We have a lot of BIG trees in the public parks in my town.l wanna climb up in them, but you can only get in with ropes and ascenders (lowest branches are about 40 feet up).l tried one time and once my rope was up, some park guy came and lectured me (the climbing does not hurt the trees).Anyone else ever gotten yelled at (or worse) for just climbing trees?What are the laws on this in public places?
The trees are not in high-traffic areas, rarely would anyone be under the tree.

l sent a letter to the parks (city) supervisor asking about the legality and offering to sign a liability waiver, but they never contacted me back.

ok climbing trees in public parks is not illegal in most places but that does not mean its ok. if the branch is 40 feet up like u said, then forget it. find a tree u can climb without gear and not in a public park. parks are places for people to go and relax not get harassed by foolish boys 60 above the ground in a tree.

They're not worried about you hurting the trees.. they're worried about you hurting yourself and then possibly suing the city...

i'm sure the laws for public parks are in the local/city governments.. contact your local officials for the regulations.

the sheriff hauled us in for trespassing when l was a kid