Movement on Big Jay

[newenglandskier1]

found this on T4T


State of Vermont [phone] 802-241-3600 Agency of Natural Resources
Office of the Secretary [fax] 802-244-1102
103 South Main Street, Center Building
Waterbury, VT 05671-0301

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 28, 2008
Contact: Mike Fraysier
802-241-3682


Agreement 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

 

[roark]

Good news!

 

[deadheadskier]

Great news.....for me if I go to Jay this year.


Bad news......for the turn earners who liked the reduced traffic. F em' I say

 

[ccskier]

Great news.....for me if I go to Jay this year.


Bad news......for the turn earners who liked the reduced traffic. F em' I say

I agree. The few times I make it up there, I don't need a full day expedition to make the trip, but it does suck that big Jay has been hyped up, every yahoo that reads this page will try and go up there since all of the publicity. The rescue squad may as as well keep the chopper fueled up in the utility lot, I have a feeling there are going to be more people spending the night in the woods now that they can access it and it has all been blown out of proportion. People should not travel to big JAy if they or anyone in their party has not been there. It is very easy to go the wrong way. If the weather picks up and you loose the horizon and don't know where you are going, forget it, pack it in and stay put. It is a lot of post holing to get out of there.

 

[riverc0il]

It would most certainly be ironic if the publicity that the closure increased traffic which may increase impact and of course rescue. Though, the spirit of the easement is meant for public usage so the more the merrier. I guess this doesn't count as a secret stash, eh :lol:

 

[ski220]

but it does suck that big Jay has been hyped up, every yahoo that reads this page will try and go up there since all of the publicity. The rescue squad may as as well keep the chopper fueled up in the utility lot, I have a feeling there are going to be more people spending the night in the woods now that they can access it and it has all been blown out of proportion. People should not travel to big JAy if they or anyone in their party has not been there. It is very easy to go the wrong way. If the weather picks up and you loose the horizon and don't know where you are going, forget it, pack it in and stay put. It is a lot of post holing to get out of there.

I have personnaly rescued from certian death out there 1) a snowboarder who didn't know what he was doing or going who followed us out there. Broke thru a tree well and fell in. We had to tie a rope on him and pull him out. It's amazing how deep a 30ft snow pack is. 2) Two French-Canadian girls who had no clue and were about to go off the WEST side of the ridge. They had read about Big Jay in a newspaper article. Maybe this is not a true rescue since they were not in a life threatening situation yet, but it would have been if we had not happened upon them in the nick of time.

 

[billski]

So do your part to keep the PR to a minimum.

It's a big relief. I thought the incident might set in motion efforts to restrict further BC adventure elsewhere. Then again, it's pretty hard to police an area as big as the Greens with an under-staffed agency, but why take chances, let's work together.