Iowans Should Keep An Eye Out For Purple Paint In The Woods This Fall

Many of us love to go for hikes in the Fall. While you are enjoying that natural Iowa beauty you might see trees painted with purple paint. Do you know what that means? Many don't realize how important the markings are, and how important it is to keep an eye out for them.

The Purple Paint Law

The shortest answer is that these markings can, and do represent a "no trespassing" sign. Iowa laws with this. According to Iowa.Gov,

Senate File 2101 makes changes to Iowa’s trespassing law. If a property owner living in an unincorporated area places purple paint around their property on trees or fence posts, entering the property is forbidden and constitutes trespassing, effective July 1, 2019. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources must conduct an information campaign to educate the public and property owners about this change.

The Purple Paint Law gives landowners the option of marking trees or posts to prevent trespassing. One of the biggest benefits of the purple paint being used for no trespassing is that, unlike signs that can be removed or destroyed, the purple paint is pretty permanent.

Many sources have gone on to state that many are in support of the idea behind the purple paint markings.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, by an 8-3 margin, agreed to recognize the purple-paint designation as a recognized alternative, permanent method so that a trespasser cannot destroy the means of notice.

 

Reminder... Purple Paint Is The Same As A TressPassing Sign, And The Same Laws Apply

While signs are still used by plenty of landowners in Iowa, it is important to remember that if you walk past purple paint then you are trespassing, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings as you're having fun with friends and loved ones this Fall