Public Comment SCORP
November 23, 2019
Public Comment Needed by Dec. 12, 2019 for Vermont's SCORP.
Public Comment Needed for Vermont’s SCORP
What is the SCORP?
The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is a plan which assesses the provision and need for outdoor recreation in a state. States are required to update their SCORP every five years to remain eligible to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well the federal Recreational Trails Program funds. The plan guides outdoor recreation policies, programs and funding for projects.
Please share you voice, edits and suggestions before December 12th, 2019
Every five years the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is produced, which is a key piece of the puzzle for the state of Vermont to receive federal funding for recreation projects. After gathering survey data, a draft of the plan has been produced and is open for public comment. The survey tools and responses have been provided for everyone's review and is available at this link:
Your voice in this process is a key component of the SCORP being representative of things the public wants for trails, waterways, hunting, hockey, etc. in Vermont. Kingdom Trails, along with the Vermont Trails & Greenway Council, is encouraging you to take a look at how your interests are being represented - and to submit your thoughts:
- As a trail user how do the elements of the plan support your interests?
- KTA, as part the VT Trails & Greenways Council, is advocating for private landowner protections from over-regulation. Did you know that over 70% of trails in VT are on private land (99% of KTA's). From your perspective, does the plan commit to private landowner protections enough?
- Does the SCORP point out and lift up the value of the trail-based nonprofits in VT that make most the outdoor recreation possible, and sets VT uniquely apart from many other states?
- 94% of respondents rated outdoor recreation as "very important" or "essential." Is this SCORP accurately reflective of your hopes for outdoor recreation?
- If an Office of Outdoor Recreation is created - does the SCORP explicitly state how the invested resources will benefit trail-based organizations in VT?
If you don't have time to read the draft - consider using the following in your comments:
- Please add a commitment to engaging Nonprofit trail providers in a long-range trail expansion plan that allows them to effectively raise funds, hire builders.
- Please explicitly state the value and importance of protecting private landowners from over-regulation.
- The SCORP should include a clear statement isolating a commitment to supporting the value of trail-based nonprofits.
- The SCOPR does not share any specificity, benchmarks or timelines attached to the primary goals and objectives - can we get more?
- How will an office of Outdoor Recreation benefits trails, trail groups and VT's trail-based nonprofits exactly? This should be stated in the plan.
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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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