Subject:
Thoughts on the Rubicon......
Date:
Mon, 18 Nov 2002
I read with interest some of the letters, both here and on other sites, concerning the closing of the Rubicon trail. Like most of them I could go on about bad experiences I've had, as well as the "it's a few bad apples" defense. Instead, I'd like to offer up a couple of solutions I've run through my head over the last couple of months. I consider myself a tree hugger as well as a 4-wheeler. I enjoy wheeling over the Rubicon just as much as I do hiking up to Horsetail Falls, or climbing on Lovers Leap near Strawberry. I believe in keeping our lands open for the public to enjoy, as well as keeping the impact to a minimum and preserving the lands for future vgenerations. We all know of the problems currently facing four wheelers, and we've discussed them on hundreds of bulletin boards throughout the four wheeling community. Here's a couple of solutions I'd like to throw out there for your comment and constructive critisizm.
#1 Place an honest to god information kiosk at the entrance(s) informing people of the "rules of the road" so to speak. (basically the Tread Lightly principles..) In conjunction with the rules, list the consequences you face if you break those rules. The kiosk should be the large variety similar to those found near the bathrooms at most Forest Service Campgrounds. My vision is the large log type with the small roof on it.
#2 Speaking of consquences..... I'm all for making the fines or other punishment steep for those who break the rules. Hit people in the pocketbook where it hurts, and allocate portions of the fines for trail maintainence, law enforcement, etc.... I don't want to hear anyone complaining that, say for example, $5000 is to much for a littering fine. It's very simple, if you can't afford the fine, don't do it. Duh.....
#3 Utilize a permit system: Anytime I hike in the Desolation Wilderness area I have to obtain a permit from the ranger station allowing my passage. Part of the requirements are that I define when I'm on the trail, (dates, time, etc..) and how many people are in my party. I see no reason why the same couldn't be true for four wheelers. I don't think it's to much to ask for someone to send a letter in for a permit, or even stop by the ranger station in Camino on their way up the hill. If you want to take it a little further, include a "Tread Lightly" form that goes with the permit that must be signed indicating you understand the rules. This way nobody can claim ignorance.
#4 Reward program: Most of us know about the poacher program for hunters that reward people for turning in poachers. Much like the hunters, we've come to realize we need to police our own. We also know the possible consequences of trying to confront some drunk idiot on the trail in the middle of the woods. (oh I have stories....) Now days, most of us carry a digital camera or camcorder on the trail to have a memory of our travels. I say play stupid, click a few shots of the offenders, and send the info to the proper authorities. If you manage to get a name, that's even better. If the offenders get caught, I say there should be a small reward for the person turning them in. Most anybody associated with law enforcement will tell you not to take matters in to your own hands and this makes for a nice compromise.
#5 Fee Program: I must admit I'm undecided on this idea. I feel the trail should be free for those that wish to run it. Last time I checked that's why we paid taxes and green tag fees, so we could enjoy the national park system and it's trails. That being said, I would have no problem paying a small fee to run the trail if I knew the proceeds were to benefit the trail itself. The fee would have to be reasonable so that we could avoid the "income discrimination" debate. We don't want to give the impression that only those with the money can enjoy the trail. I had no problem paying the use fee at Pismo Beach when I was there a couple weeks ago, and wouldn't object to paying a little something to run the Rubicon if I knew it would keep the trail open and clean.
Just a couple of thoughts,
Regards,
Dave Hough