Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges select board to help resolve neighborhood trespass and trail dispute
Summary
A Brookfield resident told the select board that trees on her property were cut and that conflicting guidance from law enforcement left her unsure whether her 'No Trespassing' signs were legal; the board said the issue appears to be a legal matter and suggested the resident seek counsel while offering limited practical guidance.
A resident who identified her address as 16 Stone Road asked the Brookfield Select Board on April 23 to help resolve an escalating dispute over people cutting trees and using trails across her land.
The resident said she had posted no-trespassing signs but was told by a Windsor County sheriff that the postings might be illegal; she later told the board a state trooper told her, “absolutely… you're absolutely within your right and your law.” The resident said the situation has led to heated encounters, a police response when a family member was gardening on what they say is a property line, and ongoing tension that is affecting her children.
The chair responded that "to the best of my knowledge, the town has no right of way through your property," and advised that any formal question about legal rights would be for counsel. Board members and neighbors discussed practical options including ensuring signs meet statutory posting distances and contacting Fish and Game if someone remains on posted land. One board member suggested inviting constables or law enforcement to a future meeting to clarify enforcement responsibilities.
The board offered sympathy and encouraged the residents to seek legal clarification and to coordinate with town staff on next steps; no formal town action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting.
