Loon Echo Land Trust recently closed its Pleasant Mountain trail at the request of first responders, following a rescue turned retrieval call involving a 73-year-old hiker.

The hiker was later identified as Lionel R. LePage of Bridgton, who died as the result of heart failure. To protect first responders from undue exposure to COVID-19, Loon Echo officials closed the trail system.

A  trail closed sign was posted.

However, people appear to be ignoring the request. On Monday, an avid local hiker drove by the Ledges Trail parking lot and the Bald Peak parking area and was “dismayed” to see eight cars parked in each lot, “ignoring the bright red ‘Trail Closed’ signs at the trailhead,” the hiker reported.

LELT’s Jon Evans told the hiker that he had seen similar gatherings and found “Trail Closed” signs tossed in the woods.

“It was a nice day and they were going hiking, corona virus be damned!” the hiker reported. “The Pleasant Mountain trails all traverse private property, so ignoring the ‘Trail Closed”’ signs is trespassing. In addition, to penalties for trespassing, if someone is hurt on the trail and requires rescue, they would be subject to the fines levied on people who act irresponsibly in the back country. ‘Trails Closed’ signs are there for a reason, and in the best interest of everyone during these trying times. Please respect them.”

Bridgton Police Rick Stillman said if people fail to keep six feet between them and members are not immediate family, officers will first warn them, but a second offense will result in a formal charge.