VMB has been approached by IMBA and a local trail builder to explore developing trails on a parcel of land owned by the Bethlehem Water Authority (BWA). The land as I understand it is near Beltzville State Park, about 10 miles east of Jim Thorpe, and 20 miles southwest of Stroudsburg.
It's a big piece of land--about 15,000 acres--and the BWA board is open building trails on a 1,000-acre section as a test. If things go well, they'd consider more trails. The Board has asked for a proposal of what the trail system on those initial 1,000 acres would be like.
This is a potentially very large project. I personally feel it would be incredible to open trails on such a large piece of land, but it's location could make it difficult for many VMB members to attend regular trail build days. So my first question to the club is: Are there any members already in that region that would be interested in taking on such a project?
If so, respond here, or PM me. If there's some interest, we'll set up a meeting in the next 2-3 weeks to discuss this in more detail, and meet with the local trail builder who has been working with the BWA on this.
It's important to keep in mind that VMB hasn't committed to this, and we're taking small steps and exploring the idea to see if it potentially is something we could help out with.
Thanks,
Lou