COMPLETED: Green Ridge MD - Jan 3 2011

[dirty anton]

more pics

[dirty anton]

more pics

[dirty anton]

and more pics

[dirty anton]

more pics

[dirty anton]

the drive out there

[Trail X]

Thanks for the pics Mike. Some good shots! Those pictures of the icy crossing don't look so bad in a picture!

Curious - why are the pics so small? Is that the forum software that did that?

[dirty anton]

yea wondering that myself. there is just a web blog option to fit the pics. wont let you adjust yourself. still trying to figure it out. but yea the ice in person was way more impressive!

[Trail X]

yea wondering that myself. there is just a web blog option to fit the pics. wont let you adjust yourself.

What program are you using? Do you have Microsoft Office Picture Manager? It might be worth it for you to try a web-based image host like Picasa or Photobucket.

[dirty anton]

hp photo smart premier is what is on the computer. gonna look into the web based host. thanx james.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I am curious to what the ticket was for...trespassing or something else? Also did everyone get one or just one person?

[Trail X]

I am curious to what the ticket was for...trespassing or something else? Also did everyone get one or just one person?

We all got them, I tried to talk them into only ticketing me. The ticket was for "Driving in an unauthorized zone".

[HARDTRAILZ]

Interesting. Did they threaten w more? DNR can be rough sometimes. Have seen them take gns and trucks and even if proved you were legal they make it rough to get things back. I would think it depends alot on the officer. What were they driving?

[Trail X]

Interesting. Did they threaten w more? DNR can be rough sometimes. Have seen them take gns and trucks and even if proved you were legal they make it rough to get things back. I would think it depends alot on the officer. What were they driving?

These guys were nice at least, we had a few conversations about the park, wildlife, 4WDs etc. They didn't threaten us with anything else. A lot of an officer's reaction to you, is your reaction to them - so we had no problems with them. I believe the two main cops were driving ford expeditions, both undercover. They had backup on top of the ridge, but I didn't see their vehicles.

[The Roadie]

Sorry if I didn't read it all, but was there any signage or way for you to know you were in a restricted area? The public use land around here has very clear signage if you're entering a non-motorized wilderness area. Or a place closed for resource recovery.

[Trail X]

Sorry if I didn't read it all, but was there any signage or way for you to know you were in a restricted area? The public use land around here has very clear signage if you're entering a non-motorized wilderness area. Or a place closed for resource recovery.

Other areas of the trail were very well marked. There were "no jeep" signs even in areas where you're thinking "What are they even trying to mark here?" The area we entered appeared to be a very well traveled trail, albeit it was under a powerline. No obvious signs at the entrance. We were met by the DNR at the top of the trail - where they had two "no vehicles" signs mounted 15' up one of the powerline poles. We checked the bottom after the ticket was written - no signs on the powerlines poles from the bottom. The ticket is considerable enough that I am considering driving out to the district court to contest the ticket.

[HARDTRAILZ]

A lot of an officer's reaction to you, is your reaction to them - so we had no problems with them. I believe the two main cops were driving ford expeditions, both undercover. They had backup on top of the ridge, but I didn't see their vehicles.

You are correct but my buddy had a run in with DNR and they impounded his dad's truck and his hunting shotgun on his property. Took a few months to get them back. He was out playing in the snow in one of their lower fields and the DNR plane was looking for spotlighters poaching. Somehow they decided that him playing in his field was enough probable cause to impound the truck and gun even though the plane was reporting activities off another road. However I have not had issues with them and am friends with several of the local cops back home. They drink beer like we do... Treat them fair and they will do likewise--mostly.

[Trail X]

Just to follow up, Mike and I were found not guilty - however this reinforces the theme of "educate yourself" prior to going on a trip. Know what are trails and what are not trails. Sure, we got off, but it's not worth the hassle of trying to fight something like this. The only reason we got out of this is because the trail system is well marked, except for the particular section we were caught on. I supplied pictures showing that there was no signage on the trail to the judge and he agreed that the trail was not properly marked. The DNR officer was very nice, but said signs would be put up shortly. Anyways, I figured I'd follow up for anyone interested.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Glad to hear it worked out in your favor. You are correct...not worth the hassle. That is a good portion of why I like offroad parks.

[janesy86]

Good to hear JD, I know your not one to be wheelin' an illegal spot, so glad to hear they cleared you guys.

[dirty anton]

thanx again james for your very professional presentation in court. what you did with the pictures was amazing. like the judge said, pictures speak a thousand words! good hangin out with you that day.