Veterans Trail 114 in the Northwest Boise Foothills adjacent to Dry Creek Cemetery and Veterans Cemetery reopenedMarch 13, but trail users must follow trail rules and respect the adjacent cemetery for the trail to remain open.

"We want to be good neighbors, but there is a responsibility that the community has for policing their own," said David Brasuell, administrator of the Idaho Division of Veterans Services.

"Our primary focus is the dignity and sanctity of the cemetery grounds and its operations, and anything that is going to jeopardize that will be seriously looked at," he said.

Ongoing trail problems that forced the closure included off-leash dogs roaming on cemetery grounds, dog owners not picking up dog waste and off-trail travel.

In addition to those recurring problems, there was an arson attempt, archery shooting in the area and illegal motorcycle riding.

Trail users have essentially been on probation since last winter when similar problems arose on Veterans Trail, mostly with dogs roaming and people using wet and muddy trails.

The site was monitored with remote cameras, which caught numerous violations during the winter, and the cameras were also vandalized.

Though problems are consistent with trail misuse throughout the Ridge to Rivers system, Veterans Trail's proximity to the cemetery makes misuse a more serious matter.

"The Veterans Cemetery is the final resting place for the men and women who have served our country with honor, and it is our responsibility to maintain the dignity of the cemetery property and surrounding area," said Patti Murphy, public information officer for Veterans Services.

Brasuell asks trail users to remind others of the rules, such as dogs must be leashed.

"We understand that this is likely an ongoing educational issue," he said.

"We hope people will take the opportunity to address some of these issues with others on the trails, politely and without confrontation, but bring attention to the rules of the trail."