20082009 Annual Data Report for the Mad River Valley
Prepared For: Mad River Valley Planning District
November 2009
206 Morrill Hall; 146 University Place
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont 05405‐0106
(802) 656‐3021 • http://crs.uvm.edu
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Acknowledgements
This report was primarily authored by Erin Roche and William Sawyer at the Center for Rural Studies at
the University of Vermont. Caitrin Noel, Intern at the Mad River Valley Planning District, was
instrumental in assessing the data and provided data and narrative for several sections of the report.
Guidance and direction were provided by Joshua Schwartz, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley
Planning District.
Data for this report was taken from a variety of public sources, as well as contributions from Sugarbush
Resort, Mad River Glen and the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Valley Futures Network
and Friends of the Mad River also contributed to this report.
Cover Photography by John Atkinson
P a g e | i
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Section 1: Economics ................................................................................................................................... 3
Section 2: Housing and Population .............................................................................................................. 7
Section 3: Employment ............................................................................................................................... 13
Section 4: Traffic and Transit ...................................................................................................................... 16
Section 5: Town Infrastructure ................................................................................................................... 18
Section 6: Environment ............................................................................................................................... 20
P a g e | ii
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Executive Summary
The Mad River Valley (MRV) has seen a recent increase in revenues and its economy appears healthier
than Vermont’s overall. While the Valley has attracted business from most industries, its employment
landscape remains dominated by the hospitality sector. Winter occupancy rates in the MRV were above
five year highs in 2008. And in terms of skier visits, the 2008‐2009 season mirrors that of the previous
season, based on skiers counted on Sugarbush Resort monitoring days.
Slight increases in population, while larger than Vermont’s overall, have been estimated since the 2000
Census. Most of the population growth has likely come from adult migration into the Valley. An increase
of sales of primary residences in the MRV between 2002 and 2005 suggests that the population may
have grown faster than estimated, though in more recent years home sales have retreated to more
usual numbers. Housing in the MRV remains tight, with just 1% of housing available at a given time
(2000). Sugarbush Resort employees, however, are usually able to secure housing in the MRV with 82%
of those employees surveyed residing in the MRV during the 2008‐2009 season. One cause for concern
is the continued high cost of housing in the MRV, which seems to be moving further above the Vermont
average over time.
Traffic does not appear to be a bottleneck to quality of life in the Valley, as traffic is typically at its
optimal “free flow” speed. Some public transportation options exist, though services are limited, for
both seasonal riders and senior/disabled riders.
Environmentally, Mad River Valley residents seem to be mobilizing around energy concerns, with several
non‐profits forming to address energy conservation in the MRV. Sugarbush Resort energy and
wastewater flows have remained stable over the past 2 years, though more years of data will
demonstrate whether this is a long term trend.
P a g e | 1
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Introduction
This report was prepared for the Mad River Valley Planning District to address the requirements of the
1998 Memorandum of Understanding, and provide information for community planning purposes.
Information used in this report was publicly available, except where noted. Sugarbush Resort
contributed greatly to the creation of this report and provided data in conjunction with the MOU.
The Center for Rural Studies is a nonprofit, fee‐for‐service research organization that addresses social,
economic, and resource‐based problems of rural people and communities. Based in the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont (UVM), the Center provides consulting and
research services in Vermont, the United States, and abroad. Primary emphasis is placed upon activities
that contribute to the search for solutions and alternatives to rural problems and related issues.
P a g e | 2
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Section I: Economics
The Economics section includes Items #35 & 36 from the Memorandum of Understanding.
MRV Unemployment Rate
Source: VTLMI
6.00%
5.00%
4.00%
2006
3.00% 2007
2008
2.00%
1.00%
0.00%
Fayston Waitsfield Warren VT
Employment data used in this report comes from the Vermont Department of Labor (VTLMI). Overall, at
the time of this writing, the unemployment rate in the Mad River Valley remains below that of Vermont.
Although the rate has increased in each of the Valley towns, the rate of increase for each town has been
lower than that of Vermont as a whole. Note that the Vermont data is inclusive of data from the Mad
River Valley towns.
The unemployment rate in July 2009 (the most recent month available) was 6.5% for Vermont overall.
