News

Accomplishments

The Vermont Mushers Association was established to:

1. Unite all those engaging in dog-powered sports in the State of Vermont for the purpose of maintaining and promoting statewide trail privileges,
2. Disseminate information,
3. Promote the safe and responsible use of trails,
4. Speak for and represent the Vermont Mushers Association to other organizations. As an organization we strive to represent the interests of mushers statewide and we appreciate any feedback you can give us on how we are doing and what else we should be doing. Your $10 a year membership helps us in at least two ways. First each membership increases our membership numbers. As a state-wide organization, the more members we have, the louder is our voice. Second, we use the funds generated to increase more awareness of our organization. Two examples of this are our website and the safety pamphlet we have produced.

Here are some of the accomplishments of the VTMA Board of Directors over the past 2 years:

• Writing and producing a pamphlet on Trail Safety & Etiquette Guidelines for Mushers.
• Alerting the membership about statewide meetings of other organizations related to recreation and multi-use trail issues.
• Providing written and oral testimony on behalf of Vermont mushers to the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), the Green Mtn. National Forest Service Plan for recreation and trail usage in the National Forest for the next 10 to 15 years, and State plans for ATV regulations.
• Meeting with (then) Congressman Bernie Sanders regarding the general economic benefits of mushers to the state and specifically issues regarding multi-use on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
• Increasing the visibility of mushing in the state by joining the Vt. Trails and Greenways Council, participating in VAST’s Make-A-Wish fundraiser in Lyndonville in 2006, participating in Dogs Across America, and attending other public relations events.
• Following numerous bills in the legislature with specific potential impacts on Vermont mushers, alerting VTMA membership, and providing written and oral testimony to legislators and committees on the bills.
• Gaining membership on the management committee of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
• Opening a dialog with VAST that has accomplished two significant changes in their policies towards mushers on trails: the ability of landowners to grant mushing permission on VAST’s landowner permission forms; and a warning notice on VAST trails map stating “Caution. Sled dogs may be on trails. Please use caution when approaching or passing.”
• Producing a map of trails in the Moose­a­la­moo area and their suitability for mushing.
• Receiving a grant from the State to produce a brochure to educate other trail users how mushing works and the safety aspects of sharing trails. • And negotiating two direct-to-your-pocket benefits: a discount at Valley Rent-All in Waterbury and Waitsfield, Vt. of 30% on all Carhartt clothing, 15% on all Stihl equipment and supplies, and 10% on all Toro machines; and no trail fees for VTMA members at Eden Mountain Lodge, Eden, Vt.

The largest contribution you can make to help our state-wide advocacy is to join VTMA and to get other mushers to join.

Please fill out a Membership Form and Questionnaire and send it to our Membership Secretary. We also have a Membership Flyer that you can print out and post at your local vet, feed stores, or other locations to help recruit mushers in your area.

Dues are $10 per person annually and may be sent to:
Gail Breslauer, Membership Secretary
P.O. Box 550
Moretown, VT 05660
membership@vtmushers.org
Membership Form, Questionnaire, and a Membership Flyer are available online.

Any general questions about the Vermont Mushers Association should be directed to:
Red Goodman, President
P.O. Box 514
Waitsfield, VT 05673
president@vtmushers.org