RE: [Paddlewise] Saturation Point

As a relatively new paddler I should probably keep out of the conversation.
However, I do have a few observations and comments.  

On the VHEM option, the Shakers tried this in the US.  It worked for them,
they are extinct, mostly, but it didn't catch on. 

Saddly, some of the areas that we paddle will need more rules and regulation
to keep them from being used to death.  The BWCAW in MN is an example of
this.  When I first started going there there were very few rules, cans,
bottles and motors were OK.  I remember using what is now a very popular
entry point as a picnic spot and having the whole campground to ourselves.
Or driving all day in the woods and seeing maybe a couple of logging trucks.

Now NE Minnesota is overrun with descendants of J. Swifts Yahoo's (sp.) (and
go read the book if you think he and I are referring to native americans),
they lack the moral and intelectual capacity to pickup their own room, mutch
less keep the woods and waters clean.  The BWCAW now has lots of rules and
fees, some of the rules are ignored and most of them irritate me, but they
do help keep some of the Yahoos in line.  The north woods is full of yuppie
scum with kayaks and kevlar canoes on top of their SUVs.  

With all of this I refuse to give up hope for the future.  Wilderness and
wild lands address a yearing in the human soul that cannot be stilled in the
crowd.  I can still find places to paddle, hunt, hike and fish that no one
but a very few know about and they, so far respect what is there.  I will
still sauna in my sauna suit and jump into the big lake (Superior), if the
jet skeeters, trollers and the rest will just need to look the other way.

Dana
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