Re: [Paddlewise] Saturation Point

Dan Hagen wrote:

[megasnip]
> 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.

I wish I'd written that, Hagen.  Your contribution and Culpeper's (under
"Urban Paddler") solidly capture the issues re:  impact on wild areas of the
choices we collectively make.

For the record, I'm with Dan and Richard re:  new paddlers.  Not trying to
discourage anybody new.  In fact, I enjoy helping folks get going, for the
vicarious thrill it gives me.  Just not actively promoting paddling *in wild
areas.* [Yes, I see some inconsistency there.  Anyway, who's completely
consistent?  <g>]

It occurs to me there are a couple kinda-distinct sociological groups on this
list.  An oversimplified categorization:

1. People who mainly paddle near population centers.

2. People who mainly paddle a long ways from population centers.

I bet the way we feel about the issues Dan and Richard have raised is a strong
function of whether we fit into either the first group or the second one.

For the record, I enjoy paddling in/near urban centers, but prefer paddling in
places which are distant from population centers.  The interplay between
marine environments and the use humans make of them fascinates me.  However,
what the critters do with aquatic (and marine) habitats fascinates me more.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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