Fayston was 1.6%, Warren was 5.1% and Waitsfield was 9.5%. Due to current unemployment trends, it
is likely that the 2007 and 2008 numbers will be adjusted upward when the VT Dept. of Labor releases
the 2009 annual numbers in 2010. Unemployment figures are updated by the state when it deems
appropriate to do so.
P a g e | 3
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
MRV Taxes
Source: VT Dept of Taxes
12000000
10000000
8000000
Meals
6000000 Rooms
Alcohol
4000000
2000000
0
1997-1998 1998-1999 2003-2004 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008
The state of Vermont collects taxes on accommodations, restaurant meals and alcohol sold within the
state. While the revenue collected from these taxes in MRV towns does not directly flow to the MRV,
the trend informs as to the health of these sectors in the MRV.
The general trend shows increasing revenue from overnight accommodations and restaurant meals,
while revenue from sales of alcohol shows just a slight increase over time. It should be noted that
Fayston tax receipts are not included in the Meals or Alcohol data, as several years of data were not
available as the state did not release the data when a town has insufficient establishments to preserve
anonymity.
P a g e | 4
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Tourism remains a driving force behind the Mad River Valley economy. Based on data provided by the
Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, 2008 saw an increase in winter occupancy of 9 percentage
points. However, other seasons were down or flat during 2008, compared to previous years. Historically
winter occupancy is approximately 40%, while summer and fall occupancies are approximately 30%. The
“other” season includes May and November, as defined by the Chamber of Commerce.
Mad River Valley Occupancy Rate by Season
Source: Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
60
50
40
Winter
Summer
30
Fall
Other
20
10
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Average Sugarbush Skier Visits and Vehicle Counts (Monitoring Days)
7000
.26 Vehicles/
6000
Skier
.29 Vehicles/
Skier
5000
4000
# of Skiers
SB Skier Visits
.44 Vehicles/ SB Vehicles
3000 Skier
.36 Vehicles/
Skier
2000
1000
0
2007 Wednesday 2008 Wednesday 2007 Saturday 2008 Saturday
P a g e | 5
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
2007 Sugarbush Skier Visits (Monitoring Days)
Source: Sugarbush Resort 2008 Sugarbush Skier Visits (Monitoring Days)
Source: Sugarbush Resort
9000
9000
8000
8000
7000
7000
6000
6000
# of Skiers
5000
# of Skiers
5000
Wednesday Wednesday
Saturday Saturday
4000 4000
3000 3000
2000 2000
1000 1000
0 0
December January February March December January February March
2007 Sugarbush Vehicle Count (Monitoring Days)
Source: Sugarbush Resort Sugarbush Vehicle Count (Monitoring Days)
Source: Sugarbush Resort
2500
2500
2000
2000
1500
1500
# of Vehicles
# of Vehicles
Wednesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
1000 1000
500 500
0 0
December January February March December January February March
Sugarbush Resort reported receiving 287 inches of natural snow in 2008‐2009, 2 inches more than in
2007‐2008. While snowfall remained unchanged, the winter weather pattern presented many
challenges in 2008‐2009, with unusual freeze thaw cycles in December, January and February which
caused challenges with snow cover on the mountain. There were above normal moisture levels, but the
precipitation did not necessarily fall as snow. By contrast, in 2007‐2008 Sugarbush Resort reported a
generally favorable weather pattern.
Total annual skier visits for Sugarbush Resort in 2007‐2008 were 314,934, compared to 296,340 in the
2008‐2009 season. Sugarbush skier visits and vechicle counts are counts done on one Wednesday and
one Saturday per month and do not represent the total visits or vehicles for each month.
P a g e | 6
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Mad River Glen 2008 2009 Skier Visits
Source: Mad River Glen
Mad River Glen Lift Tickets
10000
9000
8000
Kids Season
7000
Pass Visits
6000
Lift Tickets
Free Pass Visits 5000
4000
3000
2000
Season Pass N=77,28 1000
Visits 0
December January February March
Mad River Glen is not part of the MOU, but graciously provided the above data for this report. The data
provided is not meant for comparison to Sugarbush Resort, but simply to provide a snapshot of Mad
River Glen. Mad River Glen experienced nearly 25,000 skier visits in the 2008‐2009 season, plus nearly
50,000 visits from season pass holders.
