Lower Tye Take Out Access - Angry Cop

[etharris]

Last week while paddling the Lower Tye, we encountered an aggressive cop at the Rucker Run takeout. There is a "Keep Out" sign at the entrance to the field that you walk up when taking out. I had never paddled this section, but the guy I was with is a local and said the sign was new. While we were loading boats at the end, a state trooper pulled up and started hassling us about whether we had permission to use the land. My buddy I was with actually does know the owner, but the cop was very aggressive and looking for a fight. Luckily, we were able to sneak away after the cop ran through the field towards a group of canoeist that were taking out. He actually had his hand on his gun while running through the field towards them. While he was running after the other people, we got the _ _ _ _ out of there!

Crazy!!! Be careful if you decide to run the lower tye. Also, leave the party favors at home. The cop was looking to bust people.

[Jtaylor]

Sounds more like the owner or a land owner complained to someone...... Might want to try talking to the land owner again. Especially if the sign is new. Land could have switched hands.

[LilMoochie]

It was the "official takeout" of the Nelson County River Race in May. I was just there a few weeks ago and I don't recall seeing a "keep out" sign. It was definitely an "open and notorious" take-out then. Non-boaters were also using it "open and notoriously" as a sort of play beach then. I wonder if that was the final straw.

So what happens now? Do you have to paddle on down to James River State Park? Or maybe just tell the Po-Po that you're running the race but not a particularly swift paddler.

[allsky7]

The "official" race take out is upstream on private property of the Rucker Run take out. My guess is that someone (or more than one) drove out into the guys field (seen it happen before). Usually corn or something planted this time of year. I have taken out here many times without problem. The only issue I have ever had was a year or so back across the RR bridge in the small parking area. A gentleman stopped one day and said we were trespassing. I was parked behind the guard rail not blocking the gate at the other end of the parking lot. The guy kinda caught me off guard. I said something to the effect of "we are"? There was a moment of silence and the guy kinda looked disgusted and drove off. No clue who he was. Haven't had a problem since.

[GinnyN]

I'm unclear exactly which property the problem was on. here's a map - http://goo.gl/maps/tW0Zb
was the problem at the race takeout? or the Rucker run takeout?

I will try to talk to the owner of the appropriate property and see what the issue is.

in any case - NEVER drive across the field at the Rucker Run takeout - carry across the field. I can imagine that he farmer there is fed up this year with as much use as the Tye has gotten.

thanks.

[LilMoochie]

I see- So it's close to the "official takeout" but not exactly. In any case, the world is unfortunately full of really thoughtless boaters who make it hard for the conscientious ones. I'm curious to hear the whole story.

[GinnyN]

hopefully the attachment will work. obviously a new sign with barbed wire attached. but the barbed wire doesn't go all the way to the right to attach to the guard rail (which is out of the picture - sorry). kinda gives you the idea that the sign and barbed wire are there to keep vehicles from the field. specifically kids doing doughnuts. I'm still trying to talk to somebody that knows for sure.

[etharris]

The issue happened at the "Rucker Run" takeout. The one immediately downstream of the confluence with Rucker Run. From what I am reading, this is not the same takeout as the "official race takeout". Is the "official race takeout" open for use all year round? Also, I was thinking that one could paddle upstream on Rucker Run to the bridge and takeout there (although I don't know how terrible the hill would be at that bridge).

[davidp]

The race take-out has a pretty long carry up to the road through poison ivy and waist-high grass with ticks. The bridge over Rucker's has VERY steep banks, tends to be muddy, and you can't paddle up to it at normal Tye flows. The next access is James River Park about 3 miles downstream (all very flat water). And you have to cross the James which results in an hour added to the shuttle and a fee to use the park. You can also paddle down to Wingina - 5 more miles on the James, all class I, and a much longer shuttle as well.

So . . . this little piece of property is key. Ginny, if you are able to talk to someone, I am sure we can get folks to erect a nice fence to keep out cars, and maybe post a sign saying no loitering (whatever they want us to do). We only need to be on the land for 2 minutes, and can do whatever to make him happy. Or it would be great if we could perhaps get the County to purchase that sliver we need.

Did folks notice the access at Tye River Depot is now also posted? This is just east of Rt. 29. The state is considering granting this whole stretch "scenic" status. Wouldn't it be ironic if no one could paddle it!
http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/a ... f6878.html

[GinnyN]

yes - the access at Tye River Depot now has a posted sign. The owners, Eve and William Yagel are wonderful people and super property access owners. To them fishers, boats, and floats are OK. But, No drunk rejects with kids on the swollen river! THey don't want people partying down there, leaving trash. They don't want it to become the local swimming hole. hence, the easiest sign to put up is a Posted sign. I'm talking to Eve about signage that would work.