Blog

Silver Maple Construction

Board Members in attendance:

Bold indicated people in attendance

REGULAR BUSINESS

1. Discussion of priorities going forward
   1. Should more beginner green trails be considered in Addison County?
      1. Wright Park possibility for trails or pump track/MALT land
      2. Discussion success of Slate Valley trails in Poultney
   2. Greater social media presence for ACBC
      1. Should we do a board member how-to on social media posts/videos?
      2. Reposting partner group activities and cross posting from member feeds
      3. Create trail update reels and event posts
   3. Create a monthly newsletter
      1. George will create and update members on 2025 activities and milestones; call for new board members; list some goals for 2026; remind members to renew VMBA membership (Jan-Jan)
      2. Sarah will create newsletter
      3. Goal is to send it out by end of February
   4. Hiring of ACBC/MA Admin Assistant
   5. Potential Survey to membership
      1. Can we include in newsletter a survey to members to find out their trail usage, wishes for new terrain, interest in involvement
      2. Rob mentioned a Middlebury College land use survey that we should look into the results; contact Marc Lapin, an environmental scientist at the college who was involved with the survey; also a Town-based survey would offer insight; reach out to town clerk or select board for input data
   6. New board member call
      1. Look for certain skill sets for future board members
      2. Someone with willingness and time
      3. Send out email to ACBC members for recruitment
      4. Place an ad in Addy Indy; social media blast; reaching out to community members we know who are into trail riding
   7. New College representative to replace Alex (who has graduated)? – New president TBD Follow up with Alex on new president and potential trail internship. 
   8. ACBC’s greater role in Addison County
      1. Lincoln Sports (https://www.lincolnsports.org/) are interested in joining ACBC;
      2. Should ACBC be more of a confederation of groups interested in trail riding
   9. Calendar, Strategy and Project Management for 2026
      • Let’s create a calendar planning out trail days and events; last year was a great opener;
      • With a calendar we can do specific volunteer asks of membership/board
      • Ask membership to renew VMBA (will also do in newsletter)
      • George applied to Cabot-supported VMBA naming grant; for up to $2500; put in grant request for a plate compactor and crushed rock to maintain the pump track at the Mary Hogan Rec fields
      • Plan to create an email thread about strategy for interested board members