2024 annual giving campaign

October 16, 2024

Dear Mad River Path Community,

When I was in my thirties, I had the experience of helping. “pave” a road in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador. River stones were carried by hand up the hill, stood on their edges, and hammered one by one into the mud. In the heat and humidity, the road went up the mountain. I was fascinated by the steady progress of this seemingly impossible project. Dripping with sweat, and straining under the weight of stones in my basket, I observed the simple ingredients of the project’s success:

  • The whole community worked together: men and women carried stones, the children played, and the older people did the pounding; everyone sang and laughed as they worked.

  • The work was done in stages during the dry time of the year, one mile per season.

  • The project leader had a clear plan for the entire road while encouraging and taking good care of the people at every step, along the way.

When I took on the leadership of the Mad River Path, I did not think I had experience in developing road infrastructure... come to think of it, I do!

Today the Mad River Path is leading the VT-100 Active Transportation Corridor Study Team comprised of our engineering consultant VHB, the Planning District, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and CVRPC. The study is supported by a citizen advisory committee with representatives from each of the four Valley towns. We are developing an off-road, bidirectional non-motorized commuter and recreational path between Warren and Moretown in the VT 100 Right of Way and preparing to present the options and solicit feedback at the project’s first public meeting on November 13th.

IN 2025, WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WE WILL:

• Complete the VT-100 Corridor Study and apply for Phase I Design and Construction funding

• Stay on target with the Sugarbush Access Road Path Design; apply for funding for Phase II extending from Golf Course Road to German Flats Road

• Continue to develop the Mad River Triathlon as a unique adventure sports event

• Grow Mad River Path Adventures for youth and adults providing affordable access to wilderness experiences for the Valley community

• Continue to improve the existing 15 miles of the Mad River Path, in collaboration with partners, focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability

An Active Transportation Corridor from Warren to Moretown is one of the many paving stones leading the Valley into a sustainable and equitable future.

Please join in by helping the Path raise $80K by December 15, 2024.

Misha Golfman, Executive Director

Mad River Path is a 501C (3) non-profit community organization. All donations are fully tax deductible.

 

Artwork by Jeanne Marie Nicklas