If You See Purple Paint In Iowa, Leave Immediately

It seems like the traditional "No Trespassing" signs aren't as effective as they used to be, so we’re heading back to class to explore alternative colors that could indicate "stay out" or "keep away" more effectively. We often associate red with stop or warning, yellow with caution, and other colors with different meanings. Recently, I discovered that purple is also being used for this purpose. Is this a new development?  It’s way cheaper than trying to buy signs that people walk right by anyway.   

I take pictures of nature and sometimes venture off the beaten path. We were by a canal and happened into an area being worked on, and I forget at what point I realized we were no longer on public property. It may have been the deer stands but we retreated.  The next week there were big signs that said private property, keep out, no trespassing, and the like.  There was also fresh paint and it was purple.  There was much purple on trees up and down the canal and back into the property.   

I'm no detective but even I figured something was up with the purple paint.  If Prince were still with us I'd think maybe this was his secret Iowa property.  We looked it up and purple is the color of no trespassing.  Why purple? I'm glad you asked that because we did too.  if you didn't ask why purple would you please?

Here's what we learned.  In many states, including Iowa, purple paint on trees, fences, or other objects indicates private property, and no trespassing is allowed.  Purple paint is more permanent than a sign, requires less maintenance, and is more difficult to vandalize.

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In Iowa, trespassing is defined as entering property without the owner's permission, with the intent to commit a public offense. This includes using, removing, altering, damaging, or harassing the property, or hunting, fishing, or trapping on it.  Hmm, that's a new one.  I've not known anyone to harass a property.

In Iowa, signage is required in addition to painting in specific situations. Signs must be placed at intervals no greater than 100 feet and at every point where vehicles can enter from public roads. These signs should clearly state that access is prohibited without proper authorization or that particular activities are not allowed.

Is there a color where it is private property but you don't mind if people walk through?  What color would that be, maybe, emerald green?

Be safe.