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Humboldt County Trails Plan
A Sub-Element of the General Plan
Preface | TOC | Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4 | Section 5
Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D | Appendix E
Appendix F | Appendix G | Tables | Illustrations | Trails Map

Section Four: Implementation

4.5 - Trails Affecting
Private Lands

Trail Permit System

The issue of trails and their effect on private lands should be a major concern in trails establishment. Through public meetings, interviews, and the Trails Advisory Committees, many potential problems were brought up regarding trails development and their effect on private property (Ref. 2.2.1). while giving informational trails presentations (Ref. 2.5.5.1), a number of trials Were suggested for inclusion in the Trails Plan which are located on private lands. The majority of these suggestions were, be necessity, discarded due to possible property owner objections. However, several trail routes on private land have been proposed in this document based on current public use and proximity to populated areas. It is recognized that these routes may only be established after land owner negotiation and approval. In an attempt to mitigate certain expressed concerns, the issues of trail user education and enforcement regarding rules for trails use have been addressed (Ref. 4.2.2, 4.5.1, Appendix E.1, and E.2) in addition to land owner liability. In relation to landowner liability, the law states that there is no liability to the property owner when that person's land is used for recreational purposes (Ref. AD 1241, Appendix F.6).

4.5.1 Trail Permit System

As a further attempt to mitigate certain landowner concerns, a trail permit system is proposed which would provide a potential means for monitoring public use of private lands. This system is primarily recommended for trails which have been designated on private timber lands. most timber companies currently allow public access to their lands if a company permit has been obtained. The trail permit system would provide an easier means for the public to gain permitted use of specified trails. Trail users would be issued a trail user card at a minor fee available through the specific timber company and/or the County Public Works Department. The card would sanction use only on specified trails. Systems such as this have been successfully used on private lands in other areas. Specifics Of the Trail Permit System would have to be agreed upon by the landowner. A sample resolution regarding the trails permit system and a sample of a trail user card is included in Appendix E.1 and E.2.

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