[at-l] Interesting News Item from the Google News Alert---

[lbooher at pure.net (Leslie Booher)]

      04.19.2004 7:07 P.M.
      Green Mountain Club: Wait on hiking until land dries
      The Associated Press
      MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The organization that takes care of the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail in Vermont is urging hikers to stay off the trails until they can dry. 

      The Green Mountain Club says wet conditions from snow melt and rain make hiking trails susceptible to erosion damage that can be made much worse by foot traffic. 

      That forces the Green Mountain Club to discourage use of the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail. 

      Hikers are being urged to stay off trails below 1,000 feet until May 1; May 15, 2,000 feet; May 30, 3,000 feet.