Asking Permission to Cross: Reopening an Old Skid Trail

An old trail with no paperwork

In the southwest corner of Larkspur Run, an old skid trail runs from the landing at the top of the south hill down toward the creek. It isn't entirely on my land. Part of it swings onto the neighboring timber parcel and then comes back.

Nobody I know can tell me when it was cut. My best guess is the 1970s, when the parcels around us were logged. It could be older, a leftover from the first harvest that took the original old-growth out of these hills. I haven't found a date for either.

Over the years, small trees grew back into the trail. It was still there, but you couldn't drive it.

Why I wanted it open

Mostly, fire. If a fire ever starts back there, I want to get a four-wheeler or a tractor with a water tank to it. Without the trail, getting equipment into that corner is hard.

The trail also makes everyday work easier. Thinning, brush clearing, and just checking on things all go better when you can get equipment in.

The catch was the part on my neighbor's ground. I couldn't just go clear it.

Walking it with the neighbor's forester

In March 2026, I walked the trail with the forester who manages the neighboring timberland. We started at the landing and followed the old skid road down toward the new bridge.

He was supportive right away. He agreed that clearing the small regrowth out of the old road made sense, both for fire access and for getting around. He was also clear that he couldn't say yes on his own. The land belongs to an ownership group, and they would need to approve it in writing.

We talked about other things along the way. He liked how clearly our boundary line was marked. We looked at the small stream the trail follows. He also shared his read on the soils and timber on his side, which taught me something about the ground next door.

Getting permission in writing

After the walk, I read up on how neighbors usually handle this. The options ranged from a simple letter of permission to a formal easement. Since this was minor clearing in a road that already existed, I hoped for something simple.

That's about what we got. In spring 2026, I had a signed Temporary Access Permit from the neighbor's ownership. It came with a map showing the route. The key terms were plain:

• Purpose: a tractor and ATV trail along the property line for fire patrol access.

• Length: 12 months from signing.

• What it isn't: an easement or any lasting right. They can revoke it at any time.

• My responsibility: I hold them harmless for anything that happens while I'm working on their land.

I was fine with all of that. It's their land. A short, revocable permit kept things simple for them, and it was enough for me to do the work.

Doing the work and reporting back

By early August 2026, the rough clearing was done. I took the Kubota L3400 through the reopened corridor, hauled the brushy limbs downhill, and cut the stumps flush.

One thing changed from the plan. We first talked about four feet of clearance. In August 2026, a bigger tractor arrived, so I opened the trail to about five feet. That meant taking one more tree than we'd discussed.

I didn't want that to be a surprise. When I finished, I sent the forester an update. I told him about the extra tree, explained why, and let him know the stumps were cut close to the ground.

That update mattered to me as much as the clearing. A neighbor who trusts you is worth more than any trail.

What's left, and what I'd tell others

The stumps are cut close to the ground. I'll see how they do under traffic and decide later whether they need grinding lower.

If you're facing something similar, here's what I'd pass along:

• Walk it together first. Seeing the ground side by side answered questions no email could.

• Expect the forester to need a higher yes. Timber companies have owners and lawyers. Give them time.

• Ask for the simplest permission that fits. For minor work on an existing trail, a short permit may be all anyone needs.

• Report back, especially on changes. Tell them before they find out on their own.

I'd love to hear how others have worked out access with their neighbors. Some of the best things I've learned came from the people next door.