YOU'RE PROTECTED BY THE STATE OF VERMONT
Vermont has developed laws with the intent of protecting the generosity of landowners who make their land available for recreation. To paraphrase the law; “A landowner is not liable should someone get hurt while recreating on their property, whether the landowner is aware of the activity or not. “

Vermont State Law VSA Title 12, Section 5793.(a) states, "An owner shall not be liable for property damage or personal injury sustained by a person who, without consideration, enters or goes upon the owner's land for a recreational use unless the damage or injury is the result of the willful or wanton misconduct of the owner." In addition, a landowner has not duty to inspect the land to be sure that it is a safe for a specific recreational use or to discover any dangerous conditions. To learn more about the State laws, please read Vermont's Public Recreation on Private Land. This comprehensive document was written by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Dept. of Forests, Park & Recreation and outlines the law and how you are protected.

LANDOWNER SUPPORT FUND
In addition to the law which already protects landowners, the Vermont Mountain Bikes Association (VMBA) has established a statewide fund to support landowners who have generously opened their land for the purpose of supporting mountain biking and the resulting trail network. The purpose of the fund is to provide landowners with protection from legal costs associated with the unlikely event of having to defend a claim brought by a mountain biker. This fund is unique and the first of its kind in the U.S.

Should you allow us access to your land, understand that at any time you may revoke the privilege that you are giving us.

We look forward to many years of enjoying the Vermont countryside together. Please feel free to contact me with any and all concerns.

Thank You,

Rick Sokoloff
President SMBC
253-1939