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The Chief wrote:Some people think that they have the right/entitlement to just go do anything they want, regardless of infringement on other peoples rights, no matter who those people are.

A common sentiment here on SP. Witness all the chest thumping about hiking and climbing without required permits.

Per public records, Desert Water Agency is the owner of Section 33, Township 3S, Range 3E. All of the sourrounding sections are owned by the USA. So, other than that one square mile, the area is publicly owned land. Access to Snow Creek shouldn't be an issue unless people are crossing the Desert Water Agency's property boundaries to get there.

Kathy,

Part of the problem is that hikers were being harrassed OUTSIDE the DWA property. Anyone parking nearby was automatically assumed to be a trespasser and received citations or was told to leave.

Rick Kent wrote:Kathy,

Part of the problem is that hikers were being harrassed OUTSIDE the DWA property. Anyone parking nearby was automatically assumed to be a trespasser and received citations or was told to leave.

Why didn't any of these "Poor Harrassed Souls" immediately call 911 during the incident and get the SBC Sheriff involved?

KathyW wrote:Per public records, Desert Water Agency is the owner of Section 33, Township 3S, Range 3E. All of the sourrounding sections are owned by the USA. So, other than that one square mile, the area is publicly owned land. Access to Snow Creek shouldn't be an issue unless people are crossing the Desert Water Agency's property boundaries to get there.

That is one of two 640 acre parcels that is under the DWR Title of ownership and/or lease. The other I believe is part of the established Flood Plain just north of that parcel which you referenced.

The Chief wrote:

Rick Kent wrote:Kathy,

Part of the problem is that hikers were being harrassed OUTSIDE the DWA property. Anyone parking nearby was automatically assumed to be a trespasser and received citations or was told to leave.

Why didn't any of these "Poor Harrassed Souls" immediately call 911 during the incident and get the SBC Sheriff involved?

KathyW wrote:Per public records, Desert Water Agency is the owner of Section 33, Township 3S, Range 3E. All of the sourrounding sections are owned by the USA. So, other than that one square mile, the area is publicly owned land. Access to Snow Creek shouldn't be an issue unless people are crossing the Desert Water Agency's property boundaries to get there.

That is one of two 640 acre parcels that is under the DWR Title of ownership and/or lease. The other I believe is part of the established Flood Plain just north of that parcel which you referenced.

Chief: I stand corrected about public access to sections of land just because the USA is the owner of record. It is very possible DWA might have rights to other parcels. DWA, or any other entity, could have a leasehold interest in the property to the north or any of the surrounding parcels. There are many pieces to the property rights puzzle. Just because a parcel is listed as owned by the USA doesn't mean there aren't restrictions to access or rights that have been sold, leased, or severed in some way.

Rick: I understand that climbers who are staying on public land are being harassed, and that's a shame. At the same time, not all climbers have stayed on public land. I don't think the fact that a few climbers have quietly gone through DWA property over the years is the big issue. I think it's the fact that they have not done it quietly and have made access to that area more difficult for people who might want to climb the route. I have slowly learned that it's best not to advertise certain things on the internet, but I still screw up and post what I shouldn't at times. The internet has changed so much - for the better and for the worse.