Being Neighborly

Though the importance of neighbors is heightened in rural areas, often it can be harder to
get along together. Get to know your neighborhood before you move to an area. Conflicts,
both real and perceived, between new and existing rural landowners have always existed. By
getting a better understanding of the causes of these conflicts, some may be avoided.

Advice on Being a Good Neighbor

• Recognize that being neighbors is a two way street.
• Respect your neighbors’ endeavors
• Cooperatively build and maintain boundary fences to keep livestock from trespassing. Keeping permitted livestock off of private property is the responsibility of the property owner, not the livestock owner.
• Control your dogs so that they will not harass or harm your neighbors’ livestock or enflame tensions.
• Recognize that some portions of the county are open range and livestock may be on country roads or in open areas.
• Recognize that moving livestock and farm machinery on country roads is necessary. Be cautious and prepare for delay
• Understand that some practices, such as burning along irrigation ditches and running machinery after dark are common farming practices and necessary at certain times of the year.
• Prevent noxious weeds from moving from your property to your neighbors’ land via wind, water or other means.
• Remember: it is unlawful to use country roadways as parking areas during yard sales or family gatherings.
• Realize that people who live in rural areas prize their privacy and their space.

Dogs

Dogs must be under control and on your property at all times. Free roaming dogs are a threat to livestock and wildlife. Farmers and ranchers have the right to protect their livestock and in some cases will destroy animals that threaten their herds. If your dog is responsible for the injury or death to livestock you will be held financially responsible and your pet may be euthanized.

It is also your responsibility to license and vaccinate your dogs against rabies. Your pet should have a collar and identification tags.

Fences

Fences and property lines are potentially sites of conflict. Yet by working with your neighbors to maintain these areas, there is an opportunity to improve cooperation and build a relationship with neighbors. It is the duty of each landowner sharing a fence to maintain half the existing fence and equally share in constructing a new fence. Properly maintained fences are important for the protection of livestock and wildlife, which may become entangled, injured and/or killed. Also remember that fences do not always indicate property lines. Know where your lot pins are!

Private Property and Privacy

People are often unaware of private property delineations when first moving to a rural area. Yet it is always the responsibility of the individual to know whose land they are on regardless of whether it is fenced. Always ask permission to be on someone’s property.