[pct-l] Bear canister requirements in Seki for 2009... FYI update

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

FYI / FWIW...

Because the SIBBG webpage for Seki states bear canisters "...will be required throughout both parks in 2009", 
but Seki's webpage states "It is likely that a formal requirement to use these containers throughout all of the park 
wilderness area...  ...as early as 2009", I emailed Gregg Fauth, Seki Wilderness Coordinator, with some questions...

"...answers to your questions are provided below - they are not wholly definitive, but these issues are being discussed 
in depth by park management and final decisions are yet to be made."

Will bear canisters be required along the entire length of the PCT through Seki (Siberian Outpost to Piute Pass trail) 
in 2009? 
"The issue of a parkswide canister requirement is still being discussed - I suspect we will not have a final answer for 
2009 until early April.  Please watch our website for any updates - <www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness.htm>
- Wilderness Food Storage link."

The SIBBG/USFS Sierra Food Storage maps for 2007 and 2008 both show a "bear box" symbol near the Bishop 
Pass trail in Le Conte Canyon (PCT mile 831), but neither the Seki bear box webpage nor the climber.org bear box 
web pages show or list it...  Is there a 'public' bear box in Le Conte Canyon, or is it mistakenly shown on the SIBBG 
maps (being a bear box solely for the Le Conte Ranger Station perhaps)? 
"There is no public food storage locker in the Le Conte area."
(Note: the 2008 map does not show the Woods Creek crossing bear boxes (PCT mile 801), but they are still on Seki's 
bear box page...  Another email sent for clarification and request to ensure the 2009 map is corrected, if needed.)

What will the status be for the "thru-hiker exemption" in 2009?  Reason for asking - the last listed bear box (nobo on
the PCT) is at Woods Creek crossing, PCT mile 801, whereas the northern park boundary is at PCT mile 854 - 
53 miles without a known public bear box...  
"The preferential status given to long distance through hikers is also being discussed in concert with potential 
canister regulations."

Will more bear boxes be made available North of Woods Creek crossing?  - Or is the 'plan' to do away with the 
existing bear boxes (relying solely on bear canisters), and if so, how soon?  Are any bear boxes currently on the
PCT to be removed in 2009? 
"The long term status of food storage lockers is under discussion as well.  There is no plan to do away with 
existing lockers or to add any more, though there may be some case by case removal of nonfunctional or 
unneeded lockers.  This is a complex issue and park management is weighing the alternatives.  I would suspect 
that for the next few years they will generally remain status quo." 
(Note: wonder what the definition of "unneeded" will be?  If bear canisters are 'required', then, theoretically, no public
bear boxes will be 'needed'...  Asked for possible clarification in second email - but do not necessarily expect a 
definitive answer any time soon.)

Yosemite no longer permits 'hanging' food anywhere in the backcountry - will Seki do likewise? 
"This directly relates to your first question and has the same answer."

I'll pass along any other pertinent info as it is clarified...
Happy trails!!!
Jim / PITA