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Talent trail closed off to hikers By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - Closing of access to a Talent Irrigation District trail across private property has sent hikers to less convenient alternatives. It's also prompted two City Council members to explore ways to get hikers into the hills west of town. Geoffrey Schroeder padlocked the metal gate across his property at the top of Clay Street in August. Hikers and bikers used his road to gain access to TID trails and the city's Siskiyou Mountain Park. Hikers can access the city's Siskiyou Mountain Park and trails above Clay Street from the top of Park Street or through the Oredson-Todd Woods trailhead on Lupine Drive off Greenmeadows Way. "When people talk about trails in the city, it is difficult to find out exactly what they mean," said Ashland parks director Ken Mickelsen. "The TID trails which everyone uses around Strawberry Lane and the end of Clay Street are really not official city trails." TID workers can use the trails to maintain the irrigation system under an easement granted by private property owners, TID attorney Greg Hornaker said. Landowners have the option of granting access to others. Some landowners have allowed use, but others have fenced off access. Schroeder agreed last summer to allow hikers and bike riders access across his property. But run-ins with users caused him to padlock the trail again. Incidents stretching over the 18 years he's owned the property caused Schroeder to erect gates and post no-trespassing signs a half-dozen times. He disputes claims that hikers prior to his purchase used the area "You couldn't walk on this property, you couldn't crawl on this when I bought it," said Schroeder. Gates were torn out several times before he began full-time occupancy 31/2 years ago. He opened the trail last summer after conferring with the "Ashland powers that be." Most people who used the trail were cooperative. But others picked flowers, left litter or let their dogs run loose. Schroeder was served with a harassment suit after he confronted people reportedly smoking marijuana on his property earlier this summer. A trial is set for December. "I know there are good people who want to talk and get the trail open," said Schroeder. "But they were never there when I was confronted by the nasty ones." Councilmembers Cate Hartzell and Chris Hearn met with Clay Street residents Sept. 5 "They were pretty upset about the closure, but ... they were looking for a way to create a loop on city property," said Hearn. "As far as forcing Schroeder to reopen it, I didn't hear any really solid idea that would support that." Hartzell plans to form a committee to identify the issues and solutions in various neighborhoods. "My hope is that we do so with good representation with neighbors from across Ashland and people who own lands with trails on them to make sure all the issues are on the table," said Hartzell. Creation of an alternative access trail to one closed by a private landowner in the Strawberry Lane area a year ago is also in the works. A new loop might be created through a quarry on Granite Street on city property, said Hearn. An estimate of $2,500 has been given for the work. Hearn said he'd pledge $100 and hopes to get 24 other people to contribute a similar amount. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.