About
Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation believes that community is fundamental to our future.
In order to promote the benefits of conservation to all Islanders (year-round and seasonal), and to recognize that our lands exist within a cultural as well as a natural ecosystem, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation aspires to:
- Include the Island’s many communities throughout the organization and recognize the culture and history of our lands;
- Actively encourage visitors to our properties from every community on the Island;
- Build new partnerships and expand existing ones with community organizations across the Island to integrate land and ecological conservation with other community interests; and
- Expand appropriate uses of Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation lands, including learning, farming, foraging, deriving sustenance from, and enjoying the important benefits that natural and conserved lands provide.
Public Use Policy
General Public Use and Access
The Foundation allows public access to all of its unrestricted fee-owned properties for passive recreational uses, including hiking, observing nature and engaging in other natural pursuits that do not jeopardize the conservation values of the preserve.
- Access to Foundation properties shall be free of charge.
- Hours: Unless otherwise stated, properties are open from sunrise to sunset.
- Please stay on marked designated trails.
- Leave no trace: No littering, no carving in trees, no feeding of wildlife.
- No consuming alcohol, smoking marijuana, or use of illegal substances.
- Trailhead parking is for property and trail connection use only.
Rules and Limitations
As a steward of conservation lands, The Foundation reserves the right to establish and enforce rules and limitations on use and access.
Absolution
Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation absolves itself of any liability from death or injury resulting from the use of its lands.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards or facilities on any body of water accessed by Foundation property. The Foundation absolves itself of any liability for death or personal injury as a result of swimming on its lands. Swimming may specifically be prohibited if the habitat is fragile and use is determined to be harmful to wildlife or it is determined that swimming is inherently dangerous due to local currents.
NOTE: Swimming is prohibited at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary
Horses
Horseback riding is permitted only on specifically-designated trails and specifically-designated properties. The Foundation reserves the right to establish dedicated equestrian trails and to prohibit equestrian use of trails.
Bicycles
In general, bicycles are allowed on Foundation property, including pedal-assist class 1 “e-bikes”. Class 2 and 3 “e-bikes” are prohibited from Foundation trails. The Foundation reserves the right to prohibit bicycling on certain trails and properties or sections thereof.
NOTE: Some trail easements are for pedestrian access only. Please respect these rules when posted and walk your bike.
Boating
Boating is allowed from Foundation properties where boating access is called for in the management plan, or there is a shoreline that provides access to boats launched elsewhere, or where boats may be carried from elsewhere to be launched from Foundation property.
- Some properties may prohibit the landing and launching of boats during shorebird season as required under state and federal law.
- Some properties have specifically designated launching and landing areas. Launching and landing of boats in areas other than those designated is prohibited on these properties.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed on certain Foundation properties. Hunting is governed by the Foundation’s separate Hunting Policy.
Fishing
Fishing consistent with state law is allowed from Foundation property where access to water is provided.
Dogs
Dogs are generally allowed on Foundation property, with the following limitations:
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Owners are encouraged to pack out pet waste on trails and other high use areas.
- Dogs may be prohibited on properties.
- Specific dogs may be banned from certain properties or all properties.
- Exceptions may apply according to lease agreements.
Foraging
Foraging of mushrooms, berries, nuts, leaves, seaweed and herbs for personal use is allowed. No plants may be dug up from the roots, no woody plants may be cut and collected and no plants listed as threatened, endangered or special concern may be collected. No collection for commercial purposes is allowed.
Camping
Camping is not allowed except by written permission.
Campfires
Campfires are not allowed except by written permission and after obtaining a permit from the local fire department.
Drones
Drones are not allowed except by written permission.
Group Use
Individuals and organizations may request permission to lead guided tours or group activities on SMF properties, provided:
- Permission is requested in advance.
- SMF is provided with the date, time and hours of the tour.
- All property rules are followed.
- No fee is charged.
NOTE: SMF reserves the right to decline requests at staff discretion.
Rocketry
Rocketry is not allowed except with written permission.
Geocaching
Geocaching is not allowed except with written permission.
Release of species
No species shall be released on any Foundation property without prior written permission.
Research
Research on Foundation property may be allowed upon proposal submission, Foundation review and approval. The proposal shall include:
- the scope, intent and location of the research;
- the parties involved;
- the research timeframe, including the proposed days and times on site; and,
- what shall be collected from Foundation property and by whom.
If approved, the researcher must agree to share the data and all other relevant information regarding samples found on Foundation property with the Foundation. The researcher must also agree to not divulge information regarding the specific location of any endangered or threatened species or sensitive cultural artifact found on Foundation property.
Firewood
The harvesting of wood for firewood or other purposes is allowed on certain SMF properties with a firewood collection permit and is governed by the Foundation’s separate Policy on the Harvesting of Wood.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards or facilities on any body of water accessed by Foundation property. The Foundation absolves itself of any liability for death or personal injury as a result of swimming on its lands. Swimming may specifically be prohibited if the habitat is fragile and use is determined to be harmful to wildlife or it is determined that swimming is inherently dangerous due to local currents.
NOTE: Swimming is prohibited at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary.
Commercial Use
Commercial use shall be allowed only by special permission of the Board.
All-Terrain Vehicles, Dirt Bikes, and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The use of all-terrain vehicles, motorized dirt bikes and three-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles is prohibited on Foundation trails and off-road, except for those vehicles that are driven for safety or maintenance purposes by Foundation personnel, emergency personnel, and personnel from partner organizations. Motorized vehicles are allowed on driveways, roads, and easements.
Trapping
Trapping is prohibited, except when deemed necessary by stewardship staff as a natural resource management tool or for research purposes. Trapping will only be permitted with written consent by the Foundation and consistent with state law.
Plant, Wildlife, Mineral, and Historical/Cultural Resource Collecting and Metal Detecting
In general, the collection of plants, wildlife, minerals, and historical/cultural artifacts, and the detection of metals and the collection of objects found through metal detecting, from Foundation properties by the public is not permitted.
Metal-detecting and the collection of plants, wildlife, minerals, and historical/cultural artifacts from Foundation property may be permitted with specific Foundation approval and written permission/permit, consistent with all applicable laws.
Dumping
No material of any nature may be placed, dumped, or otherwise introduced onto Foundation lands without written permission from the Foundation.
Nuisances
Recreational sound or vibration-generating uses — such as music-amplification devices — are prohibited.
Artistic exhibitions and other venue-based events
No Foundation property shall be used as a venue for film-making; performance art; the display of sculpture or paintings or graphics of any nature; wedding ceremonies; and the like without written permission.