P a g e | 7
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Section II: Housing and Population
The Housing and Population section includes Items #29, 30, 35 from the Memorandum of
Understanding.
To analyze trends in housing and population, this report reviews several different indicators, including
growth estimates, school enrollments, number of homes sold, age of residents, and births and deaths in
the MRV.
Population Growth Estimates
Source: US Census
2,000
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
Waitsfield
1,000 Fayston
Warren
800
600
400
200
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Since the last census count in 2000, population growth has been estimated for towns in the MRV.
Overall the MRV was expected to see its population increase from 4488 to 4654 in 2008, a 3.7% increase
over eight years. This rate of increase is nearly twice the growth estimate for Vermont overall in the
same time period (1.9%). These numbers are revised every year by the U.S. Census Bureau and will be
checked against the next national headcount during the 2010 Census. In 2011, data from the 2010
census will become available.
Mad River Valley School Enrollment
Warren
Waitsfield
Capacity
Moretown 2010
2009
Harwood 2008
2000
Fayston
Crossett Brook
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
P a g e | 8
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Another indicator of population change is school enrollment. Enrollment in MRV schools has remained
fairly constant in the past 2 school years, with only Fayston seeing a small increase in enrollment. For all
elementary schools except Fayston, enrollment is currently at or below 2000 levels. The capacity data
was provided by each school.
By looking at overall population growth along with school enrollment, MRVPD can get a better sense of
the type of changes occurring in its population. Another useful piece of information is the median age of
the population of MRV towns, which shows at least in 2000, MRV towns were older than Vermont
overall.
Median Age (2000)
Source: US Census
40.5 40.3
40
39.6
39.4
39.5
39
38.5
38
37.7
37.5
37
36.5
36
Fayston Waitsfield Warren Vermont
In summary of this section of the report, the Mad River Valley’s total population is only expected to have
grown by about four percent, the median age in the Valley is about 40 years and school enrollments
have been unchanged in the past two years.
P a g e | 9
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Births in Mad River Valley
Source: VT Dept of Health, Town Reports
30
25
20
Fayston
Number
15 Waitsfield
Warren
10
5
0
2000 2004 2008
Year
Deaths in Mad River Valley
Source: VT Dept of Health, Town Reports
30
25
20
Fayston
Number
15 Waitsfield
Warren
10
5
0
2000 2004 2008
Year
P a g e | 10
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
The number and types of homes sold in the MRV provides additional insight into the growth of the
Valley. Vacation home data are particularly insightful, as these owners are likely not included in general
population or school enrollment statistics.
# Vacation Homes Sold
Source: Vermont Tax Department
140
120
100
80 Waitsfield
Fayston
60 Warren
40
20
0
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
As this chart shows, the number of vacation homes sold has declined for each of the three towns, with
Warren experiencing both the biggest increases and declines. Vacation homes include condominiums
that are not primary residences, as well as other non‐primary residence homes. Most of these vacation
homes are found closest the Resort. The most recent year reported is 2008. Based on national and
statewide trends, 2009 is expected to be a volatile year for home sales.
# of Primary Residences Sold
Source: VT Housing Data
140
120
100
80
Waitsfield
Fayston
Warren
60
40
20
0
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
P a g e | 11
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
With the exception of the volatility of the vacation home sales in Warren, sales of primary and vacation
homes have remained fairly constant. The number of primary homes sold has declined somewhat in
recent years, especially in Warren, back to 1990s levels. For reference, in 2008 there were 7 vacation
homes sold in Waitsfield, 12 in Fayston and 60 in Warren. In the same year, there were 14 primary
residences sold in Waitsfield, 9 in Fayston and 9 in Warren.
Median Vacation Home Sales Price
Source: Vermont Tax Department
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
Waitsfield
Fayston
$200,000
Warren
Vermont
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008
For reference, in 2008, the median vacation home price in Waitsfield was $303,000. In Fayston, the
median vacation home cost $280,000 and in Warren it cost $245,000. On the other hand, the median
vacation home price for Vermont overall was $239,000.
Median Primary Residence Sales Price
Source: Vermont Tax Department
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
Waitsfield
Fayston
$200,000
Warren
Vermont
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
P a g e | 12
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Unlike the number of homes sold, the price of homes in the Valley for both primary and vacation homes
has climbed since 1998. Historically, home and vacation home prices in the MRV have tracked with
statewide prices. However, in recent years, home prices in the MRV have been consistently above the
Vermont median. For reference, the median home in Waitsfield cost $219,000 in 2008 and $269,000 in
Fayston, while in Warren’s median home price was $379,000. The overall average for Vermont was
$200,000.
