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What is the law on sandbars of privately owned land? I'm having trouble with people day tripping and leaving trash and bottles on the land I own. Can I put up no trespassing signs and charge them if I find trash on it while they are there? Been trying to dig around and find something about it. Hate to be a d&ck but tired of cleaning up after other people. Just figure it's better to stop them before they get a chance.

I don't know the answer to your question, but you aren't being a d&ck. The people leaving the trash are being d&cks. I would just contact an LEO or friendly warden and do what I had to do to stop it.

It's a shame people do that. I planned a 3 day canoe trip a few years ago down the Big Black. I researched my route, called landowners, and got permission. Several said "fine". Others asked that I would call a few days in advance so they would know. All were surprised that I bothered calling as they described the same problem you are having.

Edited. I have no idea what is legal. I just called ahead anyways and got permission.

Public access only applies to the water. The land beneath it is yours, and if they're getting out of their boats they are trespassing. If it doesn't bother you that they are hanging out there and only want them to clean up their mess, put a garbage can down there with a sign that says, "You're trespassing, clean up your $#!+ when you leave. Don't be a dick, and I won't be one." If that doesn't work, call the sheriff.

JaMak84 wrote:Public access only applies to the water. The land beneath it is yours, and if they're getting out of their boats they are trespassing. If it doesn't bother you that they are hanging out there and only want them to clean up their mess, put a garbage can down there with a sign that says, "You're trespassing, clean up your $#!+ when you leave. Don't be a dick, and I won't be one." If that doesn't work, call the sheriff.

I think that is your best solution right there. If they still won't quit littering, then it's obvious that these people are unstable and/ or in a hurry..and most definitely bass fishermen.

I hate to see people do stuff like that.... I enjoy camping on the river and staying a couple days at a time.... But I also bring my trash out with me.... My boat will have water bottles all in it by the end of the day...

In no way should you put a trash can down there. If someone gets injured or killed a decent attorney will turn that against you as inviting folks on your property. It's sad but it's reality. Your best option for your legal protection is ignore it and pick up after them acting like you didn't know folks were using your property or prosecute them.

JaMak84 wrote:Public access only applies to the water. The land beneath it is yours, and if they're getting out of their boats they are trespassing. If it doesn't bother you that they are hanging out there and only want them to clean up their mess, put a garbage can down there with a sign that says, "You're trespassing, clean up your $#!+ when you leave. Don't be a dick, and I won't be one." If that doesn't work, call the sheriff.

That is not entirely true. If the water is flooded outside the banks into your property, then yes, they are trespassing. However MS does not have stream access laws preventing people from getting out of their boats and wading as long as they don't go beyond the stream banks.

That being said, it shouldn't matter who owns the land, littering for any reason is only committed by inconsiderate pricks. Whether it's being inconsiderate to the environment or land owners.

duramax wrote:

JaMak84 wrote:Public access only applies to the water. The land beneath it is yours, and if they're getting out of their boats they are trespassing. If it doesn't bother you that they are hanging out there and only want them to clean up their mess, put a garbage can down there with a sign that says, "You're trespassing, clean up your $#!+ when you leave. Don't be a dick, and I won't be one." If that doesn't work, call the sheriff.

That is not entirely true. If the water is flooded outside the banks into your property, then yes, they are trespassing. However MS does not have stream access laws preventing people from getting out of their boats and wading as long as they don't go beyond the stream banks.

That being said, it shouldn't matter who owns the land, littering for any reason is only committed by inconsiderate pricks. Whether it's being inconsiderate to the environment or land owners.

So this and I wish mr BA landowner knew this