runners and walkers began their event. First in for the 10K folks was Colin Rodgers, Waitsfield, in a very speedy time of 33 minutes and 59 seconds, which is an average of a 5:28 minute mile. Coming in six seconds behind Rodgers was Topher Gaylord, Warren, and a few minutes later was Jon Floyd of Waterbury Center for third place. Cathleen Balantic, Burlington, won the 10K women’s field with a time of 43 minutes and 1 second, averaging a fast pace of 6:55 miles per minute. Christina Hall of Plymouth, MA, and Karissa McDonough of Waterbury Center claimed second and third in the women’s 10K.</p>
<p>The 5K overall winner was Seth Jackson of Montpelier crossing the finish line in a quick 17 minutes and 22 seconds, and Kate Currie of Holliston, MA, took first place for the women’s 5K in 20 minutes and 36 seconds. Carlton Cummiskey of Warren finished in second place and Luke Groom, also of Warren, took the 5K third place. The women’s 5K second- and third-place finishers were Paige Joyce of Plymouth, MA, and Kasandra Reid of Montpelier with times of 21 minutes and 26 seconds and 21 minutes and 57 seconds, respectively.</p>
<p>Registrations to participate in the Mad Dash account for much of the funds raised for the Mad River Path’s work to complete a continuous path between Warren and Moretown. The Mad River Path also builds trails into the hills and is planning to host nature-based education programming in the future. More info about the Mad River Path and full results for the Mad Dash is found at <a href="http://www.madriverpath.org">www.madriverpath.org</a>.</p>