marty
Well-known member
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- Apr 9, 2004
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Hi all,
Ray and I hiked Jay Peak and Big Jay in VT last Thursday, both which are New England Hundred Highest peaks. We discovered that the herd path to Big Jay was CLOSED. There was a sign and storm fence across the entrance to the herd path, indicating that it was closed for revegetation. We then noticed that the storm fence was busted up a bit so folks could easily squeeze under it. It was not clear whether this closure pertained to hiking as well as skiing.
Although ethically torn, we decided to hike the herd path. It was in good shape, except for some mud. There were about 9 or 10 other storm fences, all totally busted up. In a couple of cases, sections of the storm fences were placed as a bridge over the mud.
Apparently, the closure action was taken with backcountry skiing & riding in mind: article
There was also a recent resolution that appears to indicate that Big Jay will be opened to backcountry skiing & riding in 2008 & 2009 during times when snow cover is adequate: resolution
Neither article mentions hiking at all.
There are probably many logical, environmental and ethical considerations to all of this, but my primary purpose is to inform those folks looking to hike Big Jay in the future.
Best regards,
marty
Ray and I hiked Jay Peak and Big Jay in VT last Thursday, both which are New England Hundred Highest peaks. We discovered that the herd path to Big Jay was CLOSED. There was a sign and storm fence across the entrance to the herd path, indicating that it was closed for revegetation. We then noticed that the storm fence was busted up a bit so folks could easily squeeze under it. It was not clear whether this closure pertained to hiking as well as skiing.
Although ethically torn, we decided to hike the herd path. It was in good shape, except for some mud. There were about 9 or 10 other storm fences, all totally busted up. In a couple of cases, sections of the storm fences were placed as a bridge over the mud.
Apparently, the closure action was taken with backcountry skiing & riding in mind: article
There was also a recent resolution that appears to indicate that Big Jay will be opened to backcountry skiing & riding in 2008 & 2009 during times when snow cover is adequate: resolution
Neither article mentions hiking at all.
There are probably many logical, environmental and ethical considerations to all of this, but my primary purpose is to inform those folks looking to hike Big Jay in the future.
Best regards,
marty