I just saw this in my GMC magazine.
And I am pissed.
Trees Illegally Cut on Public Land at Big Jay
Worst Easement Violation in the History of GMC's Land Protection Program
General Contact: Becca Washburn
Media Contact: Becca Washburn
Phone: 802-244-7037 x32
Nearly 1000 Trees Illegally Cut at Big Jay.
On July 11th 2007 the Green Mountain Club (GMC) received a call from tram operators at Jay Peak Resort which would lead to the discovery of the largest easement violation in the history of GMC’s stewardship program.
A chainsaw and other tools had been used to cut an illegal trail almost 2,000 feet long from near the summit of Big Jay down to the existing system of logging roads leading to Route 242. Nearly 1,000 trees had been cut and the opening ranged in width from 20 to 60 feet.
Within two weeks, two individuals had been arrested and confessed to the crime as a result of the combined efforts of GMC staff and volunteers and Wardens Brad Mann and Mark Schichtle.
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A sub-committee of GMC’s stewardship committee was formed to assist and advise in responding to the easement violation, including evaluating legal options, short-term restoration efforts, and long-term management of the damaged property.
The committee has solicited advice from several experts regarding ecological restoration and management of backcountry skiing. There has been an overwhelming response of support from the backcountry skiing community.
Many skiers and riders have expressed their disgust at this act of vandalism and offered to help with restoration of the site. On October 14th, GMC staff and volunteers, supervised by ecologist Jeff Parsons, installed waterbars made up of logs and brush (which had been left at the sides of the cut by the violators) in order to stabilize the thin shallow soils.
Additionally, concerned backcountry skiers have taken advantage of several events this fall to start a dialogue about responsible stewardship of public lands and raise funds for restoration efforts on Big Jay.
The following events helped to raise awareness and funding for Big Jay restoration:
October 13, 2007
Teton Gravity Research, Burlington, VT
Lost & Found Ski Movie Premier
October 17, 2007
PW07 Ski Movie Premier, Arlington, MA
October 26, 2007
Petra Cliffs, Burlington, VT
Ski Mountaineering Slide Show
November 2, 2007
PW07 Ski Movie Premier, Burlington, VT
The Green Mountain Club, as the holder of a conservation easement on the property is obligated to protect the natural resources on Big Jay, which was a trail-less peak with prime Bicknell’s thrush habitat when acquired in 1993.
In the words of former Jay Peak Ski Patroller and GMC stewardship volunteer, Russ Ford, “As backcountry skiing has gone from the province of a few to a mass-marketed activity, we’re loving these places to death. We need to develop a Leave No Trace ethic for backcountry skiing like we’ve done for hiking and backpacking. If you’re not a good enough skier to ski natural glades without cutting, stick to the ski resorts’ maintained trails.”
This is a very costly project. You can help by providing financial support or through volunteer projects. Thank you!
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Big Jay Restoration - Volunteer Opportunities
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