Re: [Paddlewise] Saturation

> From: "735769" <735769_at_ican.net>
<snip>

> I expect some people might take offense at what Matt  Broze said but he
> raises perfectly valid points that I wholeheartedly endorse when feeling
> pessimistic about my fellow paddlers (and myself during moments of
> introspection on solo trips).
> 
> I often get twinges when I see garbage etc. at campsites and wonder if
> something I said or wrote led the pig to the wilderness. I understand the
> argument for education   but don't see it as an answer because of its
> strictly voluntary nature. People don't "have" to learn anything to go
> paddling.

It's probably not the complete answer, but I'll argue it's better
than sitting on one's butt waiting for the inevitable, worrying about
it or fretting over it.  What about digging outhouses in these spots?
Seems like that's what people are looking for.  I suspect most of these
offenders would rather use an outhouse than the bushes.  When it fills, 
do what the parks department does... dig another hole.  

> I think we all know the answer but few of us would be willing to
> participate. Incidentally, for those of you truly interested in the
> solution, visit http://www.teleport.com/~dkossy/vhemt.html

I don't understand why you think this is the answer when it, too, is
strictly voluntary and also requires education.

I'll give you that I obviously have not regularly experienced the degradation
of camp sites and paddling areas that you have.  But I have seen a
difference that education can make (such as the very effective anti-litter
campaign sponsored by the Texas Highways Department).  Yes, I've seen
disgusting trash left behind by some real disgusting slobs.  I've picked
it up when I could.  Ticked me off, but I've picked it up.  I've also 
watched paddlers work really hard to clean up after not only themselves, 
but complete strangers.  Slobs they never saw leave the trash they left 
behind.  I've camped in some really nice spots because of that.  I suspect 
you have, too and maybe you weren't aware. 

The truth about saving the planet is that the real drive behind it is
to save our own butts.  That's why VHEMT won't work.  People are too
interested in seeing that the human species survives.  The key is to
convince them the best chance for human survival is to protect their 
environment.  How do you do that?  Show them what happens when they
don't.  Educate.

Regards,

Jackie





***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************