Hidalgo Falls Access Agreement
Texas Rivers Protection Association
For a more printer-friendly version of this agreement, click here.
Access and use of the TRPA property at Hidalgo Falls is restricted to
certified paddlers and their registered guests. I have completed an orientation
program onsite, and I expect to be given the combination to the entrance gate lock when it is confirmed that I am eligible for certification, which means that I have fulfilled one of the following:
- Lifetime certification: donate a total of at least $500 to the TRPA Hidalgo Falls fund
- Annual certification: be a Protector ($25/yr) member of TRPA (click here to join)
- Annual certification: donate at least five hours of labor at the property on an organized work day
- Annual certification: be designated by a paddling club as a club-supported Hidalgo Falls user
The orientation highlighted the boundaries of the TRPA property,
the river access easement, and other items noted below. By signing this
agreement, I acknowledge as a certified paddler and combination holder
the following obligations and duties:
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At no time will I allow the gate to be left unlocked.
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I will make sure that the lock is closed and the tumblers turned, and that the reattached lock does not bypass the locks of other landowners.
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I will ensure that all members of my party sign the registration book in the box at the entrance gate kiosk each time they visit the property. I will admit no unregistered individuals.
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I must make arrangements to meet my guests at the gate and remain onsite
with my party at all times (including overnight camping).
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I will ensure that my party uses the TRPA property only to
launch canoes, kayaks, and sit-on-tops (no motorized craft). Access to the river for sunbathing, swimming, and especially fishing is prohibited.
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Only people who have paddled with already certified users of the property can get the gate lock combination. This means that a newly certified paddler must prove that he/she has a boat and, as it were, be sponsored by someone who can vouch for the fact that he/she is more interested in paddling than simply camping.
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Only zero impact camping, including carrying in water and carrying out
trash, is permitted on the property. Campers are not to disturb the locals
and are responsible for any damages done to the property.
Because no one can be certified until it is confirmed that he or she has fulfilled at least one of the eligibility requirements listed above, I cannot give out the combination to anyone. (Note: this is a change in TRPA policy effective on August 1, 2004.) If my email address or phone number changes, I will inform TRPA and the Hidalgo Falls newlist so that I can be notified when the lock combination is changed in mid-April each year.
TRPA is not liable for damage to personal property or injuries to paddlers
or their guests. If I or members of my party fail to follow these regulations
(including registration), my certification may be revoked and access to
the TRPA property prohibited. The combination to the gate lock is changed annually or at the discretion of the steering committee. Access to the property may be restricted or amended during special events.
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_____________________________ _________________________________
Paddler's signature
Paddler's name (printed)
_____________________________ ____________________
__________
Email address
Phone number
Date
_____________________________ _________________________________
Vehicle License Plate # Make, Model, Year
_____________________________ _________________________________
Certifier's signature
Certifier's name (printed)
Sign the sheet, tear along dotted line, and give the bottom portion to the person certifying you (who will pass it on to TRPA). If you have fulfilled at least one of the eligibility requirements listed above, you will receive notice of the combination by email or phone shortly.
Revised 4-8/07