Residential Building Permits Issued
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
35
30
25
20
Waitsfield
Fayston
Warren
15
10
5
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
One leading indicator of new home construction is zoning permits. This chart shows that while the
number of permits issued for Waitsfield remained relatively constant each year from 2000 to 2007,
Warren and Fayston both experienced declines in that time period. With the most recent data from
2007, this trend does not reflect a likely dip in permitting for 2008‐2009 due to the prevailing economic
climate.
P a g e | 13
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Mad River Valley Housing, 2000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Available
43
Vacation Home
1847 Primary Residence
1960
A snapshot of available housing shows that in 2000, housing was split evenly between full‐time and
seasonal occupancy, with just a small percentage of housing available at the time of the Census.
Affordability of housing is an ongoing concern. While sale price and housing availability provide some
insight into the affordability of homes in the Valley, another metric is to look at what percent of
residents’ income goes to pay for housing. Thirty percent of income is a commonly accepted threshold
for what is considered affordable housing. The chart below shows that, historically at least, residents of
the MRV are just about as likely as Vermonters overall to pay 30% or more of their income for housing.
Note that the most recent data available is from 1999.
Percent Paying 30% or more of income for housing
50
40
30
1989
1999
20
10
0
Vermont Fayston Waitsfield Warren
P a g e | 14
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Data from Sugarbush Resort suggest that there is enough housing in the MRV for most of its employees.
Based on a survey of its employees, in 2008‐2009 season 82% of its employees who completed the
survey lived in one of the 3 MRV towns. There is no statistical difference of residence among those who
rent versus those who own a home.
Where Sugarbush Resort Employees Live
Source: Sugarbush Resort
N=331
Others
Moretown, Duxbury
MRV (Fayston, Waitsfield,
Warren)
P a g e | 15
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Section III: Employment
The Employment section includes Items #35 & 36 from the Memorandum of Understanding.
RV employment Rate
M Un
Source: VTLMI
As discussed earlier in this report, the unemployment
6.00 %
rate in the Mad River Valley has increased somewhat
over the past few years. However, not only is the
5.00 %
4.00 %
unemployment rate lower in the Mad River valley
20 06
3.00 % 20 07 than in Vermont overall, but the increase in 2008 was
20 08
2.00 % far less in the Mad River Valley than in Vermont
1.00 %
overall. This may in part be due to the better than
0.00 %
average ski season in 2008. Again, note that the
F ayst on Wait sfield Warr en VT
Vermont data includes the Mad River Valley.
The employment and wage data below is based on the Mad River Valley Labor Market Area (MRVLMA).
The MRVLMA includes Moretown and not just the three towns used for the rest of this report. Only
industries which are well‐represented in the MRV are included in the charts below. Descriptions of each
industry presented is as follows:
Construction industry includes building construction, engineering and contractors
Manufacturing includes manufacturers of durable (wood products, mineral products, transportation equipment,
furniture, etc.) and non‐durable goods (food, beverage, tobacco, and printing)
Retail trade includes sellers of motor vehicles and parts, furniture, home furnishings, electronics, appliances, building
materials, garden supplies, food and beverages, personal care, gasoline, clothing, sporting goods, books, music and
general merchandise
Information industry includes publishing, motion picture, sound recording, broadcasting and some
telecommunications
Financial activities include financial services, insurance, credit services, securities and other investments, real estate
services
Professional and business services includes professional services, technical services, administrative services, and other
support services
Educational services includes non‐government schools, technical or trade schools
Health care includes outpatient, ambulatory care, nursing services and facilities, social assistance
Leisure and hospitality includes art, entertainment, recreation, performing arts, spectator sports, gambling,
accommodation, food services, drinking places
Other services include repair and maintenance, personal services, laundry services, membership associations
Local government includes government elementary and secondary schools and public administration
P a g e | 16
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Number/Type of Businesses in MRV (LMA)
Source: VTLMI, 2008
90
80
70
60 1988
50 1998
40 2003
30 2008
20
10
0
g
t
n
de
lity
n
es
es
es
de
...
