New Government Rules and Regulations for Backpacke

“I was a weekend warrior, once. going up into the gap and hiking and camping, thats how I and my friends learned how to do what we all do now. Not all WW's are bad folks. The "yuppie" hikers are the trouble, they don't gove a hoot are the ones that usually drop their tissues and gum wrappers on the ground. As a former WW and now more serious BP'er (just not as serious as you all, but getting there), I will stand a defense and say "nay" to your rash generalization, but on most of the comments on this trail, I agree. The rangers and the reg's are to protect those less informed than those on this site, unfortunately, there are more of them, then us, and they do need protection as the "thems" are armed with less knowledge and experience.”

“The Gap is so heavily used on weekends, I can't imagine a serious backpacker going near the place on a weekend, except in winter. Dayhiking that area is far less eco-damaging.”

“where the hell is "the gap"?

you surely ain't talking about the store at the mall.”

“you know,.....the gap!”

“As far as litter, you can't really point to any one group. Horse people are worse in my experience, we have a lot of them in the West. I guess I'll use any chance I can get to oppose trail development, especially the CDT. The litter you mention is a direct result of increased use thru increased access. Same goes for fees, restrictions, permits, multi-use, etc. Trail development opens the door for the degradation of wildlands as well as regulation. The CDT, although mandated by congress (thanks to corporate support) will forever change some areas here in NM. It's all about selling, gear selling, expanding the market, selling zines like Backpacker and Outside, etc; having litter, vandalism, dogs, horse crap and search&rescue in the wild. Want to hear something laughable-Outsides cover story, "10 Most Quietest Spots" or something to that effect.
W”

“You liberals are always calling for more government regulation and socialism as the solution to all the world's environmental problems.

Why the change of heart now??”

“"The Gap is so heavily used on weekends, I can't imagine a serious backpacker going near the place on a weekend, except in winter. Dayhiking that area is far less eco-damaging."

Let us make no mistake.....You are absolutely right no serious backpacker does go near the Gap other than to pass through. It IS the dayhikers that do the damage, Thousands of them every week. The trails there are about 10 ft wide in some areas. Pretty soon there won't be any woods, it'll all be trail going up the side of the mountain. There is no camping in the area of the gap, the nearest camping in the area is on the Jersy side back by the copper mines in "restricted areas" and a few sites up by sunfish pond. Last years fire was up on the fire road leading to the pond, It didn't start in the campsites.
As for the horses, they aren't allowed there yet, but that may change. The local stables are trying to get the park service to create a Recreation area where "everyone" can use the gap. BS BS BS. Those horses don't belong in there!!, nor do ATV's and sh!t like that”

“You know I have been thinking about how MOMMY government that offers to take care of us (for a price) would eventually effect the Ultimate Individualist...the Backpacker.


Imagine its early one morning (say in a few years) at a trailhead A dozen or so backpackers (Veteran TTers) walk up to the trail head and are met by "Elmer Snodgrass" Senior RANGER for the Park.

ELMER: Good Morning and welcome to KUM YAK TOE ZAPAOW National Park.

HIKER 1: Um I thought this was Rodgers State Park?

Elmer: Renamed apparently Mr Zapow made some donations. Now it appears you are getting ready to go backpacking.

HIKER 1: Yep, got our gear and we are all experienced Hikers/Backpackers.

Elmer: Excellent, I saw where you paid your "park Fee" to park the car. Now I need to get some other fees from you.

There is the Search and Rescue FEE. I see you will be out 3 days so that is...oh wait this is a weekend so that is $25.00 a day per group. Plus there is a $2.00 per person per day over 5 people.

HIKER 1: Sir we have a map, we stay on the trail, and have a map, compass and Heck I know this trail like the back of my hand. I could hike it in the dark.

ELMER: Well ya won't be doin any night hikin will ya? Cause Fred back in the lodge spotted a Madagascar Lovebird the other day and night hiking ...well the headlamp might mess up their mating schedule. If you want to hike at night that will be an extra $2.00 per person per night.

HIKER 1: Madagascar? but we are no where near Madagascar, and isn't Fred the guy with the Coke Bottle glasses in the Shop back there?

Elmer: Yep, but Fred says he saw it so we gotta protect it. How many miles you thinking of doing?

HIKER 1: Oh 7 to 10 a day.

Elmer: well then you will need the $50.00 per day Rescue Locator and lets see at say 7 miles a day at $1.50 per mile per person "damage to the environment fee"....

HIKER 1: But I just said we are experienced Hikers, we pack in and pack out. Never been lost.

Elmer: yes but the Flemsham family got lost in California. Took five days to find them. We figured it was easier to get a kinda "deposit" to help out in the future. Can't make them pay it all. The hubby has PTSD from a time where he got caught in a freak snowstorm. The Wife...well she has ADHD and the kids all have various illnesses. So we are trying to make it up. Plus the UN study recently said that most people in the third world are so busy surviving that they cannot go Hiking so we are going to charge you a "relaxation coefficient" of $5.00 a day to develop hiking trails that third worlders could use.

HIKER 1: Oh good Lord...

ELMER: Sorry but studies have shown that participation in religious ceremonies hurts other people's sensibilities...that will be $10.00 a day for Religious participation.

HIKER: This is getting insane.

ELMER: Glad you reminded me, you will have to purchase the "mental illness prevention Insurance" never know when you are going round the bend. And I assume you will be staying in Campsites, no biggie there $20 a day per couple. For maintenace of the Campsite fee.


You guys get the idea. The Government that says it WILL PROTECT US from ourselves will find a way to make a buck.



HIKER 1:”

“The government make a buck.LOL. The only way they've ever made a buck is with a printing press.”

“yeah but as the start to depend more and more on TAXES (like jacking it home on Tobbacco etc) and fewer people use those products they will have to find new ways to PUNISH people.”

“That'll be $27.50 for the "Use of the Internet in Backpacking Discussion" tax...

you posted twice so the total is $55.00, with late payment fees of $40.00, (Law states that the fees must be paid PRIOR to posting or late fees of $20.00 per post apply). As an added service to you I heartily encourage you to pay the Discussion Tax PRIOR to posting any further reply on this or any other forum!
last edited: 9/18/07 2:08:32 PM”

“ROFLOL!!”

“I am sorry ST...COME AND GET ME!!!!”