Outfit3029_at_aol.com wrote: > > Perhaps the good people of PW will share their thoughts on ways to balance > the wise use/sustainability issues facing many people involved in outdoor > pursuits. I say outdoor pursuits to cover a broader user base with like > concerns. I do not approve of the current practices regarding use permits in > some of our more special areas. Ex. block permitting to commercial > outfitters thereby excluding independent travelers. One of the reasons that > I think many people resent outfitters in general. [snip] Block permitting is a sore issue with me, though I do not blame outfitters for its existence. It is more a consequence of bureaucracy, and the belief by some resource managers that outfitters do better in shepherding their charges (to minimize damage in fragile areas), than independent travelers do. Access to float trips in the Grand Canyon is probably the most glaring example in the States of difficulty in obtaining use permits. I was unaware that the Okeefenokee was another one. Another example: The 1999 policy on Gwaii Haanas (Charlottes, BC, Canada) essentially excluded all independents during late July-early August, in favor of tour operators. Their process for 2000 is much improved, with guaranteed spots for independents, alongside similar guarantees for tour operators. In addition, the managers on Gwaii Haanas allow six "walk-in" spots each day for independents. Not exactly self-serve, but better than nothing. I don't have a "one-size-fits-all" answer for this problem. It is a consequence of too-many-of-us, mainly, and the need to have some reasonable, fair way of deciding who gets to visit cool places. Sounds like Bruce has his own solution for his clients -- more power to him! Go for it, Bruce! -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Sep 22 1999 - 05:55:44 PDT
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