KTA Preparation for Future Opening in Response to Governor Scott's "Play Smart, Play Safe"

May 06, 2020

The Kingdom Trails Team has been inspired by the resolve, compassion and resourcefulness
demonstrated here locally and around the country and to our north during this time of
unprecedented challenge and struggle, and we realize and appreciate more than ever the
sanctuary that being outdoors provides.

We have been encouraged recently with Governor Scott’s slow turning of the spigot to reopen
Vermont’s economy safely and responsibly. Just the other week the Governor released his
“Work Smart, Stay Safe” addendum to his executive order, allowing for limited outdoor
businesses to resume under specific conditions. This allowed our Trail Crew to begin
maintenance for if and when Kingdom Trails may be allowed to open for public use.

Today the Governor turned the knob a bit more. He announced the addition of “Play Smart, Play
Safe” to his order. Trail networks around the state will be allowed to open for public use.

Kingdom Trails is pleased with this announcement. Outdoor recreation is an important part of
our region’s economy and crucial to people’s physical and mental well-being, especially amidst
this time of crisis.

However, Kingdom Trails cannot stress enough how vital it will be for us to tread cautiously. We
understand outdoor recreation activities may increase the potential for increased transmission of
COVID-19 if proper precautions and guidelines are not in place or followed to mitigate that risk,
even as restrictions ease. The health and safety of our landowners, staff, community, and
trail users comes first.

Currently Kingdom Trails is still closed due to mud season conditions, yet this in between time
will come to an end soon. When we do believe we can open, we will be taking a very
conservative approach and want to stress that operations will not go back to ‘normal.’ Due to the
Governor’s orders, along with protocol from the Agency of Commerce and Community
Development and the Dept. of Forest, Parks, and Recreation, Vermonters should only partake
in local outdoor recreation opportunities and are encouraged to stay close to home. The
Canadian Border remains closed, lodging is not available until mid-June, and out-of-state
visitors are still being asked not to come to Vermont for recreational activities, and if they do,
they must self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving.

There will also be specific rules to recreate responsibly on our trails that follow physical
distancing, health and sanitation measures in accordance with VDH, CDC and ACCD
guidelines. These rules will even include proper parking procedures at trail access points. Our
expanded and improved Ambassador Program will safely be able to assist trail users in
navigating these new policies. The Kingdom Trails Welcome Center will not be opening for in
person sales or interactions. We will only be selling Annual Individual and Family Memberships
online through our website.   A comprehensive reopening plan with safety guidelines is currently
being worked on and will be available in the near future.

Further, Kingdom Trails will be seeking feedback from our 97 private landowners and
communities that so graciously host our trails. We respect and depend upon their generosity
and our hope is that they will be comfortable with our plans and strict guidelines for opening.

Thank you for your understanding, patience and continued support as Kingdom Trails begins
the process of opening cautiously and responsibly for all.

Abby Long

Executive Director
Kingdom Trail Association

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