08-03-2003, 04:58 PM
[cool]Good example. As a scout in Southern California, and later as assistant scoutmaster, I spent many long weekends in the Sierras cleaning up camp areas that were chronic dumping grounds for "sportsmen". We arranged for the horse outfitters to take in a bale of burlap bags, and leave them at the sites we planned to clean up. We burned everything we could and bagged the rest. Then, when they came out with the horses riderless...after dropping off a group for a few days...they would pick up the bags and pack them out. Worked great, and we got some commendations.
To reinforce your point, one of the worst camp areas we ever cleaned up was right after a large boy scout group had totally trashed it. We did not know it was scouts until we checked with the national park service, that hands out the permits. We got them cited. I don't know what the outcome was, but I hope there were some lessons learned...and not the wrong kind.
Over the years I have been pleased to observe that most of the people who care enough about wilderness to hike miles back into less congested areas are also more attentive to keeping them clean. I used to think I was the only one who packed out more than I brought it, but you see more and more conscientious hikers piking up trash that is not theirs. Too bad there are so many thoughtless idiots that leave the trash for others to pick up.
You did the right thing. I once threatened to make a couple of guys eat whatever they left behind as they were getting ready to leave camp with a lot of junk laying around. I'm a big guy...in much better shape in those days...and I got my "crazy" look in my eyes. They decided to do the right thing. They stuffed the junk in their packs and I followed them all the way down the mountain to the parking area. I'm glad they didn't force the issue. I hate all that paperwork when you dismember some idiot that really needs it. Plus, more trash to pack out.
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To reinforce your point, one of the worst camp areas we ever cleaned up was right after a large boy scout group had totally trashed it. We did not know it was scouts until we checked with the national park service, that hands out the permits. We got them cited. I don't know what the outcome was, but I hope there were some lessons learned...and not the wrong kind.
Over the years I have been pleased to observe that most of the people who care enough about wilderness to hike miles back into less congested areas are also more attentive to keeping them clean. I used to think I was the only one who packed out more than I brought it, but you see more and more conscientious hikers piking up trash that is not theirs. Too bad there are so many thoughtless idiots that leave the trash for others to pick up.
You did the right thing. I once threatened to make a couple of guys eat whatever they left behind as they were getting ready to leave camp with a lot of junk laying around. I'm a big guy...in much better shape in those days...and I got my "crazy" look in my eyes. They decided to do the right thing. They stuffed the junk in their packs and I followed them all the way down the mountain to the parking area. I'm glad they didn't force the issue. I hate all that paperwork when you dismember some idiot that really needs it. Plus, more trash to pack out.
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