Re[6]: [at-l] Failing the List requirements

[Bob Cummings <ellen@clinic.net> (Bob Cummings)]

"Are national trails a controversial matter?" David thinks not since no president has ever made a
nationally televised speech mentioning trails.

However, as anyone who has been involved with town government knows, controversies don't require a national
debate. Trail users are a tiny minority of a tiny minority of outdoor people. We'll never make the
nightly news. But the decisions we fight for will affect the trail for all time.

Shall the trail be as wild as possible or as civilized and "safe" as possible? You can't have both.
Will the viewsheds be protected, or will we allow local development to encroach to the edge of the
corridor? Will hunting be encouraged, tolerated or prohibited.

Will ski areas be allowed to expand, encroaching on the trail? Will new ski areas be allowed to
intrude into the view shed? Will communication towers be allowed, and where? Will the trail be
designed and maintained, mostly for the thru hiker, the day hiker, who? Will ATVs, motor bikes share
the trail with hikers? After four years of controversy snowmobiles were banned in Yellowstone. Now
the policy is being reversed. If Yellowstone, why not the AT?

Do we create buffers around the corridor? Maine is seeking $100 million in "forest legacy" funds to
create a million acre no development zone in the north woods, most of which impacts on the trail. The Bush
administration proposes $30 million to be spread over the entire nation.

These and scores of other issues will be decided in part on how willing trail people are to
speak up. The ATC is ignoring the debate. The AT-List can't decide whether such things are even part
of its mission. ATML is sulking in its corner, hoping for a new administration in four years.
Unfortunately, by then, we will likely have passed the point of no return.

I could continue, but unfortunately my cucumbers are producing a record crop this year. Every year
something almost fails, so I plant more than I can use of most things. After a total failure last
year, I'm harvesting a half bushel of cukes a day. I've got to rush to put on another batch of
pickles. Hmmm. Do I have my priorities straight?

Weary