I wanted to ask opinions on something.

I had a spot that I used to go to to get away. The local high school kids used to come up there and the local fire company used to come up there to practice brush fires. I have talked to adults that remember going up there in the 60's to kick back and "have a good time".

The last time I was home and went there someone spray painted on the trees no motor vehicles. This is fine I will no longer go uo there and tell people not too anymore. From what I have learned it is the power companies land, even though it is not in use.

I was kind of a little mad about the fact that I only stay on trails, don't litter and don't even tell people about it for fear that they will ruin it. But how is it that I might destroy something, but it is ok to spray paint on trees and everything. Isn't that hurting the enviroment? There is also all sorts of equipment dumped back there and it is right next to a superfund site, it might even be part of it so it can not be used for anything.

I am by no means supporting wildcatting, but it was not posted no tresspassing or anything like that and it has been used for 40+ years by locals including me.

You are absolutely right. It's not okay to just go ahead and spray paint on things to keep you out. That's the pot calling the kettle black. Like you said, though it is their land. Have you attempted to talk to them and see if it is something that you and your group might be able to adopt and keep pristine in exchange for using as a trail?

I have not yet only because I do not exactly know who to talk to. I almost wouldn't like to let my group be the exception because it will end up bringing more people from the community up there because most of the younger kids will go up there regardless and Id rather not leave an avenue of escape from repercussion.

If it is private property you are trespassing, regardless of it's state of use, or how long people have been trespassing in the past.

To be honest I am not sure. I followed a friend up there one day that said it was ok. I should have asked around first, which is why I stopped as soon as there was a possibility it was private property. I know that it is also used for horse back riding and camping and by the fire company. I've heard stories as far back as the late 60's that people have gone up there.

what fire company are you talking about? Philly? or a county?

It can't hurt to do some digging. Should be able to find the plot on the county assessors maps. A little grunt work and working with the owners of the property can go a long way to gaining access.

County, this is back by my old place in the suburbs.