[at-l] Mission of the AT

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark Wright)]

Like Bob, I too have a problem with Jim's definition; if you take his
definition and apply it logically, then we have to both pave the entire
Trail, and provide mechanized devices for those who need them, and
probably would have to dynamite passes thru the steeper parts.  Having
said that, Jim's definition does raise a thorny issue, that can never be
fully resolved.  To paraphrase the ATC mission statement, what is an
appropriate level of trail maintenance/blazing/modification in order to
be accessible to the average, reasonably prepared hiker?  This is a hard
question to answer concisely, but I lean towards the more primitive end
of the spectrum in terms of what I would like to see . . .

Hike on!

thru-thinker

"Bob C." wrote:
> 
> "...>Let's make it simple - the AT is supposed to be a "blazed" trail from
> >Georgia to Maine for the use and enjoyment of the American public -  meaning
> >"people".  Any people, any experience level, anyplace on the  Trail, anytime.
> >If anyone has a problem with that "definition" then let's  hear it," argues
> >Jim.
> 
> I suspect the Appalachian Trail Conference may have a problem with that
> definition.
> 
> The ATC mission statement adopted 23 years ago declares:
> 
> "The Appalachian Trail in its entirety shall be kept forever open, obvious, and
> narrowly passable for hiking. The treadway shall pass lightly over the land to
> provide for the least disturbance to the natural setting. The trail shall be
> marked and cleared to offer passage that may be both enjoyable for the
> REASONABLY PREPARED and in harmony with the natural environment." (emphasis
> added)
> 
> In furtherance of this goal the ATC has published a handbook for maintainers
> that specifically urges the use of blazing be limited in ways I have mentioned
> in several previous posts. No where in the manual does it suggest that the trail
> has to be made easily accessible to the dumbest, or the most heedless and
> ignorant hiker who ventures thereon.
> 
>  Rather the manual warns that attempting to do
> so would destroy the very mission of the trail.
> 
> Those opposed to the ATC position certainly have ways to mount a protest. This
> is a democratic organization. Any member can propose a resolution to the
> biennial meetings. I think you have to submit such proposed changes in policy a
> day or so ahead of time, but the process is simple.
> 
> The next meeting will be in the summer of 2003 ( July 25-Aug. 1) at Waterville
> Valley, NH, hosted by the trail club that thru hikers comment most frequently
> about -- the AMC.
> 
> BTW AMC is actively seeking volunteers to help with the
> massive arrangements that such meetings entail. Just e-mail Steve Crowe at
> sunshine@splusnet.com
> 
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