Network Capacity Study Update

August 28, 2020

Rider Experience Survey Results

Over the past few months, the SE Group project team has been busy engaging with stakeholders and collecting

data. The project team held 10 virtual focus group meetings with local business owners, town

governments, landowners, trail ambassadors, and other key players. These conversations framed the

existing conditions and illuminated many of the opportunities and constraints going forward. The

project team placed trail counters to measure level of use and conducted a rider experience survey. The

rider experience survey asked respondents about crowding, access, and overall experience during the

summer 2020 season and previous years. Click here to see the results.

Now, the project team is working on the analysis and solutions. The team is developing a capacity figure

for components of the trail system – trails, parking, lodging, and food and beverage. The team is also

looking at the qualitative capacities of landowners, the environment, and community infrastructure.

Imbalances between the different capacities will be identified and solutions will seek to address

deficiencies and recommend changes in policy and enhancements to system components. Design

alternatives are being developed for several key locations in the trail system such as existing and

potential parking lots, difficult road crossings, and the future welcome center. The project team is

preparing two separate scenarios and these design alternatives for public feedback in late fall. Stay

tuned for more details!

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Vermont State Treasurer, Mike Pieciak, speaks at the 2025 Outdoor Recreation Day at the Statehouse

KT is taking action—on the trails and in the Statehouse!

By Abby Long • February 13, 2025

KT is taking action—on the trails and in the Statehouse! This 2025 Legislative Session, KT is teaming up with other amazing trail organizations through the Vermont Trails & Greenway Council, to advocate for H.147 a bill to establish the Recreational Trails Compensation Study. Why does this matter? Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy generates $2.1B annually, nearly 5% of the state’s GDP, that's 2nd in the nation after Hawaii (Go VT!) KT alone drives $10M in economic impact annually. Therefore, the state must recognize and incentivize these generous private landowners, including the 106 who make KT possible and allow public access to trails.