Popular recreation spot now off-limits

Yumans who have been going to a popular recreation spot known as “The Tree” to beat the summer heat will now need to find somewhere else to go.

Located along the Colorado River between the confluence and the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, “The Tree” has been well-known party spot for Yumans, young and old alike, for many, many years.

“It is a beach area along a bend in the river,” said Capt. Eben Bratcher, spokesman for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office. “There is also a small island there.”

Bratcher said the owner of the property, roughly located between Avenue 2-1/2E and 3-1/2E, posted "No Trespassing" signs a couple of months ago and has asked the sheriff's office to enforce trespassing onto his property.

“Everyone goes out there, but someone actually owns it,” Bratcher said. “The property owner has the right to decide what to do with his property, including posting the no-trespassing signs.”

Bratcher added that he did not know why, or even if there was a specific reason prompting it, the owner chose to post the signs. The area is also know as a common spot for homeless camps.

For the time being, Bratcher said, the sheriff's office is only informing people who go out there that the area is private property and they aren't allowed at “The Tree” anymore.

“We are informing them that the sign they drove past on the way in meant no trespassing. For the most part people are listening, but not all.”

Although they haven't started yet, Bratcher said at some point the sheriff's office will start issuing citations for trespassing.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.