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48 <br /> November 2016 <br /> How would trail users be rescued if injured? <br /> An emergency preparedness plan must be in place prior to opening any new section of the MST in <br /> Orange County. That plan identifies the locations where emergency vehicles (large or small) could <br /> access various locations along the trail. Orange County Emergency Services staff is confident they have <br /> the resources to help people most anywhere in the county, including hikers in remote areas. They <br /> recommend installing markers along the MST and other public park trails (every 1/10th mile) so visitors <br /> can keep track of their location and report their location if lost or injured along the trail. Those markers <br /> are assigned an "address" identified by the 911 Center with high-level accuracy for emergency response. <br /> Will the MST increase the risk of trespass, theft, or assault for nearby property owners? <br /> The Orange County Sheriff's Office reports that incidents of crime associated with trails is rare in Orange <br /> County. Most crimes associated with public trails occur at trailhead parking areas and not along the <br /> trails or on neighboring properties. Unattended cars are the most likely target for break-ins and theft, <br /> and that is where site managers and the Sheriff's Office will focus their attention. Trail users will be <br /> encouraged to eliminate opportunities for theft by leaving valuables at home and locking vehicles <br /> parked at trailheads. Signs will recommend best practices for thwarting theft from parked cars. <br /> Park ranger Christopher Greiner reports there is little crime on the 8.2 miles of the MST in Eno River <br /> State Park.The worst problem is complaints of dogs off leash and some dog owners being rude to hikers <br /> that complained about their dogs off leash. The biggest area of law breaking/crime at the Park is the <br /> Eno Quarry(Durham County) where they have had several larcenies and car break-ins at parking areas. <br /> Some individuals have taken advantage of park visitors that swim in the quarry but leave their backpacks <br /> and wallets/purses unattended. Mr. Greiner believes that criminal activity is not because of the MST. <br /> Who is responsible for enforcing against unauthorized activities on the trail, in parking areas, <br /> and off the trail in the nearby wooded areas (e.g., camping, parties)? <br /> The Orange County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office is also an active participant in planning for the <br /> MST in Orange County. The County may also hire Trails Rangers in the future to assist with this role. <br /> Who is responsible for enforcing against illegal parking? <br /> The Orange County Sheriff Office.The Sheriff's Office will make routine patrols of the MST parking/ <br /> access areas and will respond to residents' calls when they see illegally parked cars. The County will <br /> work closely with the Sheriff's Office to monitor the situation and take further steps to reduce the <br /> incidence of illegal parking, including posting additional signage or re-routing the trail as needed. <br /> Who is responsible for trail and parking area sanitation, maintenance, and upkeep? <br /> County staff(or a future contracted or designated entity working under agreement with Orange County) <br /> will be responsible for these duties at the designated parking/access areas and along the trail. MST <br /> volunteers will also provide regular oversight and trail maintenance. <br /> What are the risks to homeowners of being sued by injured trail users and trespassers? <br /> State law specifically limits the liability of people who open their property to public use for hiking trails <br /> through NCGS 143B, Article II, Part 34. This is a limitation of liability but not an elimination of liability. <br /> The manager/operator of the trail must take reasonable measures to assure that it is safe for the public <br /> to walk the trail. If a landowner grants the County a trail easement across private property the County <br /> would assume some level of liability as the operator/manager of the trail. To explore this further and <br /> determine how the law applies to a particular property individuals should consult their own attorney. <br /> 4 <br />