[pct-l] Dogs in National Parks/horses/mules/llamas

[Edward Anderson]

Mark,
 
I agree with Snowplow that stock are needed, indeed, necessary, to help create and maintain the PCT. 
 
Horses are not a significant source of trail erosion, dogs even less. WHEELS are the worst source of trail erosion. This is especially true when mountain bikers and motorcycle riders brake while going down hill. The groove created, when it rains, becomes a channel and, when it rains, a rut for water to run down - and eventually a virtual ditch. The tracks made by the hooves of horses and mules, are similar to hiker tracks. If the surface is soft, holes are created. The holes can collect rainwater and allow for the possibility of the water to percolate downward or evaporate.
 
I sometimes work as a volunteer on PCT trail maintenance. In the past two weeks I have spent four full days with other volunteers. We are working on a slippery and sometimes dangerous rock area on Section D. The heavy equipment needed was brought in by mules and horses. This kind of trail work goes on all along the PCT that we all use. Llama Lady and her husband do it with their llamas. 
 
During my 2008 PCT ride I camped with a volunteer Backcountry Horsemen Group (I am a BCH) on Section O in Northern California. They were spending about two weeks supporting (packing in equipment,food and water) to over 50 volunteer Boy Scouts who were doing volunteer PCT trail work. I recall riding through the large Boy Scout Camp and also through several areas where they were working. God bless the volunteers, including their stock - without them we would not have a PCT.
 
MendoRider-Hiker
 
 
 

________________________________
 From: "rcluster at comcast.net" <rcluster at comcast.net>
To: mark utzman <blackbelthiker at gmail.com> 
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 1:55 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Dogs in National Parks
 
Mark, 
You also need to research the history of the building and maintaining of the PCT. 

Those "horses, pack mules and llamas" do not destroy the trail, they BUILT and MAINTAIN the trail. Without them and their owners/handlers, there would not be a PCT for the rest of us to enjoy. 


Snowplow 

----- Original Message -----
From: "mark utzman" <blackbelthiker at gmail.com> 
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 1:46:38 PM 
Subject: [pct-l] Dogs in National Parks 

A post I read today about whether or not hikers are dog friendly on the 
trail prompted me to send this reply. Why do we always let the proverbial " 
bad apple " ruin it for the rest of us who are responsible and do want to 
abide by the rules, but some of the rules have gotten so stringent and out 
of hand it borders on the ridiculous. To say since we as hikers don't want 
off road vehicles on the trails and make it illegal to do so, then we as 
hikers should just accept all the other rules imposed on us by the 
government, including dogs in state and national parks, doesn't hold water. 
I know by first hand experience that horses, pack mules and llamas have a 
MUCH MORE detrimental impact on trails and the back country than do dogs, 
and horses and pack mules are permitted on state and national park back 
country trails, while dogs are not. Please don't misunderstand me, I love 
horses and have ridden horses in the mountains and it is a wonderful way to 
travel: I am just trying to make a point. Horses destroy the trail. Period. 
Dogs do not. After about 2 years of investigating, researching and 
contacting state and federal agencies and speaking with a dozen or so 
employees about the rules and regulations concerning dogs in national 
parks, I finally spoke with a park superintendent that did some research 
and later contacted me ( I was intending to wing it and risk taking my dog 
through national parks, thinking a fine would be minimal ). She told me 
that the penalty for taking a dog in the back country of Sequoia/Kings 
Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park is a $5000 fine and a 
potential 6 months in jail! WHAT?? Some felonies are not even so severe. 
California is bankrupt. It's revenue for the state. Here's an idea of mine; 
Why not implement a permit system for dogs, that if a hiker is going to 
take a dog through a state or national park they must apply for a permit to 
do so, charging a fee ( revenue ) and explaining some basic rules that will 
be enforced, such as dog must be on leash at all times, bury or pack out 
poop, etc.Just as a hiker must obtain a back country permit, and also in 
California a campfire permit (if you build a campfire ), why not allow dog 
owners to get a permit for their dog? I know it is not a perfect idea or 
solution, and there seems to always be a loophole someone finds. OK, punish 
the bad dog owners, but don't punish the responsible dog owners. Just a 
thought. Mark 
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