Re[2]: [at-l] ATC ad policy

[bullard@northnet.org (James Bullard)]

At 06:02 AM 8/10/01 -0500, kahley wrote:
...clip....  I might purely hate to see a clutter of ads at every shelter I
>visited but, at the same time, I think of someone who needed a dentist or 
>a manipulater <g> and didn't know whether to hitch left or right at the 
>next crossing,  ...clip...

Perhaps that's where such a guide needs to be, at the road crossing,  The 
signs on interstate highways come to mind (food, lodging left, gas 
right).  It would be under the jurisdiction of the highway people, come at 
a point where civilization was already an intrusion (the road) and would be 
more to the point than at a shelter some miles up the trail.  It could even 
be perennial by using symbols rather than actual businesses that may or may 
not be in business next season.

>As to the hassle for the maintainers, ignoring a book for a year before 
>clearing it out would seem less of a hassle that ripping down the ads that 
>get tacked up year round.

I can say from experience that where it's not allowed *at all*, it's no 
hassle.  It's only a hassle when it is allowed with stipulations.  Then you 
always get someone pushing the limits and getting PO'd when they aren't 
allowed to do it.

For example, my biggest job used to be cleaning up junk from fire pits that 
any fool should know doesn't burn (aluminum foil, tin cans, glass bottles, 
etc., etc.) and removing illegal fire rings.  Since open fires were banned 
in my sector the volume of trash has declined 80-90%.  Back when it was 
allowed and I came upon someone in the act I used to suggest that what they 
were doing was inappropriate and that if a ranger came by they'd get 
fined.  After getting called all manner of names and being told where I 
could put my suggestion I reverted to simply telling the rangers who then 
ticketed the offenders (something they could have avoided by accepting 
friendly advice).

Now it's not a question of when or where they can have an open 
campfire.  They can't and it's totally clear to one and all at the trail 
head.  You want to cook?  Take a stove (wood burners like the Sierra are 
allowed).  Guess what?  I haven't had even *one* problem since the new 
policy was implemented.

My bottom line(s):  It violates LNT.  A policy of okay under specified 
conditions invites stretching the limits.  It violates LNT.  Shelters 
aren't the best place for such information.  It violates LNT.  Etc. Etc.

sAunTerer