Well, illegalities aside - I'd rather folk like yourself and shake are out there tidying up than kids digging graveyard jumps, or nobody doing anything at all.
Curiously: has anyone ever approached you during one of your trail fairy sessions and quizzed you about what you're doing?
I dont know the answer- there are consequences and potential impacts with each option.
Damned if you do- Any work is illegal, ad hoc, often poorly executed (me included) and left to a few which is overwhelming. Risk - that people are prosecuted, tracks attract unwanted attention and trails fenced off / closed at worst.
Damned if you dont- Risk of not doing nothing is and we have sub par, seasonal trails that are soon overgrown and a mess and not much fun. It has worked like this for 30 years...................................................does it really need to change? There are certain parts of the Yarra trails that we have given up on- aint worth the effort.
I suppose the only way to discover our options is to ask. To engage with Parks to better understand their over arching strategies, needs and put forward our concerns/ desire/ offer to help. To see if there is some middle ground, a better way forward. Unfortunately part of me wonders if we ask and receive - we might not like what we get- boring 3 meter wide lilydale topping, trail closures after assessments and all the effort lumped on a few. Perhaps I am overly negative.
As for people encounters while working- 85% (all different user groups) are very positive and thankful (usually stop and chat and help), 10% see you as a hassle (Strava types) and fly past, 3% show some concern and want to know what you are doing and 2% let you know it is illegal and that I m a public nuisance. I had an opportunity to spend alot of time out there over last Summer but have had little chance since. There are a few that consistently chip away- much more than me. Shakes has moved to QLD and will be missed. I have noticed some consistent work west of Chandler over Winter (many thanks to you).
i dont mind kids building jumps - kids have been doing that for 40 years and it is healthy and fun. Im sure Parks and Land owners have a different view. Im aware that these poorly built kids jumps attract negative attention for our unauthorized tracks but kids will be kids.