In Tunbridge, Vermont, a legal battle over public access to town trails is raising concerns about the future of public access across the state. The dispute centers on whether a privately owned road, which has historically been used as a public trail, should remain open to the public. If the court rules against public access, it could set a precedent that limits or eliminates access to other town trails throughout Vermont. Advocates fear that this case could embolden landowners to challenge public use of roads and trails, leading to widespread restrictions. As Vermont continues to wrestle with balancing private property rights and public access, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for public land access statewide.
In Tunbridge, Vermont, a legal battle over public access to town trails is raising concerns about the future of public access across the state. The dispute centers on whether a privately owned road, which has historically been used as a public trail, should remain open to the public. If the court rules against public access, it could set a precedent that limits or eliminates access to other town trails throughout Vermont. Advocates fear that this case could embolden landowners to challenge public use of roads and trails, leading to widespread restrictions. As Vermont continues to wrestle with balancing private property rights and public access, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for public land access statewide.