Levity

And now, for some much needed humor, and maybe some conversation with the USFS, to lighten things up, while also establishing my point, read below:

These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
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“A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
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“Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.”
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“Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”
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“Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.”
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“Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.”
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“All the mile markers are missing this year.”
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“Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.”
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“Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”
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“Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.”
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“Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter.”
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“Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.”
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“The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.”
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“Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.”
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“Need more signs to keep area pristine.”
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“A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.”
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“The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”
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“Too many rocks in the mountains.”

USFS meeting at 1 pm

July 31, 2008. Haven’t heard from anyone else, and the final count was 3/2 for the 1 pm time slot. So, that is the time, folks, by simple majority. Called and spoke with Bradford and confirmed. I also emailed him the below agenda. If we stay on topic, and focused, we should be able to conclude this meeting in two hours (or less). Personally, I am interested in all areas, but cannot devote more than 2 hours to this. Oh, and would someone volunteer to take objective notes, transcribe them and send them to me via email? My hearing is getting worse and I don’t trust myself to gather it all, anymore.

This is a possible agenda:

1. Fire prevention for rest of season: (45 mins)
a. SOD fuel loads, etc.
b. road clearance
c. staffing
d. patrolling
e. USFS concerns
f. Land owner concerns
g. BSVFB concerns

2. Multiple types of wilderness uses: (45 mins)
a. hang gliding (motorized and non-motorized)
b. off-road vehicles
c. hunting season
d. campers
e. USFS concerns
f. Land owner concerns
g. BSVFB concerns

3. If all preventative measures fail, what plans in place in case of fire
(open discussion among interested parties) (1/2 hour)

Conclusion 3:00 pm (I will need to leave, whether it is over or not. I would hope we could accomplish a lot in those two hours.)

Also, see my “When tourists enter the wilds …” page for ideas for dialogue w/ the USFS.