[at-l] Re: PUDs

[ellen at clinic.net (Bob C.)]

>"... The path is receiving national park level interest and use, yet is strung
>out on a thin net of volunteer upkeep which relies on the abilities of those
>who volunteer. In short, the AT is in real need of an NPS-level planning
>overstructure while trying to sustain an ever-outdating volunteer one. It's
>obvious that the government is the only realistic solution..." argues RnR.

Maybe. But I have my doubts. I agree that the trail needs better planning. But
for Maine, at least, I doubt if teams of federal planners really would be an
improvement over that offered by the maintaining clubs and the consultants,
planners and staff people they dream of having the resources to hire.

 Clearly mistakes were made in the massive relocation that occurred in the 80s
 in Maine. But that was a product of a foolish and failed attempt by the
 essentially conservative MATC. Members, or at least the leadership, believed
 their own rhetoric and thought they could get significant voluntary gifts of
 land from the big corporations that owned most of the land through which the
 trail passed.

 When that effort failed we were forced by the deadline imposed by Congress to
 find a permanent trail location quickly. The result is a lot of miles of poorly
 designed trail. But we are gradually making corrections.

   I have great respect for the Appalachian Trail Park Office. Pam Underhill is
   a far better and more dedicated ATPO director than we have any right to
   expect. But I doubt if Pam, with all her skills, or anyone she might hire,
   could do a better job from Washington than the 200 active MATC members, who
   essentially devote their non-working lives to the trail in Maine.

   MATC has evolved. Through most of our existence, we were totally dependent on
   the goodwill of the private owners. We developed the club culture that was
   needed to work with the landowners. But that era ended two decades ago. What
   Maine needs now is not Washington planners, but Washington funds. We know
   what needs to be done. What we lack is the money to do it with.

   Weary