A news article in todays Berlin Daily Sun http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?PBID=8c4af509-8814-415a-bfa7-07ab466afc1a (free subscription) reports that two notable north country leaders were arrested for trespassing on private roads accessing Bayroot Lands. One of those leaders is long term journalist John Harrigan who for many years has been the voice of the North Country statewide and notably against Northern Pass. In addition to the lead article there is commentary later in the paper related to management of the Bayroot lands. I expect we will be hearing more about this incident as there is a reference to an AMC group doing the same trip the day after.
Even if someone could care less about NP, this is a precedent that Bayroot is apparently now prosecuting the public who are using their internal road network. Generally the tradition in the north country of NH has been that the private road networks have been open to the public as long as it doesn't impact timber operations. In the past when land owners have attempted to bar public access there usually has been public outcry. Dillon attempted to do this several years ago on their Success NH lands after a vandalism incident and even they elected to reverse the policy. There are many large land owners in the area and frequently in order to access to one area there is a need to go over several landowners properties. Public access via motor vehicles is not a right, but generally has been assumed. In much of northern Maine, road access is behind gates and the public has to pay for access. The other reasons for keeping road access open is for fire protection access, the majority of forest fire wardens in the area are volunteers and at least a few have observed that if a landowner elects to gate their land that the wardens may be less likely to show up to fight a fire behind the gate.
Recent publicity on Bayroot's lease to NP and their overly aggressive land management practices appears to have changed their approach to public access. Note that the individuals arrested may have decided that an arrest for trespassing was good for their cause. They appear to have been lucky (or preplanned) that they had cell coverage to call for help as much of that region does not have reliable coverage.
Nevertheless the cause, for those used to unfettered access to private road networks north of RT2, things may be changing. A bit more caution up front looking for no trespassing signs is definitely advised and realize that some traditional access to trail less peaks may no longer be as easy. In the past I knew of several folks who carried a carbide abrasive hacksaw blade under the seat on the odd chance they got locked in behind a gate. Maybe its time to consider it again. I am not advocating cutting gate locks to gain access but on occasion land owners and non land owners will arbitrarily close and lock gates trapping vehicles in behind them.
Even if someone could care less about NP, this is a precedent that Bayroot is apparently now prosecuting the public who are using their internal road network. Generally the tradition in the north country of NH has been that the private road networks have been open to the public as long as it doesn't impact timber operations. In the past when land owners have attempted to bar public access there usually has been public outcry. Dillon attempted to do this several years ago on their Success NH lands after a vandalism incident and even they elected to reverse the policy. There are many large land owners in the area and frequently in order to access to one area there is a need to go over several landowners properties. Public access via motor vehicles is not a right, but generally has been assumed. In much of northern Maine, road access is behind gates and the public has to pay for access. The other reasons for keeping road access open is for fire protection access, the majority of forest fire wardens in the area are volunteers and at least a few have observed that if a landowner elects to gate their land that the wardens may be less likely to show up to fight a fire behind the gate.
Recent publicity on Bayroot's lease to NP and their overly aggressive land management practices appears to have changed their approach to public access. Note that the individuals arrested may have decided that an arrest for trespassing was good for their cause. They appear to have been lucky (or preplanned) that they had cell coverage to call for help as much of that region does not have reliable coverage.
Nevertheless the cause, for those used to unfettered access to private road networks north of RT2, things may be changing. A bit more caution up front looking for no trespassing signs is definitely advised and realize that some traditional access to trail less peaks may no longer be as easy. In the past I knew of several folks who carried a carbide abrasive hacksaw blade under the seat on the odd chance they got locked in behind a gate. Maybe its time to consider it again. I am not advocating cutting gate locks to gain access but on occasion land owners and non land owners will arbitrarily close and lock gates trapping vehicles in behind them.
Last edited:
