surgent wrote:How effectively is famous Sect 33 posted? What kind of signs are present, and the fencing? If it is well-posted, then this works in your favor: if you or your car are clearly outside their land, then they have no purview to do anything to you, and you can fight this in a court if need be, but you need to be sure you have the evidence to back your claim.
I have always been reluctant to join simmitpost since what I do is canyoneer, and find that other forums fit my needs best. Though this is an interesting topic as I am planning a trip to the upper falls and ran across this thread when looking for more info about section 33. I have been to this area only twice, once years ago and last week to recon for my trip. So I feel I can add about the postings in the area. To better visualize what I'm about to explain, I suggest you download my Google Earth file. KMZ format, 3.72MB.
Link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21171949/Falls%20Creek.kmz
I create such files on first time trips to canyons, or if it involves any form of cross-country or bushwhacking. You can disregard most of the labels, but the boxes are blue, red, green, for sections 33, 28, 21, respectively. On both of my encounters with DWA there, any point south past the start of the PCT trail (green icon) is not allowed. So one can use that road you see there (hiking), up to that point. There's no signs that say that until a few yards from there, where you'll see TRESPASSING signs about every half mile. Or so I guess, I didn't push my luck that much. That's just on the road.
On the delta floor, there are no signs whatsoever that let you know you're now stepping in section 33. DWA simply forbids the whole area as a whole, to avoid getting technical. If you do, one can go all the way up the road, and even to one of those installations you see on the map. They only own section 33 as far as I know, so I do not know why they claim section 28 too. They will stop you past the PCT start, but that is still section 28 a ways up. I see why they would do that, but it isn't technically theirs. I am not here to create friction by the way, let's get that straight. Throughout this thread there's quick finger pointing as if those asking questions are in a mission to trespass and to hell with the law. No. On both of my encounters, DWA has been polite and helpful. That's how I know about the signs further south. I don't intend, much less condone, trespassing.
One more note on the file, notice that you can check on or off any individual label from the left sidebar. By default, I have the topo map off, so if you find that helpful it's just a click away to turn it on.
EDIT:
From just reading here every possible mention about ownership of sec 33, it is often said that is per public records. Where is this record? Can someone point me in the correct direction to get it? I'd be handy to carry with me just in case they want to get froggy. Also, it might save my ass from just relying on forum posts, who knows, maybe they now own more sections.
