Join BETA – Become a Member
The mission of the Barkeater Trails Alliance is build, maintain and advocate for a system of community and backcountry trails for ski touring, mountain biking and other human-powered activities in the eastern High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. Efforts to fulfill this mission are coordinated by a full-time Executive Director and driven by a passionate network of local volunteers (and since 2017, a paid seasonal trail crew) who collectively dedicate thousands of hours each year to maintaining and supporting the trail systems. Simply put, we're working hard every day to build and maintain the amazing trails you enjoy today. Trails that connect our communities to the local woods and the wilder backcountry, whether by skis, bike or foot, for generations to come. |
BETA membership is vital to our mission. In 2020 your dues will:
- Support BETA operating costs including insurance, staff employment, planning and advocacy for more trails;
- Fund staff and volunteer trail stewardship work on over 100 miles of trails in the region
- Help fund the seasonal trail crew to complete new construction projects
- Give YOU access to member-only events and outings
- Give YOU a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that you are directly supporting the trails you love
Why It’s Important to Join the Barkeater Trails Alliance Today
BETA is funded by combination of membership dues, grants, fundraisers, business sponsorships and earmarked donations. Member dues comprise one-third of BETA's operating funds annually. In 2018, member support fueled a very productive trail work seasons. BETA’s seasonal trail crew completed 1200 hours of trail construction and maintenance projects in Wilmington, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid and built 4 miles of new trails. BETA volunteers logged over 2600 hours on the ski and bike trail construction, maintenance and improvement projects. Our advocacy and hard work has led (finally!) to the release of a final draft plan for the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest. The plan is calling for approximately 20-25 miles of new trails between the hamlets of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and a critical new section of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail to help bridge the gap between Rt. 73 and the Old Mountain Rd. Also this year the Adirondack Park Agency is moving toward the adoption of "guidelines for the construction and maintenance" of ski touring, backcounty and skin track trails in the Forest Preserve. All of this is possible because our members remain committed to the cause, and we are adding new members almost daily. Your support allows BETA to continue to engage decision makers, and key community partners in a joint effort to improve, expand and promote opportunities for ski touring and mountain biking in the region. Thank you for keeping us rolling! |