CATS Matching Fund Challenge

Bill Amadon (Credit: CATS) — Bill Amadon, CATS new stewardship coordinator (Credit: CATS)

When we formed Champlain Area Trails and began laying out trails, we’d flag a route, come back to clear it, and find that the job was already done. How was this happening? We discovered it was the work of Bill Amadon. Some were concerned and others suggested we invite Bill onto the board to chair the Trail Committee. Great idea! So we did.

Since then, Bill has volunteered tirelessly to make and manage CATS trails. Twenty-seven new trails later, we face the challenge of our success because all those trails need to be maintained. Last fall, we applied for a grant to hire a Stewardship Coordinator and were awarded $70,000 over two years to fund this position.* After an extensive hiring process, we hired Bill to oversee trails, manage properties we conserve, and increase our outdoor education programs.

Now for the challenge! The grant requires CATS to raise $35,000 over those same two years as “matching funds.” You can help us meet this challenge. Please make a contribution to match the grant that hired Bill and enables CATS to accomplish our mission. We need to raise $18,750 for this year’s match so we ask that you make a generous summer donation, or sign up to be a monthly donor to spread your donation over the course of the year.

Click here to make your donation. (Select NYSCPP 2015 Grant Match from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.) Or, drop your check in the mail to us at P.O. Box 193, Westport, NY 12933. (Note on your check that it’s for the “grant match.”)

Next time you hike with a friend on a CATS trails, you can say that you helped to make that trail so enjoyable!

Chris Maron
CATS Executive Director

We especially want to thank the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund for funding this position. The NYCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

CATS Application Approved By Land Trust Alliance’s Accreditation Commission (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization, begun in 2009, which creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS has developed 35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it half-way toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec. Learn more on the CATS website.