About OCTS
As stated in the Virginia Outdoors Plan, 2018 -
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/document/vopchapt03.pdf
Volunteerism, Partnerships and Landowner Liability
As volunteerism and partnerships for outdoor recreation and land conservation increase across the Commonwealth, so does the importance of the protections established in §29.1-509 of the Code of Virginia.** This law protects private landowners from liability when private lands are open to the public. Protection encourages property owners to continue to open lands for outdoor recreation. As long as landowners do not charge a fee for access, and there is no gross negligence or “willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use or structure” on the property, they are protected from liability due to injury or death when they provide public recreation access. The law also limits the liability of landowners who enter into a lease agreement with state agencies.
As stated in the Code of Virginia
**https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title29.1/chapter5/section29.1-509/
http://www.virginiahorsecouncil.org/virginia-regulations-pertaining-to-the-horse-industry/
Equine Liability Act § 3.2-6200 - § 3.2-6203
Virginia Equine Liability Act
OCTS is a dynamic organization that provides new and long-term residents with opportunities to meet neighbors, to engage in fun and educational activities, and to improve the safety and quality of life for our community.
The Orlean Community Trail System (OCTS) is a grassroots, community-based organization begun in 2004 and open to all residents living within ten miles of the Orlean Post Office. OCTS strives to create an inclusive community, engaging with neighbors and local organizations such as churches, commercial and civic groups, and the Orlean Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (OVFRD). OCTS organizes and encourages social activities, community improvement efforts, and assistance with neighborhood trails for riders and hikers. The OCTS Website is a source of information about the organization and its activities; the OCTS Facebook page provides daily updates on such things as interesting activities, lost and found animals, road and weather hazards, and recommendations for local services.
At its heart, OCTS is a loose association of neighbors who get together to better know one another and to encourage a cohesive and helpful environment with and for each other. It is not a Home Owners Association, does not have dues, and has no legal authority to direct or mandate anything. Its decision process is based solely on consensus of the Board members at its monthly meetings. These decisions generally correspond with various ongoing projects (e.g., litter pickup, pollinator meadow) and social events (e.g., Snipe Hunt, Barn Dance, Holiday Bonfire).
OCTS has grown to:
950+ Facebook members
about 500 members on the email list
about 250 participating landowners (PLOs) who represent an estimated 3,500 acres
about 20 miles of trails for riders and hikers
OCTS has provided a platform for the launch of activities that include:
a weekly dinner meeting
art and craft groups
a walking group
food drives
fundraisers for the OVFRD
pop-up events for hiking, riding, and sledding
travel groups
book clubs
litter pickup
native plant pollinator meadow
field trips to sporting and educational events, concerts, and plays
providing firewood to neighbors
photo contest to celebrate community