en
rin
io
io
..
ic
vic
Se
iti
ra
s.
tra
ta
ct
at
nm
tu
rv
iv
si
lt
pi
ru
m
er
ac
ct
ss
e
se
as
ai
er
os
st
or
l
ls
lA
sa
uf
et
ne
ov
on
H
f
er
al
In
na
an
R
le
ia
si
lg
ci
th
d
C
ho
nc
io
Bu
an
M
so
O
ca
at
na
W
d
Lo
re
uc
d
an
Fi
an
isu
Ed
re
al
Le
on
ca
si
th
es
al
of
He
Pr
Over the past 20 years, the number of firms in each industry has remained fairly steady. However, the
professional services industry has gone from 44 firms in 1988 to 77 firms in 2008. The leisure and
hospitality industry saw an increase through 2003, however, the number of firms has declined in the
past 5 years.
# and Types of Businesses in MRV (LMA)
Source: VTLMI, 2008
90
78
80
66
70
60
46
50 41
40 34
28
30
16 17
20 13 14
9
6
10
0
t
tio
n
rin
g de de io
n
itie
s
v.
..
i ce
s ce lity .. en
c tu tra ra at er an ta a. nm
tru ac e il t rm tiv
se
rv st pi lic er
ns uf al ta fo
c S si s
es Re In lA ss al as Ho ub ov
Co an ol cia ne on al d tp lg
M h n si ti ci an p ca
W na Bu ca so re ce Lo
Fi d du d su ex
n E an i s,
la e Le i ce
na c ar rv
si o lth se
es ea er
of th
Pr H O
While the Mad River Valley has attracted businesses from most major sectors, the employment
landscape remains dominated by the hospitality sector. There are a sizeable number of business services
firms, but on average, each firm only has about four employees.
P a g e | 17
C
C on
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
on
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
st
st ru
ru ct
ct io
io n
n M
226
M an
38013
an uf
uf ac
ac tu
tu rin
rin
g g
136
R
24530
R et
et ai
ai lt
lt
ra ra
de de
410
27232
In In
fo fo
rm rm
Pr at
Pr at of Fi io
of
es
Fi
na
io
n es na n 97
si nc sio nc
62475
on ia na ia
al lA la lA
ct
an ct nd iv
d ivi
tie Bu iti
es
Bu
s si
148
si ne
ne
29145
ss ss
Se Se
rv Ed rv
Ed ic ic
H uc es He uc es
ea al at
295
at th io
lth io
57523
na ca na
ca re ls
re ls er
er an
Source: VTLMI, 2008
Source: VTLMI, 2008
an vi
d vi
ce d ce
so s so s
# of Jobs by Industry (LMA)
86
ci ci
al
34437
al as
as
O
Annual Avg Wage by Industry (LMA)
O Le si th Le si
st
th is
st
an er is an
er ur ce
se ur
e ce se e
rv
133
rv an an
ic d
28750
ic d
es H es
,e H
,e os os
xc pi xc pi
ep ta ep ta
lit
tp lit
y tp y
858
ub ub
17458
lic lic
ad ad
m m
in in
i..
Lo i..
.
Lo
ca .
ca
151
24137
lg lg
ov ov
er er
nm nm
en en
t t
191
33149
P a g e | 18
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
The hospitality industry employs the most people in the Mad River Valley, but at the same time has the
lowest average wage. The average wage in the Mad River Valley ranges from just under $20,000 in the
hospitality industry to over $60,000 in the information industry. The third largest employment sector,
Professional Services has the highest total wage (number of employees multiplied by the average wage).
Total Annual Wages by Industry (LMA)
Source: VTLMI, 2008
18,000,000
16,000,000
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
0
g
t
n
de
y
n
es
es
ce
es
en
.
lit
rin
io
io
t..
vic
an
iti
ra
ic
ita
ct
at
nm
is
tu
iv
rv
t
tru
m
in
st
sp
er
ac
ct
il
Se
er
si
m
ta
or
ls
ns
lA
Ho
uf
ov
as
ad
Re
f
ss
na
In
Co
an
ia
lg
d
al
ne
ic
nc
io
an
M
ca
ci
bl
at
si
na
so
pu
Lo
e
uc
Bu
ur
Fi
d
Ed
pt
is
an
d
ce
Le
an
re
ex
al
ca
on
s,
th
ice
si
al
es
rv
He
of
se
Pr
er
th
O
P a g e | 19
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Section IV: Traffic and Transit
The Traffic and Transit section includes Items #24, 25 & 32 from the Memorandum of Understanding.
