SCDNR Property Watch Program

Access roads

Closing access roads will deter many violators away from the landowner/Lessee's property. Some suggestions are included for assistance.

  1. Gates are probably more secure than cables or chains.
  2. Gates should be placed within view of a main public road. This may help to prevent vandalism to the gate and lock. (See example #1)Example 1, Gates should be placed within view of a main public road.
  3. Locks should be substantial enough to withstand weather and possible vandalism. Hardened steel lock shanks are available on most quality padlocks.
  4. Cutting trees across a road is not a recommended method of closing a road, as it is easily removed.
  5. Gates placed near wide flat areas, such as power lines, may need ditching on one or both side if no natural barriers are present. (See example #2)Example 2, Gates placed near wide flat areas, such as power lines, may need ditching on one or both side if no natural barriers are present.
  6. Utilize natural barriers such as; creeks, ravines, thick stands of timber whenever possible. (See example #3)Example 3, Utilize natural barriers such as; creeks, ravines, thick stands of timber whenever possible.
  7. Steel pipes, 3 inches or larger, are suggested for the use as gate stand pipes, or 3/8 inches or thicker angle, channel or I beams are suitable. Wood, telephone type poles, or living trees are the least effective. Chain saws are now very inexpensive.
  8. If a road needs to be closed permanently, a ditch and mound of earth is probably the most effective way. The dirt should be piled to the inside or the side away from public access. (See example #4)Example 4, If a road needs to be closed permanently, a ditch and mound of earth is probably the most effective way.
  9. On example #5, the lock is protected from vandalism by the stand pipe. One half inch diameter or larger steel rods inserted at right angles through the bottom of the stand pipe (when initially buried/placed) will help keep pole from being pulled out the ground. Concrete with this is even better. Optimum depth for bottom of stand pole is 3 - 4 feet. Example 5, Lock is protected from vandalism by the stand pipe
  10. Aluminum farm gates work well where livestock is present but are easily penetrated. Weld pins for gate facing each other. Weld threaded ends of bolts after hanging your gate. Again, optimum depth for bottom of stand pole is 3 - 4 feet. (See example #6) Example 6, Aluminum farm gates work well where livestock is present but are easily penetrated. Fill stand pipe with sand in case lock should be accidentally dropped down inside; it will not be 3 - 4 feet down and instead more easily retrieved.
  11. Gates should be highly viable at night to prevent accidental damage. Light reflecting paint and tape are available and are not overly expensive.
  12. Padlocks may be keyed to one key. This will prevent having to carry large numbers of different keys for one tract of land.

    NOTE: We have been advised of liability problems using chains or cables to close woods roads. If using a chain or cable; the chain/ cable should be enclosed in a white PVC pipe for high visibility.