Correction

The Nugget"s story "Off the beaten path" (March 1) incorrectly indicated that skiers and snowshoers have public access to Black Butte Ranch.

In a letter to The Nugget, ranch manager Loy Helmly noted our error in "stating that access to the Ranch is restricted only to cars and not to people. That is totally incorrect. By making that statement, (the writer ) has outwardly encouraged the public to trespass on private property, which is not lawful."

The editor was twice assured by the author of the story, prior to publication, that there were no issues of concern regarding public access and trespass. We did not check further on that question; obviously, we should have done so.

Mr. Helmly notes that "certain resort-styled elements of the Ranch are open to the public ... each has a usage fee attached to it. Payment of the associated fee permits the public to visit the ranch for that specific use.

"A large number of visitors come to the Ranch annually, pay their fees and enjoy the amenities. If a person has not paid the appropriate fee or is not a guest of a property owner, then they are not allowed access to the Ranch."

The Nugget regrets the error.