The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2025 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
(Cite as: 10 V.S.A. § 444)
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§ 444. Responsibilities of the Agency of Natural Resources
The Agency of Natural Resources may:
(1) Acquire by permission, the use of any section of land for the purpose of developing
and maintaining the Vermont trails system. Permission shall be acquired from a willing
land owner and shall be in writing and signed by both parties. The Agency or a person
authorized by the Agency shall obtain landowner permission before establishing or
allowing a trails group to establish a trail across private land. The written permission
shall contain a clearly written statement expressing both parties’ rights and obligations,
including the obligation to maintain the trail, and the liability for property damage
or personal injury, or both, to persons using trails created pursuant to this chapter.
A dedication or any adverse right shall not arise from the granting of permission,
under any circumstances.
(2) Acquire by gift, or purchase, the fee simple absolute title or any lesser interest
in land, including easements, for the purposes of developing and maintaining the Vermont
trails system. The Agency shall hold harmless from any liability for personal injury
or property damage sustained on a trail, subject to the provisions of section 448
of this chapter, any private landowner from whom an interest has been granted or conveyed
under this subdivision.
(3) Assign responsibilities for any trail, path, easement, or right-of-way to another
governmental entity or not-for-profit agency upon agreement by such entity or agency
to maintain and manage it for purposes consistent with this chapter.
(4) Coordinate the activities of all governmental units and bodies that desire to participate
in the development of the Vermont trails system.
(5) Publish, sell, and distribute information and maps related to the development and
maintenance of recreational trails.
(6) Develop and oversee the implementation of a Vermont trails plan. The plan may include
guidance on expenditure of funds, standards, provision for uniform signing, user and
landowner educational programs.
(7) Provide for public involvement in the development and management of the Vermont trails
system. (Added 1993, No. 211 (Adj. Sess.), § 28.)