Cadron Access

[Aunt Bee]

This approach seems likely to harm relations with property owners state wide. Why would anyone tolerate us if we're going to petition to take their rights in the long run?

Should my grandson be able to ride his bike on your golf course at night or swim in your pool when you are not home? How is there a difference between his actions and yours? Seven years of trespassing does not make somebody's back yard into public domain. I support the course of raising money and purchasing river land fairly from willing property owners.

[T Yamashita]

It looks like we're getting some good discussion going on here. Maybe we can get all the info necessary and present what can be done at the summer board meeting. I also appreciate Zach's post and level headedness. Please also let Mr Tillman know it appears much of this was due to an apparent misunderstanding, and the club is very interested in working with him for a win/win situation to all.

[Clif]

Years ago we actually did ask someone if it was ok... not sure it turned out to be the owner.

While we are sharing info.... I should also be clear that the "we" here was me... before the gate, before I knew of an ACC.

[bart]

Heck, if someone's willing to check into starting the process of obtaining a 'prescriptive easement', why not start further up the creek at Cadron Creek Outfitters? There's lots more history of access there and if successful, it would be a better float than starting at the bridge. I'll bet Cadron Boy can tell us all about the process of prescriptive easements. I think that anyone's efforts will be futile at either location.

Seems to me, the best approach would be for the ACC to appoint about 3 representatives to approach Mr. Tillman and see what could be worked out, and then following through. We sure don't need 15 or 20 folks calling Mr. Tillman who have no athority to negotiate for the ACC. That will only add to the confusion. By reading his grandsons post, it sounds like Mr. Tillman may be reasonable to talk to.

[Crane]

Mr. Tillman indicated quite clearly in our conversation that he was not willing to sell less than the whole 15 acres at Pinnacle Springs and was firm on his price. There is no way, in my opinion, that it would be possible to raise that kind of funding for a single access point. Coupled with the recent purple paint and at least one note to a person who parked, every appearance was that access would be cut off... as it has been at CCO. If Mr. Tillman is open to attempting to negotiate a sale of less than the 15 acres at some price we paddlers can raise, I'm all for entering into those negotiations. Purchase is a much more desirable course... if it can be accomplished. If not, then...

As to CCO access, so far as I'm aware, all entry has been with permission of the owner and his predecessor. Thus, there is no prescriptive easement to get recognized.

[Aunt Bee]

Good Heavens, Mr. Crane! You are no more entitled to Mr. Tillman's land than he is to yours. He is free to sell or not sell his land as he so desires.

[zjfarris]

I appreciate the feedback on all of this. I think my grandfather (and myself) thought the petition was created and supported on behalf of the Ar Canoe Club. I am glad to know this is not the case.
I will certainly provide his number to the individuals you mentioned so that the ball can get rolling on a new purchase deal. In the meantime, let me talk to him about how he wants to handle the numerous requests for access. This could potentially become an issue as their is so little space for parking and there have been issues in the past with a few accidents due to overcrowding the area. He certainly doesn't want to be liable should something happen again.
I will keep everyone posted concerning this matter.

[Crane]

Aunt Bee, welcome to the Board. Many people share your opinion... some are even members of the ACC. However, I am of the opinion that the public has been using that access for 20 years to my knowledge and that an easement has been created by prescription under the laws of Arkansas.... I also believe that purchase of the land and turning it over to a public entity to hold would be a better course than going to court to enforce the public's easement. We paddlers should attempt to do that on every river and stream used frequently for paddling in Arkansas. Only then will access be assured for future paddlers.