DOVER, Vt. (AP) - A plan by the United States Forest Service will help expand access to a backcountry trail between Vermont’s Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain ski areas for biking, hiking and skiing.
The Brattleboro Reformer reports a large part of a new plan for United States Forest Service land spanning more than 70,000 acres over Windham and Bennington counties is dedicated to the Deerfield Ridge Trail.
Andy McLean, a member of the Dover Area Recreation Trails Committee and Southern Vermont Trails Association board, said it’s everything they had in mind.
“It’s really, really cool,” he said.
Forest Service studies found “no significant impact” would occur. A 45-day period for objections to the plan, formally known as the Somerset Integrated Resource Project, will end Oct. 2.
The project includes “activities to improve wildlife and fish habitat, restore soil and water conditions, increase recreation and scenery viewing opportunities, improve and sustain the road network, and protect heritage resources,” according to a letter about the process from Manchester District Ranger David Francomb.
The plan involves construction of several miles of trail for hikers, skiers and mountain bikers.
With final approval not expected before winter, it’s unclear when construction can begin.
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