Jay, Richford, Montgomery & Westfield: Franklin & Orleans County 8,242 Acres
General Description:
Jay State Forest was established with the first acquisition in 1954. One of the first management actions taken by the Vermont Forest Service was to begin the development of downhill ski trails at what is now Jay Peak resort. In cooperation with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and the Green Mountain Club, two large tracts (Black Falls ( 3,764 acres) and Big Jay (1,573 acres)) were acquired in 1993 and 2001. To date, Jay State Forest has grown to 8,242 acres in size.
The parcel has a wide diversity of natural communities, terrain and recreational opportunities, most notably front country and backcountry downhill skiing and the northern terminus of the Long Trail.
Unique Features:
One aspect that makes this property unique is the presence of Jay Peak Ski Resort which offers a range of skiing opportunities and terrain within the ski lease area. In addition, there are many unique habitats for wildlife and high elevation natural communities throughout which are of ecological importance.
Recreation Overview:
Winter recreational opportunities at Jay State Forest range from resort access downhill and glade skiing to undeveloped backcountry skiing outside of the ski lease area. Big Jay and Little Jay are very popular destinations for people looking to access to the heavy snowfall common to this region of the State. This parcel also provides access to Vermont Association of Snow Travelers with approximately 3.5 miles of corridor trail connecting the northern Champlain Valley to the Northeast Kingdom.
Summer recreational assets of the property include nine miles of the Long Trail which includes the northern terminus at Journey’s End. There are also several side trails that provide access to local peaks and the Long Trail on the forest.
In addition to these seasonal uses, this parcel of public land provides access for hunters looking to hunt larger tracts of forest land and anglers looking to target brook trout in the headwaters of the Missisquoi River.
Planning Overview:
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is developing a new Long-Range Management Plan (LRMP) for Jay State Forest. LRMPs, typically covering a 20-year period, serve as comprehensive guides for managing Agency of Natural Resources lands. Public scoping was conducted between October 1, 2024 and November 15, 2024, offering an opportunity for the public to share feedback on how these lands are used and valued. ANR staff are now developing a first draft of the LRMP which will be shared for public comment once complete.
Jay State Forest is comprised of 8,242 acres of conserved land in the towns of Jay, Montgomery, Richford, and Westfield. The forest features a diverse range of natural communities, terrains, and recreational opportunities, including its association with skiing and the Long Trail. It is home to unique wildlife habitats and high-elevation natural communities of significant ecological value.
The Long-Range Management Plan for this parcel will address public access, recreational resources outside of the ski lease area, wildlife and fisheries habitats, forest health and management options ranging from sugaring licenses to commercial vegetation management. This Long-Range Management Plan will not cover the operational aspects of the Jay Peak Ski Resort, which are addressed under a separate lease agreement.
Additional Information:
Any questions about this parcel? Please contact: St. Johnsbury District Office 802-751-0110