AADT: Intersection of Route 100 and 17
9000
8000
7000
6000 south leg of
intersection
5000
north leg of
intersection
4000
west leg of
3000 intersection
2000
1000
0
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Annual Traffic Summary
As specified in the 1998 MOU, this report contains data from traffic counters in the following key
locations: the intersection of Route 100 and Route 17, the Sugarbush Access Road above the Sugarbush
Inn, and Route 17 west of German Flats Road. The counter located on the Sugarbush Access Road west
of Route 100 has been deactivated and is not included in this analysis. The charts above and below
describe the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) from 1975 to 2008. AADT is the total volume of traffic
on a highway segment for one year divided by the number of days in the year.
The Route 100 and Route 17 intersection has experienced relatively steady use since 1997, with a slight
decline in vehicle traffic in 2007 and 2008 (no data exists for 2006).
P a g e | 20
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
AADT: Route 17 and the Sugarbush Access Road
3500
3000
2500
2000 Route 17
Sugarbush Access
1500 Rd
1000
500
0
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
There was a slight increase in vehicle traffic on the Sugarbush Access Road in the 1990’s, whereas more
recently (2005), annual vehicle trips dipped closer to 1980’s levels. Average annual daily traffic
measured on Route 17 west of German Flats Road has increased by more than 100% over 30 years, from
680 in 1976 to 1400 in 2005.
Efficiency of Transportation Infrastructure
One common indicator that is used to measure the efficiency and convenience of transportation
infrastructure is level of service (LOS). LOS utilizes a grading system to categorize the flow of traffic. The
Highway Capacity Manual and AASHTO Geometric Design of Highways and Streets ("Green Book") list
the following levels of service for roadways: A= Free flow; B=Reasonably free flow; C=Stable flow;
D=Approaching unstable flow; E=Unstable flow; F=Forced or breakdown flow. LOS measured at
signalized and unsignalized intersections is graded based on estimated wait times; at an unsignalized
intersection, a wait time of /50 seconds is grade F
Evaluation of changes in LOS at MRV intersections is performed by the CVRPC on an as‐needed basis
(Steve Gladczuk, personal communication). Since traffic generally flows unobstructed except at the
busiest times of year, the LOS for all transportation infrastructure throughout the area are considered to
be at grade A.
Transit
Mad Bus Service
The Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) is a private not‐for‐profit organization providing public
transportation services in Washington, Lamoille and Orange Counties. GMTA began operating service in
the Mad River Valley in late 2003 under the name of the Mad Bus. Year‐round service on the Valley
P a g e | 21
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Floor route (connecting Warren, Waitsfield, and Lincoln Peak) was offered from October 2003 until April
2005, at which time it was scaled back to seasonal service due to low ridership. The chart below shows
ridership from 2003 through 2009. However, since 2005 all service operated by GMTA in the Valley has
been seasonal service. In FY08, GMTA operated 6 Mad Bus routes, all free of charge except the
SnowCap Commuter. During FY08, the Mad Bus ridership increased by 6%, (52,193 in FY08 versus
49,165 in FY07).
Mad Bus Total Ridership
70,000 66,187
60,000 58,056
54,365
52,193
49,938 49,163
50,000 46,248
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09
Elderly and Disabled Service
In addition to the MadBus service, GMTA also provides medical transportation service to those who
qualify, meal site programs, the senior center and shopping trips. In FY08, GMTA provided Medicaid and
Elderly and Disabled transportation service to 37 residents in Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren totaling
2,159 trips or 51,864 miles.
P a g e | 22
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Section V: Town Infrastructure
The Town Infrastructure section includes Items #27 & 35 from the Memorandum of Understanding.
