Residents raise threat of losing access at Meeting House Canyon mouth; county readies depositions for Longstreet hearing

A council member reported that a new private landowner at the mouth of Meeting House Canyon told them he will close the road and deny vehicle access to ground that has long been used to reach public lands. County staff said the response would depend on whether the road demonstrated long-term public use sufficient to create a prescriptive easement and described the depositions and evidence needed to defend a public-access claim in court.

Separately, commissioners discussed the Longstreet road issue and asked for names of people who could testify to historic use; staff said county maintenance records and depositions of local residents would be the primary evidentiary path to establish a prescriptive easement. Several speakers urged quick action to collect records and witness statements before access is altered or gates are installed.