RE: [Paddlewise] MITA- was-Tour Groups - was Commando Camping

Hi Mark and All,

Thanks for posting that.  It looks like MITA has changed its ways.  When
they were developing guidelines in the 80's my old boss tried very hard to
get MITA to encourage removal of waste and building no fires but at that
time they wouldn't go for it.  I'm glad to hear that that is now their
stated policy.

I couldn't find any of their guidelines on their site which surprised me.  I
can understand withholding trail info but it would seem that the web would
be a great place to preach their island ethics to members and non members
alike.

Cheers,

--
Rob Cookson
"I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the
Atmosphere." Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Abigail Adams, February 22,
1787.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sailboat Restorations, Inc.
> [mailto:sailboatrestorations_at_worldnet.att.net]
> Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2000 11:11 AM
> To: Rob Cookson; Paddlewise
> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] MITA- was-Tour Groups - was Commando Camping
>
>
> From: Rob Cookson
> > Hi All
> > So what is MITA's official policy on open fires and human waste
> disposal?
>
> MITA publishes its policies and guidelines in its annual
> Guidebook.  In the
> 2000 Guidebook, there are 13 pages dedicated to the topic "Leave
> No Trace on
> Maine's Islands: Low Impact Principles."  Almost 2 full pages are
> devoted to
> the topic "Dispose of Waste Properly."  This section includes emphasized
> language, to wit: ". . . Digging catholes to bury waste is not
> appropriate.
> . . . Solid human waste should be carried off and disposed of in an
> appropriate receptacle on the mainland. . . . "  A number of thoughtful
> suggestions are offered on how to do this.
>
> Another 2 pages is devoted to the subject "Minimize Campfire
> Impact: Kindle
> No Fires."  Among other strong admonitions, the Guidebook says, in bold
> print, "MITA recommends no open fires on the islands.  Use
> campstoves only."
> Keep in mind that MITA doesn't own the islands, so the specific "policies"
> of the individual islands are relevant.  On some publicly owned islands,
> fires are allowed, subject to permitting.  On most private
> islands, they are
> not allowed.  MITA can't over-ride the state policies or private owner
> requirements on any of these items.  They can only publish guidelines and
> try to educate members.
>
> This year, MITA sent out a separate item called "Fragile Islands:
> A Guide to
> Low-Impact Tecniques."  It's in a "handly format" to carry, and contains
> guidance about where to camp, how to dispose of waste, to avoid
> using fires,
> respect for wildlife, and other things.  I haven't looked at the website
> lately, but I'd be surprised if much of this wasn't on the site, which is:
> www.mita.org
>
> Mark
>
>
>
>


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