Num ber of Fire Calls
86
90
80
70
54
60
49
47
50
2007
38
2008
40
29
30
20
10
0
Fayst on Wait sf ield War ren
Num ber of Valley Am bulance Service Calls
157 159
160
135
140
120 110
98
100
85
2007
80
2008
60 53
41
40
20
0
Fayst on Wait sf ield Warr en Ot her
P a g e | 23
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
While the number of fire and ambulance calls has increased for Warren, the good news is that it has
decreased or remained the same for Fayston and Waitsfield. Further, the number of police calls has
remained fairly constant in all three towns over the past two years.
Police Calls (State)
Source: VT State Police
393
367
400
350
300
250
156 2007
378 378
200 2008
150
2008
100 157
50 2007
0
Fayston Waitsfield Warren
Grand List 2008
7,000,000
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
Fayston Waitsfield Warren Moretown
2008 Tax Rates
Non-Residential Homestead Municipal Common Level
Tax Rate Tax Rate Tax Rate of Appraisal
Fayston 1.7829 1.7280 0.2800 72.1400
Waitsfield 1.2760 1.1834 0.2850 98.8000
Warren 1.3024 1.2057 0.2429 105.8300
Moretown 1.6223 1.5475 0.2654 75.0100
Waterbury 1.2091 1.0758 0.2916 103.0900
Duxbury 1.2689 1.1432 0.3630 96.9300
Roxbury 1.7617 1.6425 0.8425 72.0600
Granville 1.3230 1.4569 0.3800 97.9500
P a g e | 24
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Section VI: Environment
The Environment section includes Items #26, 31, 33 & 34 from the Memorandum of Understanding.
Energy
Energy efficiency was an area of focus for several groups in the Valley in 2008. “Carbon Shredders” is a
non‐profit, volunteer led organization whose goal is to reduce the combined energy usage and CO2
footprint of the network members by 10% by 2010 (the “10 by 10” initiative).
Another group working to increase energy efficiency and create a sustainable energy future is the Valley
Futures Network (VFN) Energy group, also known as Localvolts. The Energy Group is one of several
working groups that comprise VFN. VFN is a grassroots, citizen effort jointly sponsored by the Center for
Whole Communities, the Mad River Valley Planning District, the Mad River Valley Chamber of
Commerce, the Vermont Community Foundation, and Northfield Savings Bank. The focus of the VFN is
on “building a healthy and sustainable 21st century future for our Mad River Valley communities.”
Mad River Valley Monthly Energy Utilization (2006‐2008 average)
Source: Valley Futures Network
VFN recently completed The Mad
12,000,000 River Energy Study which provides up‐
to‐date information about the current
10,000,000 state of energy usage, opportunities
for projects, available resources,
8,000,000
completed projects, and suggested
kWh/Month
next steps. The information was
6,000,000
collected to help plan a sustainable
energy future. The results of the
4,000,000
study show that MRV energy
2,000,000
consumption is highest during winter
months. As shown on the Valley
0 Futures Network website, the total
annual consumption is nearly equal
M b
ne
ch
ay
g
n
ly
pt
ec
ov
ril
ct
Fe
Au
Ja
Ju
O
Ap
Se
D
ar
M
Ju
N
between commercial (51%) and
residential (49%) customers, though
there is increased commercial demand in winter attributed to ski resort use.
The Community Biomass Project, a three year collaborative project begun in 2008 between MRV, UVM
and the Northern Forest Alliance, has collected baseline data suggesting that as much as 9,660‐21,000
cords (or 23,000‐25,000 green tons) of low‐quality wood growth could be grown in the Mad River Valley
each year, enough to heat approximately 2,415‐5,250 homes.
P a g e | 25
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Monthly peak demand for the 2008‐2009 season decreased from 2007‐2008 levels in December,
January and February.
Monthly Peak Demand
Source: Sugarbush Resort
12,000
10,000
8,000
2007-2008
kW
6,000
2008-2009
4,000
2,000
0
Dec Jan Feb Mar
Water Quality
Since 1985, the local watershed group Friends of the Mad River has been monitoring E.coli bacteria
levels at 37 sites along the main stem and major tributaries throughout the watershed. E.coli is an
indicator of pollution from fecal matter (livestock, wildlife, human); a high level of E.coli indicates the
likelihood of a high level of disease‐causing pathogens that can sicken swimmers. The standard for E.coli
in recreational waters according to the Vermont Water Quality Standards is no more than 77 colonies of
E.coli per 100 mL water. Across the state, swim beaches are temporarily closed when a single sample is
found to be above this level, and sites that show a seasonal geometric mean above this standard may be
formally recognized as “impaired”.
