The following release from the VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has recently circulated the internet via forums. While no official press release has been made on the ANR web site nor the VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation web site, the release looks official. A public meeting will be held at Jay Peak Resort on August 6th at 7 P.M. in the Tram Lodge for concerned persons to provide input on the issue, resolution, and continued work to restore the Big Jay cut.
This proposal is much the same as the backcountry community suggested at the last public meeting at Big Jay. It is unfortunate that the powers that be created a hostile situation rather than taking immediate action on suggestions from backcountry skiers and riders that attended the December meeting and offered win-win proposals such as the one detailed below. Hopefully all parties and persons involved can reconcile and agree that this is the best solution for everyone involved and for the restoration effort.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 28, 2008Contact: Mike Fraysier
802-241-3682Agreement reached on restoration and access to Big Jay
Public meeting to be held at Jay Peak Resort on evening of August 6
JAY – Backcountry skiers and snowboarders will again be allowed responsible resort-side access to the backcountry terrain located in the Jay State Forest at Big Jay, under a new agreement just signed by the Vermont Department of Forests Parks and Recreation, the Green Mountain Club, Jay Peak Resort, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
The area in question was closed last year to access via Jay Peak Resort’s aerial tram, a popular way out for backcountry skiers and riders, as part of the state’s efforts to restore a large illegal ski trail that was cut on Big Jay in the summer of 2007.
“The plan we cooperatively developed will now allow access to Big Jay for next season when snow conditions are appropriate. This is a great step in managing backcountry skiing,” said Jonathan Wood, commissioner of Forest, Parks and Recreation.
While the illegal ski trail itself will remain closed to skiers and riders to ensure that revegetation is successful, the agreement provides a framework for allowing access to Big Jay from Jay Peak for the 2008-2009 ski season during periods of adequate snow cover. The area will be closed to skiers and riders during low snow periods for environmental and safety reasons. The agreement also addresses delineation and restoration of the scar caused by the illegal ski trail and promotion of a “Leave No Trace” backcountry skiing ethic.
“We’re happy to be working with the state, Jay Peak Resort and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board on a plan to revegetate the illegal ski trail while providing for responsible backcountry skier access at Big Jay,” said Ben Rose, Green Mountain Club executive director.
Last October, a crew of Green Mountain Club staff, volunteers, and backcountry skiers, led by an environmental consultant, installed a series of waterbars on the “scar” to reduce the erosion that was already occurring. GMC and VHCB hold a conservation easement on the property.
Bill Stenger, owner and president of Jay Peak Resort, praised the agreement. “We recognize how prized an area Big Jay is and we want to make sure that not only do skiers and riders have access to it, but they recognize the impact that improper use can have on it. We will participate with the various parties to develop standards which determine when the area should be opened and available to skiers and riders.”
The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the Green Mountain Club, Jay Peak Resort, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board have scheduled a public meeting on this matter for Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. at Jay Peak Resort’s Tram Cafeteria. The meeting will provide an opportunity for backcountry skiers and riders and other interested members of the public to offer their input and ideas on the plans for restoring the scar and managing backcountry skiing at Big Jay.
Department of Fish & Wildlife. Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. Department of Environmental Conservation
Mike Fraysier
ANR Lands Director
VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
103 So. Main St.
Waterbury, VT 05671
(802) 241-3682
2 thoughts on “Agreement Reached on Restoration and Access to Big Jay”
Ya know the whole thing could have been resolved by using something that isn’t so common these days – Common Sense. And the degree of difference between using a what a hiker or skier could easily carry and cut and stashing chain saws in the woods to cut down full grown trees is HUGE! What ever happened to the cutting nothing bigger than your thumb?
Skied Big Jay in 2009, missed it in 2008 when it was closed. It was the best XMAS gift possible. Can’t wait to ski it in 2010!