Alpine Touring Thread

[Ripitz]

I don’t know the particulars of this incident but I think generally speaking it is an outrageous thing to do. Happened to me once when I was hunting mushrooms in the Shawangunks. I was deep in the bush on public land but the adjacent landowner didn’t want me wandering around. Thought I was gonna have a heart attack. My dog was freaked. Nothing like a crazy person with a shotgun to keep people away

 

[Harvey]

It happened to me.

 

[gefiltephish]

I'm adding miles to tours this weekend I can access from my house, out of respect for private property.

I've driven to scout a spot that I verified as public, to find it posted, and leave. Also have asked for permission when folks seemed approachable. Neighbors shooting across a gas pipeline in Leadville, unknowingly with me biking close-by was not cool.

RASTA immediately closed that area, communicated exactly what was going on, planned, and made a trail re-route. Presumably more signage, etc. Well done.

 

[Ripitz]

Speaking of which, pipelines and power lines make for good skiing from what I’ve heard. Never saw one that wasn’t posted. Lots of erosion from four wheelers and dirt bikes who use them on the regular. Sure it’s poaching but I don’t see the harm in a few ski tracks that will quickly melt away. Sticker bushes and down puffys make for little flying feathers

 

[Harvey]

I've driven to scout a spot that I verified as public, to find it posted, and leave.

What explains the disconnect? How do you verify land is public?

 

[Harvey]

Sure it’s poaching but I don’t see the harm in a few ski tracks that will quickly melt away.

I guess one question is do you believe in private property. In America it is certainly a thing.

I'd bet with a powerline the power company doesn't own the land just has a lease. Kind of like many ski areas. Is the posting by the owner or lease holder?

 

[Ripitz]

I do believe in private property and the rights of owners. Definitely have trespassed over the years though. I think some of it has to do with intent. I live on a good stocked trout stream with a town park on the other side. We have people fish our banks all the time. Generally I approach people and ask how the fishing is first. Then I ask them if they know they are on private land. Their response and how they talk to me dictates whether they are welcome to stay or not. Being respectful goes a long way especially when you are in a place where you aren’t supposed to be

 

[gefiltephish]

Most counties have GIS 'parcel viewer' pages online. As with old roads, terrain traps, maps, things on the ground subject to change. Obviously, resources are limited versus flashy stuff like RASTA zones, Devils Path parking, etc. And yes, being respectful and mindful seems good policy. Honestly, its been a cool way to meet several neighbors.

If ya wanna get existential with it, do humans own the forest? More practically, I think nature and recreation are things worth managing for. With BC stuff around me being quiet, it's harder to share the pow pics, gauge either side's intentions, address or even be aware of any issues. More fun to be skiing anyway. But important stuff to talk about imo.

Though parallel botany and MTB realms of mine, I get to deal with invasive plants and ninja trails that ultimately hurt the cause, despite good intentions. That said if I followed every rule my world of trails would be way tinier...

 

[Stan_dupp]

What explains the disconnect? How do you verify land is public?

On-x hunt app is a decent resource shows public vs private have to pay haven't used it much but better than nothing

 

[Harvey]

If ya wanna get existential with it, do humans own the forest?

I don't because I'm conflicted. The whole country was forest once. At least in the east.

Our land is my favorite possession. I figure as long as private property is a thing, I want some.