Attorney General’s Office Reaches Settlement Over Unauthorized Mountain Bike Trail on State Land

Attorney General Charity Clark today announced a settlement with two individuals over the State's allegations that the individuals illegally constructed mountain bike trails in Mt. Mansfield State Forest in Stowe, Vermont.

Following an investigation by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the State found that between 2016 and 2021, Cyril Brunner and Aaron Rice were responsible for unlawfully cutting approximately 327 trees to the ground and permanently altering rocks with drilled holes to anchor wooden trail crossings in Mt. Mansfield State Forest. The trail consisted of two loops of approximately 8,000 feet in length. To resolve the matter, Mr. Brunner and Mr. Rice agreed to pay $35,000 in timber trespass damages and remove any remaining constructed features associated with the trails.

"Vermont's state forests are a treasured resource," said Attorney General Clark. "Protecting these public lands and ensuring their long-term stewardship with sustainable forest management is critical for the benefit of current and future generations of Vermonters and for the preservation of our natural world."

"Vermonters care deeply about their public lands and the recreation opportunities they provide. Department staff work with our recreation and community partners to develop new trails on state lands through established planning and public engagement processes," said Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. "Together, we protect recreation opportunities as well as other important public values, including wildlife habitat, flood resilience, and sustainable forest management."

The settlement was signed by the Lamoille Superior Court on June 29, 2026.

Contact: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171