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Landowner Requests Flat Creek Road Closure; Commissioners Ask for Historical Easement Research
Summary
Alan Bloxham’s representative asked the county to close a section of Flat Creek Road used by trespassers; commissioners directed staff to assemble historical research and consult the prosecuting attorney before any closure decision.
A representative for landowner Alan Bloxham told commissioners Wednesday that chronic trespassing and unsecured gates on Flat Creek Road have created hazards for livestock and property, and requested the county close the county‑owned 1.9‑mile section of the road that crosses Bloxham’s holdings.
Jerry Whelan, who said he manages the Bloxham land, described multiple summer incidents: people camping in posted private areas, open gates that allowed cattle to wander onto Davis Creek Road, and confrontations between landowners and recreational users. Whelan said the property contains fences keyed for cattle management and that repeated failure to close gates creates safety and operational problems.
Commissioners said the county has discussed Flat Creek Road in prior meetings and that records in the planning and zoning file include minutes and references dating back to 1990 and again in 2017. Because the road’s legal status and any historical county easement affect whether it can be closed, the board directed staff to gather the road file and historical records, request the prosecuting attorney’s review, and consider historical‑research contractor notes the county has previously commissioned.
County staff said the historical‑research firm previously produced a database on county roads, but records for Flat Creek were not definitive in that dataset. Commissioners emphasized the need for documentary evidence of whether the route carries a historical public easement before changing access.
Next steps: staff will compile the planning and road file materials, consult with the prosecuting attorney and historical‑research contractor as needed, and notify landowners and stakeholders of any follow‑up meetings. The board said it will notify Mr. Bloxham of the timeline for further meetings.
Why it matters: changing legal access to historic roadways affects recreational users, private landowners, emergency access and county transportation planning. Commissioners said the county must balance private property rights with public access and avoid unilateral closures without clear legal authority.
