Vermont Farmer Faces Hefty Fines Over Maple Tree Protection
A farmer from Vermont might face fines up to $10,000 daily for placing hay bales around a 250-year-old maple tree. Doug Lilley, who operates in Calais, received a notice from the town stating fines could range from $100 to $10,000 for each day the bales remain on his property along Lightning Ridge Road. The town has set a deadline of January 25th for their removal.
Lilley explained that he put the bales in place to safeguard six maple trees after a snowplow got dangerously close in 2024, resulting in damage to several trees. Though he had initially removed the bales, he decided to reinstall them for protection. “This is part of the farm, so we can keep it looking like Vermont,” Lilley mentioned, noting that removing the soil could jeopardize the roots of the trees.
He elaborated on the issue, saying that vehicle traffic and frost conditions pose threats. “When cars drive by, they drive straight towards it, and that kills the trees,” he commented. The potential fines are a major concern for him. “If they charge me that kind of money, I can’t live here. I have no choice but to go out of business,” Lilley added, highlighting the struggle of farmers like himself.
Road Commissioner Kari Bradley told WCAX that the hay bales infringe upon the town’s right-of-way, violating an existing ordinance. Bradley noted that Lilly could have sought permission from the select committee but failed to do so. “Doug Lilly owns the land, but the town reserves the right of way to maintain the road and keep it safe at all times,” he stated.
The town’s right-of-way regulations aim to ensure public safety by controlling what property owners can place near roads, with a permit application process in place. “I hope he will remove the bales by the deadline. If not, the selection committee will decide on the fine,” Bradley remarked.
Lilley comes from a long line of farmers, with both his grandfather and father having farmed before him. He initiated his own dairy operation in his mid-20s but became Calais’ last dairy farmer when he ceased milking cows.
