Re: [Paddlewise] Saturation Point

Steve Holtzman wrote:
> 
> ... If it wasn't for somebody introducing and welcoming each
> of us into the sport, there would be no kayaking.

First a relatively minor point. If you are suggesting that there would
be no kayaking without the sort of active support structure that
currently exists, this is simply not true. There would be fewer
paddlers, but believe it or not some folks started paddling without
assistance from other paddlers, instructors, or instructional videos or
books. Real oldtimers had to design and make their own boats and
equipment (both for whitewater and sea kayaking) with only vague ideas
borrowed from earlier boat builders. And then they had to develop
techniques for paddling them. This did not stop them from becoming
paddlers. Of course from there things began to take off as they
encouraged others, shared their ideas, etc.  This serves to reinforce
the point that the very rapid growth in the sport is due in large part
to the efforts of instructors, tour operators, paddling clubs, and
others who have made it easy for so many to enter the sport. Without
these support activities it would require more initiative to enter the
sport. If it required more initiative there would be still be
paddlers--just far fewer of them. 

As for the argument advanced by some that growth in the sport simply
reflects population growth, this strikes me as a bizarre notion. The
rate of growth in the sport has greatly exceeded the rate of growth in
the general population. Indeed, I would be thrilled if wilderness use
had increased at only *twice* the rate of the general population.
Unfortunately it has increased at a much faster rate, and the reason for
this is in part the efforts of those who have made it relatively easy.
Please do not misunderstand me--neither I nor anyone else whose post I
have read is suggesting that new folks do not have the right to enter
the sport. Of course they do! This is not the issue. The question is
whether we should take steps to *actively encourage* that growth,
particularly when many of us feel that we are at or beyond the
"saturation point". 

As for the role of guidebooks (and guides), my experiences with
backpacking, river paddling, and sea kayaking all lead me to believe
that they significantly increase use of an area. I started bacpacking as
a teenager in the 70s. I recall when backpacking started to take off in
the Sierra and new or expanded guidebooks were issued. Backcountry
routes on which we could spend a week without seeing anyone were
suddenly crowded once a guidebook listed the route. Some cross country
routes (without trails but with "ducks" and cairns) soon developed
trails simply from the constant trampling. Those routes that were not
listed in the guidebook remained pristine--until a new or expanded
guidebook included the route, and then BAM!, say "goodbye" to the
solitude and "hello" to the crowds. I used to buy guidebooks to figure
out where not to go. Most people simply would not venture out on a route
for which there was no guidebook. I have seen the same thing with
northern rivers. Rivers that were once empty of travelers start to
experience the effects of increased use (campfire rings, garbage,
excrement, etc.) as soon as they get covered in a guidebook or a
prominent magazine. 

The same thing is happening on rivers in Washington state. One of my
favorite stretches of river is not currently covered in any guidebook.
Over the course of a paddling season I may run it two dozen times and
see other paddlers once or twice per season. Similar runs on nearby
rivers that are not as nice but are included in guidebooks are crowded
(at least by western standards--still nothing like the Natahalla). I was
dismayed when Bennett introduced a more comprehensive guide to
Washington rivers last year. My heart was pounding as I opened the book.
Fortunately Bennett has still missed this run! But he is zeroing in on
it. That is bad news for me--and for the Harlequin ducks who breed there
at times. I get off and stay off the river for a period of time when I
see chicks, because the presence of paddlers can cause increased
mortality among the chicks as they flee and get separated in the fast
current. Once others are encouraged to use this stretch of the river
these and other impacts will increase. It cannot take heavy use without
consequences. What makes me think that I have a right to use the river,
and that others do not? I do NOT think this. I am simply pointing out
that there *is* a saturation point, and that WE can cause this to be
exceeded. I have no more right to use the river than anyone else. But if
I introduce others to this stretch of river--thereby causing use to
increase--there will be significant consequences.   

I do not think that it is merely selfish to keep quiet and to discourage
growth of the sport. Wilderness *is* being loved to death. Those who
actively encourage additional use are part of the problem. To paraphrase
Matt, once use of a wild area increases significantly we are screwed,
whether we allow unchecked growth or whether we start to regulate use.
The latter is the lesser of the two evils, but the best alternative is
not to encourage increased use in the first place. Again, no one is
talking about "banning" new entrants into the sport, or whether they
have a "right" to join us. That simply misses the point. If paddling or
wilderness travel required more initiative, fewer people would do it and
there would be less pressure on sensitive areas. Most people who have a
love of wilderness do not use it actively, but rather appreciate it from
afar. As active use rises, however, wilderness is threatened.  People
who make it easier for others to visit sensitive areas are having the
effect of degrading these areas. They have a right to do this, but that
does not make it a wise course of action. 

Dan Hagen
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