They're jewels in the crown of hills around our community: The trails east and northwest of town lead locals and visitors into fascinating foothills and, soon enough, sharp climbs into the pines. They're so accessible that they've become part of many Santa Feans' lifestyle — and tourist attractions to boot.

The Dorothy Stewart and Dale Ball trails to the east and the La Tierra trails in the Northwest Quadrant are the work of generous and hard-working community contributors and volunteers; the two honored with trail names, along with the late Irene von Horvath, Stewart Udall and so many others.

With good reason, they're greatly popular — but like so much of the West's wide-open spaces, the more people they attract, the greater the chance of conflict among the trails' enthusiasts — especially when some are on foot, some on horseback, others on bicycles and still others, on certain trails, on motorized all-terrain vehicles. Throw in unleashed dogs, and you've got a recipe for trouble.

As The New Mexican's Staci Matlock has reported in recent stories, at least a few folks are getting territorial about the pathways. Quarrels and threats are being reported more frequently; occasionally there's been violence.

Sometimes it's a matter of scoffing at the rules — like the one requiring leashes on dogs. Sure, Fido ought to be able to enjoy the trails untrammeled — and if an owner has the animal under voice control, going leashless might not be a big deal. But what happens when one pet is either over-enthusiastic or downright aggressive? Or what happens if one hiker, biker or rider asserts his or her right to cover ground free of loose dogs?

Calls for greater police presence aren't likely to be answered any time soon; local governments are up to their ears in budgetary woes. So what's needed, say some of the people Matlock interviewed, are common sense and common courtesy. Bikers and ATVers should defer to hikers and runners — although those pedestrians should be thoughtful of bicyclists' need to keep momentum while climbing. And everyone should give equestrians a break — since horses can be skittish.

Most of all, keep in mind that everyone's up there for enjoyment; the trails are more enjoyable when everyone — you included — is in a mood to yield ground for a moment ...