Two men who allegedly cut their own backcountry ski trail on Big Jay mountain have been criminally charged for it. State officials say 47-year-old Paul G. Poulin, of Derby, and 46-year-old Alan B. Ritter, of North Troy, are accused of destroying state property for allegedly gouging a path down a steep slope near the top of the mountain, on land owned by the state. If convicted, they could face five years in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Rebecca Washburn, stewardship coordinator for the Green Mountain Club, says it’s horrible what the two did, and says it has left a visible scar on the side of the mountain.
The men are due in court September 11th to face the charges.