Use Caution Recreating, Consider Volunteering

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – July 20, 2023

Contact:
Stephanie Brackin, Communications Coordinator
Agency of Natural Resources
802-261-0606, stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov

Use Caution Recreating, Consider Volunteering

Montpelier, VT – As many Vermonters work to get “clean and dry” after the flood, others are hoping to get outdoors and return to their favorite trails, parks, and recreation access points. The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), and officials from across the state, are asking the public to use caution and common sense if they plan to recreate outside this weekend.

Please keep in mind that it is still not business as usual when it comes to outdoor recreation, and especially on Vermont rivers and streams.

Avoid flood and turbid water. It is not safe to wade, swim, fish, or boat in Vermont’s rivers or streams until flows return to normal, even in areas that are not posted with notices to avoid contact. State waterways and residual floodwaters could contain pathogens from partially treated and untreated discharges of sewage from public and private wastewater systems that may cause illness. Turbid waters may also contain flood debris which pose a hazard to anglers, boaters, and swimmers.

Know before you go.

• Check road conditions and closures at Vermont 511.
• Check weather forecasts at NWS Burlington and NWS Albany.
• Check trail, park, and water conditions:
  • Trail Finder: hiking and multi-use trails
  • VMBA’s Trail Conditions: mountain bike trails
  • GMC Trail Conditions: Long Trail system alerts
  • Vermont State Parks: State Park list of current park and site closures
  • State Park Swimming: beach, swimming closures at State Parks
  • Cyanobacteria Tracker Map: reported swimming conditions
  • Fish and Wildlife Access: access area closures

Use caution. ANR staff are checking recreation access points and posting closures or warnings, as needed. Riverbanks may still be saturated with water and unstable. Trails may be muddy or blocked by fallen trees. Roads and parking areas may be damaged by floodwater.

If you encounter hazardous conditions at any recreation location, please avoid the area and do not attempt any repairs yourself.

Plan to volunteer. If conditions do not warrant hiking, biking, or other recreation, consider volunteering. Visit Vermont.gov/Volunteer to register and get connected to where there is the greatest need. You may also join local volunteer efforts in your region.

For more information on flood recovery resources and information from the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Department, or the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, visit https://ANR.Vermont.gov/Flood.

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