keeping out idiots

[The Dougster]

Initially, the shade of color was overlooked but that has since been rectified. As stated, every paint store knows exactly what color purple works.... I was one of the many skeptics when this law was proposed and passed, but after giving it some thought, it makes a lot of sense. Posted and No Trespassing sings can be stolen or destroyed. Stripes of purple paint are inexpensive for the landowner and much more difficult for those intent on defying the law to avoid.
Trespassing laws were altered to allow for more severe prosecution, i.e., if a gun is involved in the trespass, or if damage is caused, then "criminal trespass" charges can then be filed. That constitutes a felony offense.
Be it right or wrong, that's just ho wit is and it seems to be working.

 

[Redneck in training]

I am originally from central Europe. In Europe land owning is a privilege as opposed to right (as in USA). Landowner is a steward of the land with responsibilities to landless population to keep the land healthy for future generations. In the old feudal times all the land was own by local noble but since there were many people living in his land they were allowed to travel across the land, pick dry wood, berries, herbs and mushrooms. After the land reform when some of the noble land was given to the peasants they also allowed other people use their land as the nobles did. So today (Today it is a law) if you own land outside of village or the city you have to let other people access it. There are rules of behavior though. No motor vehicles, no hunting or camping, no screaming, making fire, cut wood or do any sort of damage in example to crop. People can pick berries and mushrooms. No fences without special permission are allowed (in example seedlings for reforestation have to be fenced to protect them from animals so fence will be permitted but has to be removed after the seedlings are gone).
This arrangement works quite well because even though you own the land you can't build a house on it unless it is in residential zone (within city or village limits) therefore (because you don't live there) people crossing your land don't invade your privacy.
Once population density reaches certain level land has to be protected against development or it will be gone.
I am not saying that the European model is better or worse. It is different; it is proven to work because it is based on thousand years old custom. So in Europe, once you are outside of city limits there is not such thing as trespassing.

 

[have_blue]

So in Europe, once you are outside of city limits there is not such thing as trespassing.

Thanks for the informative and interesting primer on European land ownership and rights.

As Americans, we have a constitutional right to own and control land as we please. Most of us feel that when government regulations creep in, we are no longer truly free. There is a false stereotype that accuses us of abusing our land. That's a bunch of hooey. I would hazard a guess that in fact, very few people abuse their own land. Why on earth would we want to harm our own land? I think most land abuse is done by criminal trespassers and by the government.

 

[Redneck in training]

I would like to clarify it. Not all European countries might be like Czech republic I am from. Slovak republic is like that. I think also Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary and all the countries separated from old USSR and Russia have similar way of land use. I am not sure about the rest.

I didn't say that Americans abuse the land but they can if they wish to. When I bought my land it was overgrazed and is greatly damaged by consequent erosion. I see similar issues on many places around where we live. Another example is clear-cutting all trees and selling the wood. In Czech republic, you would need a permit to do so even though the trees are yours. Most likely you will get a permit to cut patches or selected mature tress only and you would have to reforest the same season. I used to own a cottage back in CR. One time I asked for permision to cut a big pine that was touching edge of the roof. I had to wait for the local forester to come and look at it. After I got the permit I had to plant three oaks near by and make sure they were alive five years alter.
I think some common sense regulation are not necessarily bad. The problem is the "common sense" issue though.

 

[MikeD74T]

Thanks for the informative and interesting primer on European land ownership and rights.

As Americans, we have a constitutional right to own and control land as we please. Most of us feel that when government regulations creep in, we are no longer truly free. There is a false stereotype that accuses us of abusing our land. That's a bunch of hooey. I would hazard a guess that in fact, very few people abuse their own land. Why on earth would we want to harm our own land? I think most land abuse is done by criminal trespassers and by the government.

"As Americans, we have a constitutional right to own and control land as we please" as long as we continue to pay taxes on said land and follow all the land use regulations. Anything to the contrary will be seen as a "criminal action" and loss of land "ownership" will follow. The definition of "abuse" is, and will likely always be, determined by government. MikeD74T

 

[Greenmountain Farmer]

I THINK that in VT, land that isn't posted is open to hunting to anyone. Basically like a public hunting area. I still can't wrap my mind around such a foolish thing, but that's the way it works.

You are supposed to ask land owner first

Tom in Vermont

 

[The Dougster]

<"land that isn't posted is open to hunting"

This concept is completely foreign to Texans... we have developed a system where land is leased for hunting/fishing... I know that hunting is my cash crop and the only one I can depend on year after year. I know I have read where in some states, many landowners willingly allow hunting on their property without charge... Strange... very strange.. lol

 

[Renze]

Over here, i really dont know if it is allowed to trespass. You cant just sue trespassers, unless you put up a deep blue sign with white letters, "access prohibited, conform art. 461 law book of criminal law"
Trespassing is allowed when you put up a green sign "put open" with a clarification in smaller letters underneath with general rules, open from dusk till dawn, dogs need to be lined, no fire, etcetera.

So there are prohibitive signs and declared open signs, i have no idea if trespassing is allowed on land which is not declared open, but no files can be charged when you havent put up the sign that points to article 461 of lawbook of criminal law.

It is certainly not allowed to just go offroad anywhere, either with or without motorised vehicles.

 

[RPW]

One reason the purple paint works so well is that when you have trespassers you call the game warden not the county sheriff. The game wardens are more quick to respond. I personally would call both and let whom ever wants to take jurisdiction figure it out. Another thing with the game warden is that depending on the situation the county has to get owners permission or warrant to enter private property the game warden doesn't.

 

[have_blue]

"As Americans, we have a constitutional right to own and control land as we please" as long as we continue to pay taxes on said land and follow all the land use regulations. Anything to the contrary will be seen as a "criminal action" and loss of land "ownership" will follow. The definition of "abuse" is, and will likely always be, determined by government. MikeD74T

I wouldn't advise you try me.