Simonov wrote Once on SummitPost when I mentioned I used to be a Forest Service volunteer ranger (permit-checking dude) I got hassled.
I think some people have a problem with authority (not me). I resent having to ask permission to enter the great outdoors, however I understand the need to assign accountability to those who may be less than responsible with the resource, and or overestimate there abilities by getting lost or worse.
Unfortunately in reality they are only keeping track of the responsible ones!
Unfortunately in reality they are only keeping track of the responsible ones!
The permit system is not about keeping track, it's about limiting numbers. And with proper enforcement, the irresponsible ones are sent back down the mountain. _________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
The permit system is not about keeping track, it's about limiting numbers. And with proper enforcement, the irresponsible ones are sent back down the mountain.
I defer to your expertise, but as you have accurately stated there are a high number of those without permits. Without proper enforcement, the point is moot.
Basically, I'm just yakin', because personally although I am a rule follower, I would not want it to get to the point where there was a FS ranger at every trailhead checking permits.(that would ruin the experience)
But, it is a little distressing to know that there are some elements attempting to elicitly exploit our forests, and who will protect there activities by what ever means. I really don't see a solution to that other than reducing the demand for their product somehow.
Basically, I'm just yakin', because personally although I am a rule follower, I would not want it to get to the point where there was a FS ranger at every trailhead checking permits.(that would ruin the experience)
Actually, when I was a volunteer (around 1989-92), there was a ranger on every trail, checking permits. I didn't think the experience was being ruined.
I haven't seen a ranger in the San Gorgonio Wilderness at all this year, and the only ranger I've seen in the San Gabriels was making his annual hike up away from a parking lot, and wasn't checking permits. _________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
My son and I did the entire John Muir Trail in 2006 and met one ranger. He did check our permit. We have been to Whitney 6 times together and have been checked once. I have never had a permit checked in the San Gabriels and only one in the San Bernardinos. I think we have been checked a couple of times in the San Jacintos.
I've been checked at least three times in the San Gorgonio Wilderness (usually on the S Fork Trail but once on Forsee Creek).
I don't recall getting checked in the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness, but then again, I don't get out there as much because it's a longer drive.
I have definitely been checked in the Sierra on a number of occasions, particularly in National Parks but also in USFS areas.
I live 10 min. from Angeles Crest Hwy. I live about the same distance from Big Tujunga Canyon Road. I'm 5 minutes from FR 3N76, and I've been hiking for 40 or so years. In other words, I'm in the San Gabs a fair amount. I've never even seen a ranger on a trail (let alone get checked) in the San Gabriels. _________________ Hiking? Aw, gee, do I have to?
No checking in the San Gabriels because they aren't trying to limit the number of visitors. Even in the one area requiring a permit, the Cucamonga Wilderness, they aren't limiting the number of permits. What's there to check except fire permits, and hunting/fishing licenses?
A majority of the "good" trails in the San Bernadinos are located in the 2 major wilderness areas around Gorgonio and Jacinto, where they are trying to limit the number of visitors. Makes sense you get checked there and not in the San Gabriels.
Ought to be permits required for all areas. Any mountains. You don't have a permit, you can't go. Anyone w/o a permit has to pay a big fine. Like $2,000.00 or more.
That would pay for the rangers and would make it harder for the pot farms.
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I really don't see a solution to that other than reducing the demand for their product somehow.
