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If your property borders City of Louisville Open Space, you may have wondered, "Who is my neigh- bor?" In some situations, for example where a trail is near your property line, there's no mistaking that the land adjacent to your back or side yard is public property. But in other cases, the open space adjacent to private lots is relatively inaccessible to the public. In these circumstanc- es, residents sometimes treat open space as a convenient extension of their backyard... a place for those bulky lawn clippings, large branches, smelly compost piles, or equip- ment. In more prominent situations, private landowners have extended yards, fencing, landscaping, and gardens are also instances of property own- ers mowing or constructing trails from their backyards into Open Space. Often, the intent is not malicious, but merely a mis- understanding of where the property line is and what it stands for. Technically, these activities on property with- out the permission of the owner are called encroachments. YOUR OPEN SPACE NEIGHBOR As the Open Space program continues to grow, issues related to property boundaries and private use of open space increase as well. Typically, encroachments are the the aesthetics of open space, but can also harm natural resources by spreading weeds in yard waste and can in- terfere with mowing operations. In short, encroachments become a visible symbol that contradicts the meaning of public land. City's Municipal Code prohibits encroachments (by making the dumping of trash and yard waste on open space and the disturbance of open space resources un- to begin addressing these and other boundary issues, the Open Space Division will be evalu- work will include confirming the property lines, checking for any encroachments into open space, and sending notices to landowners that are encroaching onto Open Space In the meantime, a good rule of thumb is to treat adjacent City of Louisville Open Space with all the respect that you would give to any other private owner. Because after all, open space is shared by all of us and isn't for the exclusive use of anyone. If you have any ques- tions or comments about encroachments please con- tact Ember Brignull, Open Space Coordinator, at 303.335,4729 or emberb@ louisvilleco.gov. To view a complete open space and trails map, please visit the Parks and Recreation Section of the City's web site at www. louisvilleco.gov.