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11 <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 14313, 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 />