Welcome to the Conservancy

MILLICAN RESERVE PROPERTY AND TRAIL RULES

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Purpose and Scope

The Millican Reserve Land Conservancy (the “Conservancy”) stewards and manages certain lands, trails, facilities, and recreational areas at Millican Reserve.

MILLICAN RESERVE IS PRIVATE PROPERTY. Access is permitted only as authorized by the Conservancy, the property owner, or an authorized operator.

These Rules apply to everyone entering or using areas managed or made available by the Conservancy, including Conservancy Resident Members, Family or Individual Members, TrailPass holders, DayPass holders, program and event participants, volunteers, invitees, and other authorized visitors.

Additional rules, agreements, or staff instructions may apply to particular activities, events, facilities, or areas, including the Farm, Stables, Boathouse, Basecamp, camps, private events, and equestrian activities. Where a more specific rule applies, that rule controls.

By entering the property, each person agrees to follow these Rules, all posted notices, and all instructions from Conservancy staff or authorized representatives.

Authorized Access

  1. Access is permitted only with a current and valid Membership, TrailPass, DayPass, event registration, invitation, reservation, or other authorization appropriate for the visit.
  2. Access credentials and passes are personal and may not be transferred, shared, duplicated, or used by anyone not listed on the applicable account or registration.
  3. Each adult trail user must have individual authorization or be an eligible adult listed under an applicable household Membership or TrailPass.
  4. A Member or pass holder may not bring an unauthorized guest onto the property. A guest must obtain the required DayPass, TrailPass, Membership, event registration, or other permission before entering.
  5. Children age 16 and younger must remain accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult unless they are participating in a Conservancy program that expressly provides otherwise. The supervising adult is responsible for the child’s conduct and compliance with these Rules.
  6. All required waivers, emergency information, equestrian documentation, and other participation forms must be current before access is permitted.
  7. Access is limited to designated areas and authorized activities. Permission to enter one part of Millican Reserve does not provide permission to enter other areas.
  8. Trails and facilities may be closed, restricted, or reserved at any time because of weather, trail conditions, maintenance, land-management activities, construction, programs, private events, safety concerns, or other operational needs.
  9. Entering a closed or restricted area is prohibited, even when a gate or physical barrier is open.
  10. Anyone directed to leave by Conservancy staff, security personnel, or another authorized representative must leave promptly.

Hours, Entrance, and Parking

  1. Recreational trail access is permitted only during daylight hours, from sunrise until sunset, unless the Conservancy has expressly authorized another time.
  2. Trail users must check the current trail status before arriving. Trails are closed during and after rainfall whenever conditions are too wet for sustainable or safe use.
  3. Users must enter, exit, drive, unload, and park only in the locations designated for their particular activity.
  4. Vehicles may travel only on authorized roads. Trail users may not drive beyond closed gates, into restricted areas, or onto the trail system.
  5. Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Vehicles may not block gates, roads, fire lanes, trailheads, agricultural operations, loading areas, or emergency access.
  6. Posted speed limits and all traffic directions must be observed.
  7. Users must provide and maintain accurate vehicle information when requested as part of their Membership, TrailPass, or activity registration.
  8. Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails unless expressly authorized by the Conservancy.

Respect for the Land and Other Users

All users must:

  1. Stay on marked trails, designated roads, parking areas, and other areas specifically authorized for their activity.
  2. Observe all signs, gates, barriers, closures, trail-direction markings, and staff instructions.
  3. Avoid interfering with other trail users, agricultural activities, land-management work, programs, private events, residents, livestock, or authorized operations.
  4. Leave plants, trees, wildlife, rocks, soil, artifacts, equipment, signs, fences, gates, and other natural or constructed features undisturbed.
  5. Pack out all trash and personal belongings.
  6. Properly dispose of pet waste.
  7. Avoid excessive noise, threatening conduct, harassment, reckless behavior, or any activity that unreasonably disrupts other users.
  8. Report hazardous conditions, damaged signs, injured wildlife, uncontrolled animals, fire, vandalism, or suspicious activity to the Conservancy.

