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As Vermonters continue to be cooped up under Gov. Phil Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, many have turned to the outdoors as a safe escape from the house.
But as the weather warms and trails become more crowded, the state’s outdoor recreation officials are offering guidelines to the public to ensure that social distancing and other Covid-19 safety measures are being followed, even in the woods.
First on the list? Stay close to home. Officials suggest that Vermonters hike only within walking distance of their homes wherever possible. If you must drive, guidelines ask that you not drive more than 10 miles to access a park or trail.
“Under normal circumstances, I’d be the first person to encourage everyone to discover all that our state — and in particular, our state parks and state lands — have to offer,” Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources Julie Moore said at a press conference last week. “But in these unprecedented times, it’s important to be smart about if and how far you travel for time spent outside.”
On narrow trails, experts say it can be extremely difficult to practice effective social distancing. Though bike paths and other paved trails typically allow for 6 feet of distance, many dirt trails do not.
“If you arrive at a crowded trailhead or a place with an unmanageable parking situation, see that as a sign,” Moore said. “Please turn around and choose an alternative that’s not as crowded.”
New guidance from Forest Service officials notes that an often-forgotten aspect of social distancing is keeping dogs on a leash and close to you as you pass other groups.
Anyone who is sick is also asked to avoid going out for a hike.
In Burlington, officials have designated some streets for local traffic only. Others are flagged as “shared” with walkers trying to maintain proper distance that can’t be achieved on the sidewalk alone.
In the state’s largest city, parks officials took down the basketball hoops and closed tennis courts, playgrounds and other recreational locations to prevent activities where people are often close to one another.
Additionally, the new guidelines ask Vermonters to avoid risky types of recreation to help lower the burden on hospitals.
“If you have an accident, you’re putting healthcare providers and emergency responders in danger,” Moore said. “Their sole focus should be on combating the Covid-19 crisis. We can’t afford to have them called to respond to other emergencies, especially those that could have been prevented.”
Vermonters are also being asked to take their trash with them as they leave, and to use the restroom before leaving home whenever possible. While the people who typically maintain those functions aren’t working, parks officials want to ensure unmanaged waste doesn’t become a problem for other visitors or wildlife.
Finally, trails are reminding Vermonters that with spring comes mud season. Many trails are closed because of the conditions to prevent their destruction.
Moore said for many people, herself included, the draw to be outside right now is “incredibly strong,” and the restorative powers of vitamin D may be more important now than ever — but said it’s important for safety to be the top priority.
“With a bit of consideration and planning, we can keep nature close, keep our parks and our trails open, and keep ourselves and our families and our communities safe,” Moore said, “all by recreating close to home.”
