Issue Assessment
5.19. Public Trespassing
This factor addresses public trespassing, either intentional or unintentional,
onto a military installation. The potential for trespassing increases when
public use areas are in proximity to an installation. Military areas that are
located on or adjacent to public lands owned by other entities (i.e., federal,
state, or local) that are designated for public access, recreation, or for
livestock grazing sometimes experience issues related to public trespassing
into training ranges and other areas with safety hazards related to military
operations.
Key Terms
Natural Boundaries. Natural formations such as water bodies, rough
terrain, or densely wooded areas that may act as a barrier to define and
protect the restricted area's perimeter.
Trespass. Trespass is either intentional or unintentional entry or access by
persons and / or livestock onto Maxwell AFB or Gunter Annex in a physical
or non‐physical manner.
June 2017
ISSUE
PT‐1
Public Trespass onto Maxwell AFB from Powder
Magazine Park
Maxwell AFB records several public trespassing incidents
annually of individuals who intentionally and unintentionally
trespass onto the installation from Powder Magazine Park.
Powder Magazine Park is a public park comprising of approximately 62 acres
between the western bank of the Alabama River and the eastern boundary
of Maxwell AFB. Entrance to the park is made via Eugene Street or Gordon
Street, south of the park. Access roads leading to the park pass the
Salvation Army on Gordon Street and the Salvation Army Church on
Eugene Street.
The installation’s fencing is along Eugene Street and portions of
Riverside Drive but ends near River Road where there are river tributaries
and heavy vegetation. Along the installation’s fencing are posted warning
signs indicating the property is under the jurisdiction of the United States
Air Force (USAF) and trespassers will be prosecuted. However, as the
installation’s boundary becomes obscured by the natural vegetation that is
characteristic of this area and near the Alabama River’s tributaries, the signs
are not marked or even visible in some areas. While the river acts as a
natural boundary there should be posted trespassing or warning signs along
the perimeter of the installation boundary in this area, even if staked above
the waterline.
Background Report
Page 5‐85