6-a - Approval of Planned Mountains to Sea Trail Route Through Orange County

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November 2016 4 How would trail users be rescued if injured? An emergency preparedness plan must be in place prior to opening any new section of the MST in Orange County. That plan identifies the locations where emergency vehicles (large or small) could access various locations along the trail. Orange County Emergency Services staff is confident they have the resources to help people most anywhere in the county, including hikers in remote areas. They recommend installing markers along the MST and other public park trails (every 1/10th mile) so visitors can keep track of their location and report their location if lost or injured along the trail. Those markers are assigned an “address” identified by the 911 Center with high-level accuracy for emergency response. Will the MST increase the risk of trespass, theft, or assault for nearby property owners? The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reports that incidents of crime associated with trails is rare in Orange County. Most crimes associated with public trails occur at trailhead parking areas and not along the trails or on neighboring properties. Unattended cars are the most likely target for break-ins and theft, and that is where site managers and the Sheriff’s Office will focus their attention. Trail users will be encouraged to eliminate opportunities for theft by leaving valuables at home and locking vehicles parked at trailheads. Signs will recommend best practices for thwarting theft from parked cars. Park ranger Christopher Greiner reports there is little crime on the 8.2 miles of the MST in Eno River State Park. The worst problem is complaints of dogs off leash and some dog owners being rude to hikers that complained about their dogs off leash. The biggest area of law breaking/crime at the Park is the Eno Quarry (Durham County) where they have had several larcenies and car break-ins at parking areas. Some individuals have taken advantage of park visitors that swim in the quarry but leave their backpacks and wallets/purses unattended. Mr. Greiner believes that criminal activity is not because of the MST. Who is responsible for enforcing against unauthorized activities on the trail, in parking areas, and off the trail in the nearby wooded areas (e.g., camping, parties)? The Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is also an active participant in planning for the MST in Orange County. The County may also hire Trails Rangers in the future to assist with this role. Who is responsible for enforcing against illegal parking? The Orange County Sheriff Office. The Sheriff’s Office will make routine patrols of the MST parking/ access areas and will respond to residents’ calls when they see illegally parked cars. The County will work closely with the Sheriff’s Office to monitor the situation and take further steps to reduce the incidence of illegal parking, including posting additional signage or re-routing the trail as needed. Who is responsible for trail and parking area sanitation, maintenance, and upkeep? County staff (or a future contracted or designated entity working under agreement with Orange County) will be responsible for these duties at the designated parking/access areas and along the trail. MST volunteers will also provide regular oversight and trail maintenance. What are the risks to homeowners of being sued by injured trail users and trespassers? State law specifically limits the liability of people who open their property to public use for hiking trails through NCGS 143B, Article II, Part 34. This is a limitation of liability but not an elimination of liability. The manager/operator of the trail must take reasonable measures to assure that it is safe for the public to walk the trail. If a landowner grants the County a trail easement across private property the County would assume some level of liability as the operator/manager of the trail. To explore this further and determine how the law applies to a particular property individuals should consult their own attorney. 11