The city of Montpelier says its police department is going to enforce no trespassing orders around the pond that’s also the source of its drinking water, despite a Vermont Supreme Court ruling that says the city doesn’t have the authority to keep people out.
The May 11 Supreme Court decision deals with who has jurisdiction over the water of Berlin Pond. The city owns most of the land surrounding it.
Since the decision the city says there have been "numerous reports of criminal trespass" on city land. A conviction for criminal trespass can carry a three-month jail term and a $500 fine.
Three sportsmen challenged the city’s right to keep people out of the pond. They successfully argued only the state has jurisdiction over the pond itself.