Chino Valley People! Come Hither! "State Land" Question (leases, legal)

[Nikki Shinn]

The little place we got in CV borders what they call "state land" - I swiped a picture off someone's flicker thing for illustration purposes for the couple questions I have about it, if anyone has answers.

I was told that a train used to run along in front of it (or wherever) but (thankfully after signing that lease!) is no longer in use. I'm interested in the history of the railroad there, and the 'state land' itself. I see lots of people walking, jogging, cutting across but haven't made my way back there to check it out more.

What's back there, anyone know?

What about the local laws/ordinances about accessing it?

I am generally under the impression that any federal land you can't metal detect, but it's been very hard trying to keep from grabbing my MD and going along the railroad levy - that's just too tempting!

As for the state land, right now it's all dry and dead yellow. Pleeease tell me it greens up in the spring like in this picture!

http://www.treasurequestadventures.com/misc/stateland2.bmp (broken link)
If it does green up like this, about what time of year might that be? I love sitting on the porch in the morning with my coffee..it's a really nice, serene little view. Makes up for the dirt yard and constant porch sweeping!

Just curious about the background of the area, history, lore, etc. where the trails/paths go and such before venturing out. Is it private property or off limits?

Thanks!

[BriansPerspective]

The land should green up by late summer after the monsoons hit in July. I don't know what the access is for state land, but keep in mind that state land is effectively a money trust for the state. It can be sold or traded at any time for the state's benefit. Don't let anybody tell you that it will remain as open space.

[esselcue]

Much of the State Land here in Chino and around the county is leased by ranchers to run their cattle. The fellow who leases the land out by me does not care at all if folks ride horses or hike on that land, but I believe he has legal rights to deny motorized vehicles and he hates those idiots with paint guns...and if a hiker or equestrian harms his cattle he can take action accordingly.

I don't know why you can't use your metal detector. I am sure no one would care. You cannot run a mining business or own a claim on State Land but no one is going to haul you off for detecting old coins, nails, bits of stuff from years gone by. Just NEVER touch any Native American artifacts (this being said by a lady who has a dozen or more arrow heads found while hiking over the years .

That looks like a July photo after a day or two of rain