Black Lives Matter
June 29, 2020
With profound humility and commitment to deeper learning, we will challenge our assumptions and biases to make sure our trails are welcoming and safe for all. Further, we need to better understand how to actively participate in building a just organization, ensuring a just experience for all.
So we return to the notion of movement. Words are not enough, we need to act. As such, we recently sought support and counsel from the In Solidarity Project’s Outdoor Diversity Pledge
to help us identify steps we can take as an organization in creating a plan to establish programs and initiatives around diversity and inclusion in the greater outdoor recreation community. These action items will range from exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion education for our KTA team and Board of Directors to presenting representative efforts that welcomes and comforts new users to KTA. We commit to sharing our progress with the Outdoor Diversity Pledge Team, as well as our own community, to hold ourselves accountable to the goals we have set through this pledge.
We will also look forward to taking part in discussions and other initiatives with fellow Vermont outdoor organizations in their pursuit of equity and inclusion. We are inspired by the statements and stories from our friends at the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Green Mountain Club, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance, and others. Kingdom Trails will also seek guidance from regional organizations such as the NEK Collaborative, as they have shared opportunities for reflection and dialogue in our immediate Northeast Kingdom region.
We recognize that our commitment won’t solve our challenges overnight, but it is the first step toward building a more inclusive organization, hopefully leading toward a more inclusive and representative outdoor recreation community. As it states in our new Ride with Gratitude Code of Conduct, care for others, "If someone needs help, we help. If someone needs encouragement, we share our enthusiasm. And if it's going to make the situation better, we dismount. Be nice, yield to others, and give a smile."
We welcome your feedback. And above all, join us. Feel free to share your thoughts and add your voice to the conversation.
We are so grateful, The KTA Team & Board of Directors
EAST BURKE, VT – October 27, 2025 – Kingdom Trails, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom, today announced it has received a monumental gift of $100,000 from Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain, and Kingdom Trails’ single largest private landowner. This unprecedented corporate donation is the largest in Kingdom Trails’ history and signifies a powerful commitment to the economic vitality and future of recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. The $100,000 investment comes as both organizations continue to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance outdoor tourism and provide world-class experiences for visitors and local community members alike. This funding will be immediately directed toward critical trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable trail development projects across the network, allowing Kingdom Trails to build important new connections and keep the trails in top shape. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and vision demonstrated by the leadership at Burke Mountain,” said Georgia Gould, Interim Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. “This is more than just a donation; it’s an unprecedented investment in the future health of our trails, our organization, and the entire Northeast Kingdom community. This investment ensures we can not only maintain the current quality of the Kingdom Trails experience but also pursue long-term sustainability and innovative projects.” The gift came during an evening of music and celebration of Kingdom Trails’ Landowners hosted by Bear Den Partners at the Burke Mountain Hotel. The event brought together the landowners, community members, and friends who make Kingdom Trails possible. The evening featured a powerful joint performance by national touring artists Adam Gardner of Guster and Stephen Kellogg, whose music captured the warmth, connection, and spirit that define the Northeast Kingdom. The relationship between Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails has been instrumental in positioning the region as a premier mountain biking and outdoor destination. Burke Mountain’s contribution emphasizes a shared goal of drawing visitors to the region while ensuring responsible stewardship of the natural resources. “Burke Mountain is a proud neighbor and partner to Kingdom Trails,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners. “We understand that the trails are a critical driver of our local economy and an important amenity for our guests. Making this $100,000 commitment was a clear decision—it ensures the longevity of this incredible network and helps secure the Northeast Kingdom’s reputation as a top-tier outdoor destination for generations to come.” The organizations encourage the public and corporate partners to view this as an inspiration for collective responsibility in protecting and preserving the trails that define Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom experience. Kingdom Trails extends its sincere gratitude to Bear Den Partners for their integral support of this investment and their dedication to the future of the trails. About Kingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of a 100+ mile network of non-motorized multi-use trails in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Utilizing a land-use agreement model with 106 private landowners, Kingdom Trails provides recreational access that promotes healthy lifestyles, economic vitality, and sustainable use of resources. About Burke Mountain Located in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Resort is an independent, four-season destination owned by Bear Den Partners. Burke delivers 178 acres of world-class skiing and riding in the winter, and lift-served mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Burke’s bike park is adjacent to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails network, a mecca for mountain bikers. Year-round, Burke and the Burke Mountain Hotel host events and activities that reflect the culture and community of Vermont: down-to-earth, uncorporate and driven by the spirit of the mountain and the people who ride it. For more information, visit SkiBurke.com or follow on all major social platforms including Instagram , Facebook and YouTube .
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October 18th, 2025 from 7-10 PM