The following are prohibited unless specifically authorized in writing:

  1. Leaving marked trails or entering restricted areas.
  2. Entering farm production areas, residences, barns, animal enclosures, maintenance areas, construction areas, or private event areas.
  3. Feeding, approaching, chasing, capturing, harassing, injuring, or releasing wildlife or livestock.
  4. Picking, cutting, collecting, damaging, or removing plants, firewood, rocks, antlers, artifacts, or other natural materials.
  5. Hunting, trapping, shooting, or discharging any weapon.
  6. Camping or remaining on the property overnight.
  7. Building or altering trails, jumps, structures, drainage features, or signs.
  8. Open flames, campfires, fireworks, explosives, or other ignition sources.
  9. Soliciting, vending, commercial instruction, paid guiding, organized group activities, races, or other commercial uses.
  10. Commercial or professional photography or filming.
  11. Operating a drone or other unmanned aircraft.
  12. Illegal drugs, unlawful conduct, or entering while impaired in a manner that creates a risk to others.
  13. Alcohol except when expressly authorized or provided as part of an approved event.
  14. Glass containers on trails or in natural recreation areas.

Personal, noncommercial photography is permitted in areas the photographer is otherwise authorized to access, subject to the Conservancy’s Photography Policy and the privacy of other users.

Firearms and Weapons

Except for authorized law-enforcement personnel or persons receiving prior written authorization from the Conservancy, firearms, weapons, hunting equipment, fireworks, and explosives are prohibited in Conservancy-managed recreational areas and facilities.

All users must comply with applicable posted notices and Texas law.

Dogs and Other Animals

  1. Well-behaved dogs are permitted only in approved areas.
  2. Dogs must remain on a physical leash and under the immediate control of a responsible handler at all times. Electronic collars and voice control do not replace the leash requirement.
  3. Handlers must prevent dogs from approaching, chasing, threatening, or interfering with people, horses, livestock, wildlife, or other dogs.
  4. Pet waste must be collected and removed.
  5. Aggressive, excessively disruptive, uncontrolled, or visibly ill animals are not permitted.
  6. Dogs and other pets may be prohibited from particular facilities, programs, agricultural areas, equestrian areas, or events.
  7. Service animals are permitted as required by applicable law and must remain under the handler’s control.

Lakes, Ponds, and Water Areas

Access to lakes, ponds, creeks, and shorelines is allowed only in specifically designated areas and for authorized activities.

Swimming, wading, fishing, launching personal watercraft, and other water access are prohibited unless expressly permitted as part of an approved Conservancy activity, reservation, or event.

No person may enter a closed shoreline, dam, spillway, dock, bridge, or water-control structure.

General Trail Rules

The trails at Millican Reserve are natural-surface, multi-use trails. Conditions may include uneven terrain, loose surfaces, roots, rocks, mud, low branches, water crossings, wildlife, livestock, farm equipment, and other natural or operational hazards.

All trail users must:

  1. Use the trails only when they are officially open.
  2. Remain only on marked trails at all times.
  3. Use only trails designated for their activity.
  4. Travel at a speed that allows them to maintain control and stop safely.
  5. Slow down at intersections, blind turns, bridges, water crossings, congested areas, and when approaching other users.
  6. Yield to equestrians. Cyclists must also yield to pedestrians.
  7. Announce themselves before passing and wait until it is safe and the other user has acknowledged them.
  8. Avoid blocking the trail when stopping or gathering as a group.
  9. Keep headphones and speakers at a level that allows them to hear other users, animals, warnings, and approaching traffic.
  10. Avoid using wet or muddy trails. Creating ruts, widening trails, bypassing wet areas, or riding around standing water damages the trail system.
  11. Carry adequate water and supplies appropriate for the weather, activity, and anticipated duration.
  12. Leave enough time to exit the trail system before sunset.
  13. Use equipment appropriate for the activity and remain within their own abilities and experience.

Motorized devices and e-bikes are prohibited on the trail system.

