I wonder whether most of the problem with trashed campsites is from kayakers, or do powerboaters also use these areas which Matt and others have referred to? It has been my observation that those involved in muscle powered sports such as backpacking, canoeing, XC skiing, etc. tend to be more environmentally conscious than those who are motor powered i.e. snowmobilers, 4 wheelers, motor boaters, & car campers. Maybe I've been lucky, but in the past 20 years of canoe, raft and kayak camping I have rarely, if ever, come across a trashed campsite which was not accessible by motorized vehicle. I can't say the same for sites which were not beyond that first propeller killing portage/rapid or next to an RV parking lot. To paraphrase a well known saying "Maybe we have met the enemy and it isn't us." I think most who take up our sport have a deep appreciation of the environment and try to maintain it. I do think that the requirement to pack out human waste has helped the rivers immensely. Also the "pee in the river not on the shore" advise given to river runners has cleaned up the campsites and shores. I agree that the only way to get access to more shoreline campsites and launch sites is to increase the numbers and/or vocal intensity of active kayakers. Politicians and bureaucrats can be swayed if they hear from us enough. The campsite/launch-take out issue is probably the most critical and if those in power in Washington and BC see kayak camping as a desireable tourist draw maybe they'll make take appropriate action. I plan to take a kayak oriented trip to the NW sometime- hope its not too late. Anyone know who to contact in the PNW to let our concerns be known? Walt Park City, UT *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Sep 27 1999 - 21:25:39 PDT
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