Board flags unauthorized trails on reservoir land from AllTrails app; staff pursues removal and signage

Staff told the Water and Sewer Board on Nov. 3 that third-party trail-mapping apps have listed multiple unapproved trails that appear to cross reservoir and watershed land, increasing trespass and public use on sensitive properties.

An operator reported encountering hikers who cited a trail on the AllTrails app; staff reviewed the app and found several trail listings that were not approved or maintained by the city. Staff contacted AllTrails and its legal department to request removal of inaccurate listings and said the company asked for formal documentation from the municipality or landowner. The board's attorney and staff began coordinating with AllTrails to have erroneous routes removed. Staff noted the city does have a handful of approved trails (for example, Halfway Brook and specific Powder Road segments), but that many small paths appearing on the app seemed unauthorized.

The board discussed increasing signage at reservoir entrances and staging more prominent 'no trespassing' and 'no dumping' signs at each entry to the watershed property. Staff also suggested compiling local topographic information and an inventory of approved trails before asking third-party apps to remove listings.

No enforcement action beyond legal requests to the app provider was recorded at Nov. 3; staff said they would continue coordination with AllTrails and examine additional apps and listings.