[pct-l] Permanent Campfire Ban on PCT?

gschenk1 at roadrunner.com gschenk1 at roadrunner.com
Fri Sep 14 10:17:45 CDT 2012


There is already a permanent campfire ban along a lot of the PCT. In Southern California, campfires are illegal outside developed campgrounds, and in the Sierra there are restrictions above certain altitudes.

And in all of these places you'll find fire rings. There are places in SoCal were only a PCT hiker would camp, and you'll find fire rings. And hikers will brag they have a fire every night. You'll find fire rings in the midst of highly combustible chapparal. Is it any wonder SoCal is filled with burned out forests.

Fortunately for the High Sierra, there's snow pack when the thruhikers come through and thus not as many forest fires as down south.

Gary

---- harwoodcreek at gmail.com wrote: 
> Given the documented irresponsibility of some (e.g the catastrophic 2012
> Chips Creek fire likely caused by a PCT hiker), I favor a complete campfire
> ban along the PCT.  This should be enforced through a tip line along with
> occasional ranger patrols.
> 
> I see no need for campfires in the wilderness environment.  Water can be
> boiled on a stove; insect repellent, bug jackets and tents repel insects;
> and adequate clothing and sleeping bags provide warmth.  Thru hikers with
> no sense of civic and wilderness responsibility should not be able to get
> away with saving a couple of pounds maximum, skipping the fire ignition
> site incommunicado, and causing millions in damage lasting up to a
> century.
> 
> Isn't it time for the next important step in trail protection?
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