Hiking and Trail Running

Hikers and runners must remain alert for bicycles, horses, wildlife, maintenance equipment, and changing trail conditions.

Pedestrians must move to a safe side of the trail when allowing horses, bicycles, or authorized vehicles to pass. Users should not suddenly approach a horse from behind or make movements or noises likely to startle it.

Bicycling

Cyclists must:

  1. Maintain control of their bicycles at all times.
  2. Yield to pedestrians and equestrians.
  3. Slow to a walking pace or stop when necessary to pass safely.
  4. Avoid skidding, cutting corners, riding around closed sections, or otherwise damaging trail surfaces.
  5. Use only trails designated for bicycle use.
  6. Refrain from racing or timed competitive riding except during an approved event.

Properly fitted and securely fastened bicycle helmets meeting the current U.S. CPSC helmet standard are required for all cyclists.

Equestrian Use

Equestrian access is permitted only in accordance with current Conservancy and Stables procedures.

Before bringing a horse onto the property, the responsible person must:

  1. Obtain any required advance approval or check-in confirmation.
  2. Provide proof of a current negative Equine Infectious Anemia test, commonly called a Coggins test, in a form acceptable to the Conservancy.
  3. Use only the designated equestrian entrance, trailer route, unloading area, parking area, ranch roads, and equestrian trails.
  4. Follow all instructions from Conservancy and Stables personnel.

Riders must:

  1. Maintain control of their horses at all times.
  2. Ride within their own abilities and their horse’s training and condition.
  3. Communicate clearly with other trail users concerning safe passing.
  4. Use only trails and roads designated for equestrian use.
  5. Avoid trails that are closed, wet, muddy, or otherwise unsuitable.
  6. Prevent horses from damaging facilities, vegetation, trails, vehicles, or other property.
  7. Wear appropriate riding equipment. ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmets are strongly recommended and may be required for particular programs or participants.

Stallions are not permitted without the Conservancy’s prior written authorization.

Texas law limits liability for injuries or death resulting from the inherent risks of farm-animal activities.

Health, Safety, and Emergencies

  1. Each user is responsible for evaluating weather, trail conditions, personal fitness, experience, equipment, and the difficulty of the intended activity.
  2. Users should not enter the property when conditions, illness, impairment, or lack of preparation could create an unreasonable risk to themselves or others.
  3. The Conservancy does not guarantee the availability of staff, security, cellular service, water, restrooms, medical assistance, or immediate emergency response.
  4. In an emergency, call 911 first. Provide the dispatcher with the entrance, trail name, nearest trail marker, GPS location, or other available location information. Notify the Conservancy as soon as reasonably possible afterward.
  5. Users must not rely exclusively on a mobile application or electronic map. Trail conditions and routes may change.

Assumption of Risk and Required Agreements

Outdoor recreation, agricultural environments, natural-surface trails, water areas, bicycles, horses, wildlife, weather, and remote locations involve inherent and other risks.

Each user is responsible for acting prudently, remaining within their abilities, supervising accompanying children, and complying with all required safety procedures.

These Rules do not replace the Conservancy’s Release and Indemnity Agreement or any activity-specific agreement. Each participant must complete all documents required for the applicable Membership, pass, event, program, or activity before entering or participating.

Media consent and marketing-email preferences are governed separately and are not conditions of ordinary recreational access unless specifically applicable to an identified program or event.

Violations and Enforcement

The Conservancy may take any reasonable action necessary to protect people, animals, property, operations, and natural resources.

A person who violates these Rules, provides false registration information, enters without authorization, disregards a closure, acts unsafely, or refuses a staff instruction may:

Serious safety violations may result in immediate suspension or revocation without a prior warning. Any refund will be determined under the applicable Membership, pass, program, or reservation terms, or at the discretion of the Conservancy.

Unauthorized entry or remaining on the property after permission has been withdrawn may constitute criminal trespass.

Changes to These Rules

The Conservancy or Millican Reserve may revise these Rules as operations, land-management needs, programs, or legal requirements change.

Use of Conservancy-managed property at Millican Reserve constitutes agreement to follow the Rules.