At the Mad River, two sites show a seasonal geometric mean above 77 colonies/100mL: the Pony Farm
Road site (Moretown) in 2007 and the Lover’s Lane bridge site (Moretown) in 2008. Currently, the main
stem of the Mad River from Moretown downstream to the mouth is listed on the 303 (d) List of
Impaired Surface Waters in Need of a TMDL (total maximum daily load) Plan.
P a g e | 26
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Seasonal geometric mean E.coli levels in the Mad River, 2007‐2008
Source: The Friends of the Mad River
140.0
120.0
100.0
80.0 state standard (77 colonies/100mL)
2007
2008
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
Pony Farm Road Moretown
Warren Falls
Warren Covered Bridge
North End Warren Village
Waitsfield Elementary School
Ward Clapboard Mill
Waitsfield Covered Bridge
Riverside Park
Lareau Park
Meadow Road Bridge
Ward Access
Lover's Lane Bridge
Punch Bowl
Moretown Village Swim Access
Couples Club
Site
River Flows and Snowmaking Withdrawals
Weather during the 2008‐2009 ski season was a key factor in increased snowmaking productivity and
efficiencies. A colder than normal winter with a noticeable lack, or loss, of natural snow called for
increased snowmaking at both Sugarbush Resort areas compared to previous years. Snowmaking
operations were suspended on February 14, 2009, at Lincoln Peak and on January 20, 2009 at Mt. Ellen.
Sugarbush Resort provides the MRVPD with electronic copies of the monthly withdrawal monitoring
reports (snowmaking reports) along with the annual snow making reports. These reports are also
submitted to the VT Agency of Natural Resources – Water Quality Division, a requirement of
snowmaking related permits.
Sugarbush Resort Wastewater Flows
Sugarbush Resort’s wastewater flows have been relatively consistent over the past two years, although
the months of August and December saw marked increases over the previous year. The chart below
shows the monthly influent flows for Sugarbush Resort treatment facilities, 2007‐2009.
P a g e | 27
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
Sugarbush Resort monthly wastewater flows 2007‐2009 in million gallons per month
Source: Sugarbush Resort
4
3.5
3
2.5
MGM
2007-2008
2
2008-2009
1.5
1
0.5
0
r
ch
ne
ry
r
ay
em r
Fe ary
ly
ril
em t
r
be
s
e
be
be
Ju
Se ugu
Ap
ua
ob
ar
M
Ju
nu
em
M
br
ct
A
Ja
O
ov
ec
pt
D
N
Conservation
The Mad River watershed encompasses 92,000 acres. The three towns of Fayston, Waitsfield and
Warren comprise 65,948 acres, or 71% of land within the watershed. (The Mad River watershed includes
Waitsfield, Warren, Fayston, Moretown and a portion of Duxbury.) As of 2009, approximately 7,291
acres (11% of the total land area in the 3 towns) of municipal, state and private land in the three towns
of Waitsfield, Warren and Fayston are protected by conservation easements. An additional 7,193 acres
of public land in the MRVPD towns are not subject to a conservation easement, but are a part of State
and National Forest systems. Easements in the entire Mad River Watershed are held by the Vermont
Land Trust (9,513 acres), the Town of Warren (253 acres), and the Green Mountain Club (531 acres).
A total of 10,297 acres of municipal, state and private land in the Mad River watershed are protected by
conservation easements. An additional 16,301 acres of public land in Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston and
Duxbury are protected as part of State and National Forests.
Conserved Lands
Total State/Federal Municipal Privately‐ Total Current % Town
Acres Conserved Conserved owned Conserved Use
Conserved
Fayston 23,360 2,998 73 1,297 4,368 11,300 19%
Waitsfield 17,220 0 696 1,172 1,868 7,609 11%
Warren 25,368 6,995 0 1,253 8,248 6,987 32%
Three 65,948 9,993 769 3,772 14,484 25,896 22%
Town Total
Five 121,75 19,101 857 5,945 25,903 28%
Towns* 6
*Fayston, Waitsfield, Warren, Moretown and Duxbury
P a g e | 28
Mad River Valley Planning District | 2009 Report | November 2009
P a g e | 29