$15,000 in VOBA Awards for Climate Resilience Demonstration Projects

Photo by Justin Cash.

VOBA received many strong applications for this initial grant round and a review committee selected three projects that highlight practical approaches to climate resilience. We were encouraged by the range of ideas submitted across Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy. Stay tuned for similar opportunities in the future and updates on each project later this year.

Congratulations to these VOBA members on their $5,000 awards!

Business member First Stop Ski Shop & Board Barn is taking an initial step toward diversifying beyond winter by launching a new fly fishing retail and guiding program. By expanding into a warm-season recreation activity, the Killington business aims to generate shoulder-season revenue and reduce reliance on snow-dependent tourism.

Business member The Boot Pro Ski & Bike is strengthening its transition from a winter-dependent ski shop into a year-round outdoor business by investing in advanced bike service tools, mobile repair equipment, promotional displays and Ludlow shop improvements that allow their technicians to offer “next-level” bike repair. Expanding these service capabilities helps grow summer revenue and stabilize the business as winters become shorter and less predictable.

Nonprofit member Waterbury Area Trail Alliance will rebuild key mountain bike trails on State land at Perry Hill to modern, climate-resilient standards, reducing rain-related closures and improving reliability for businesses that depend on trail tourism. This project will serve as a statewide demonstration of modern trail management that allows for wet weather riding.

This initial round of demonstration grants will serve to demonstrate return on investment (ROI), share practical examples of climate resilience in action, and attract further investment to the outdoor sector, leading to additional resilience and sustainability investments across the state. For more on how your business or organization can adapt to climate impacts, see our Resilient Outdoor Assessment and Management guide.

Funders

Thank you to our funders: The WaterWheel Foundation Flood Recovery Fund and Vermont Council on Rural Development Climate Catalyst Fund