FOTW Has Permission to Clear Bike/Hike Trails
At the beginning of May the committee gave Fellowship of the Wheel (FOTW) permission to organize staff and trained volunteers to clear blow downs across all bike/hike trails except for the Nature Boy and Boneyard (which will remain closed for the time being due to extensive wind storm damage) and a section of Dragon's Tail. Although we considered waiting to clear any trails until after the management planning process is complete, we were concerned that use of the trails would continue - even if not cleared - potentially leading to the creation of new side trails and unskilled trail work. Maintaining the existing network will help keep folks safe and on the existing trails. FOTW is aware that evaluation of the trail network is part of the planning process and that clearing the trails now is not a guarantee that they will continue to be part of the network later.

Trails Are Open For Summer Season
Trails are open with associated permitted uses shown on the maps and guidelines posted at each HTF entrance until further notice while we continue with the management planning process. The committee relies on responsible users and friends of the forest to help encourage compliance of these rules/guidelines for the forest’s and community’s benefit. If you see inappropriate use, please let us know – and give respectful reminders to other users if you feel comfortable doing so. We all care about the forest and have the opportunity to be its best spokespeople and stewards. Thanks for your help!

Economou Road Extension Work
The upper extension of Economou Road in the HTF was severely eroded by heavy spring rains this year. To prevent further erosion and damage, Bill Torry, our logger, will be hired by the Town to do emergency work on the road. If you see Bill at work while you’re up in the forest, stop and let him know how much we appreciate his hard and careful work! We have him to thank for reopening the woods roads that were blocked by the December 1 wind storm.

Horsebackriders – We Need To Hear From You!
We know that horseback riding is a use on the HTF and would like to hear from folks who ride regularly in the forest. To help coordinate the various uses on the HTF, we are considering requiring that all user groups organize, help with trail maintenance, and have a local contact who the committee can be in touch with if questions or concerns arise in order to maintain the privilege of access. So please be in touch – now is the time we need to hear from you.

Management Plan - Next Steps
Over the summer, the committee will be continuing the management planning and writing process with the goal of having a draft plan ready for public review by the fall. You can stay tuned by checking our minutes and the Town Forest Committee website for updates.

If you would like to receive email updates on our progress or have any comments or questions, please contact us at townforest@hinesburg.org.