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This is a heads up to everyone camping on the Rubicon Trail. The forest service FPOs (Forest Service Protection Officers) and the county sherrifs are enforcing the rules for parking adjacent to the trail...not in the forest. Enforce...meaning they are writing tickets which are $165.00 each.
The FS appears to be far less flexible or willing to warn or educate anyone about the change. They are writing many people up. We have many reports back of mis-information, rude or even sarcastic responses from the FS FPO's and frankly the problem is growing. In a couple cases, people have gotten tickets for being just a bit too far off the trail and were parked on dirt or slab granite... Don't assume that parking on slab or dirt is okay...it has to be adjacent to the trail and within the 25 foot easement.
Now, I'd like to tell you exactly what the law is and what you should do. It is not that simple, but the best way to avoid a ticket is know that you are on the official trail first. Then park within the 25 foot easement of the trail. Now is that 25 feet from outside to outside or from the centerline...I don't know...centerline appears to be correct, but again I'm not sure. Park as close as you can to the trail without blocking it. Haul your gear to where you plan to camp. Many tickets have been issued at Buck Island.
Efforts are being made to get clarification on how its enforced. Efforts are being made to clear up where the trail is. But, we are working with agencies and that can be less than fast or clear.
Please...Please...if you or anyone you know gets a ticket, we want to know about it. Email me @ go2camp@comcast.net. I especially want feedback on location and the nature of the ticket.
Thanks
Marlon
The FS appears to be far less flexible or willing to warn or educate anyone about the change. They are writing many people up. We have many reports back of mis-information, rude or even sarcastic responses from the FS FPO's and frankly the problem is growing. In a couple cases, people have gotten tickets for being just a bit too far off the trail and were parked on dirt or slab granite... Don't assume that parking on slab or dirt is okay...it has to be adjacent to the trail and within the 25 foot easement.
Now, I'd like to tell you exactly what the law is and what you should do. It is not that simple, but the best way to avoid a ticket is know that you are on the official trail first. Then park within the 25 foot easement of the trail. Now is that 25 feet from outside to outside or from the centerline...I don't know...centerline appears to be correct, but again I'm not sure. Park as close as you can to the trail without blocking it. Haul your gear to where you plan to camp. Many tickets have been issued at Buck Island.
Efforts are being made to get clarification on how its enforced. Efforts are being made to clear up where the trail is. But, we are working with agencies and that can be less than fast or clear.
Please...Please...if you or anyone you know gets a ticket, we want to know about it. Email me @ go2camp@comcast.net. I especially want feedback on location and the nature of the ticket.
Thanks
Marlon
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