Trespassers face citations for using private property to avoid Moab flood debris
MOAB, Utah (ABC4) — Recent storms have wrecked havoc near creek beds and along trails in Moab, leading to closures and the Moab City Police Department offering citations to anyone who are using private backyards to get around the debris-laden pathways.
Moab City Police Chief Lex Bell said Moab was highly susceptible to flash flooding, especialy during the monsoon season which typically runs during the summer months. Flash floods from last weekend’s storms have spread debris such as mud, trees, rocks, and more across walking paths especialy where several creeks come together.
The Moab Police Department have shut down the trails, putting up closure signs warning the public to stay away.
“There is a closed sign for a reason,” said Bell. “That means something is going on as far as clean up or there is a safety issue. That’s the biggest thing right now. We don’t know how secure those banks are, there are trees that have been underwashed, undercut, it’s a dangerous area and a dangerous place to be. We don’t want people to ignore those trail closed signs and go in and there and get hurt.”
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However, Bell said people have been ignoring those signs, even going as far as going over downed fences and “no trespassing” signs into private backyards to get around the mud and debris. In a post to social media, the Moab Police Department made it clear that would be considered trespassing and anyone caught would be cited.
“We know it’s frustrating that the paths aren’t passable right now, but that does not allow you to walk through private yards. Respect fences and private property,” Moab PD said in a statement.
Bell said it was the job of the police department to enforce the closure rules and help prevent trespassing onto private property. He emphasized tresspassing is illegal and that it has become an issue. The Moab Police Department is first-and-foremost discouraging trespassing and officers will “more likely than not” give out citations for violations.
Bell told ABC4.com the city is working hard to clear up the debris. City Mayor Joette Langianese has reportedly been meeting with the city manager as well as road crews and city engineers to “talk strategy” on the best ways to systematically remove the debris from the pathways. However, that work could still take some time.
“It could be weeks, it could be a couple of months to get everything along the creek beds back open and safely accessible,” said Bell.
In the meantime, Bell encouraged everybody to stay away from closed trails, out of private yards, and enjoy any of other trails open throughout Moab not affected by flood debris.
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