[at-l] Letter to the Editor

[the_rev_mrf at kingcon.com (Martin Fors)]

Hi,

Here's a letter written to our local newspaper which should interest this
list, whether you agree with the thrust, or not.  rusty
AMC spin zone



- To the Editor:

I am amazed at how The Caledonian-Record blends journalism and advertising.
I have never seen a greater example of this than Tim Jones' fluff piece,
"Active Outdoors: High Hotels" (Wednesday, Aug. 25). Is this a journalistic
piece or a weekly column? Is Mr. Jones an AMC member? It seems to be a
blatant free plug for the AMC hut system. It is one thing to list lectures,
classes or slide shows that are free but quite another to advertise huts
that cost $82 a night.

In the interest of fairness and responsible journalism, perhaps The
Caledonian should investigate the AMC status as a nonprofit organization,
its record as a conservation group and what some of its future projects and
goals are. Also investigate what non-members (and some members), especially
those from the White Mountains area, think of the recent expansion of the
huts and hostels. I think you might find a lot more folks than you imagine
are questioning or even angry with the AMC. The AMC may spin it (and they
are very good spin doctors) like they want to be good neighbors, but I am
not sure everyone sees them as so.

If I may, let me express my opinion relating to Mr. Jones' advertising
piece. The recent expansion (some without public input) of the GaleHead Hut,
Lonesome Lake Hut and the Highland Center are an eyesore. They create litter
(it doesn't all get packed out) and noise pollution. The AMC spin was these
buildings were designed to blend in with the natural environment. When I
tell people this, it is always good for a big chuckle. Walk by any hut and
soak in the large loud groups, the barking dogs and the stench from those
non-stink composting toilets they like to brag about. There seems to be very
little neighborly respect and it is out of line with the "leave no trace"
policy they are partners in. Huts tip the balance by giving people willing
to pay the benefit of an extended stay without the hardship or effort of
carrying the supplies necessary for such a stay. I submit that 90 percent of
the people who stay at the huts would not camp, so the argument that huts
alleviate stress on a fragile environment is a weak one. I often see "hut"
people without any packs or gear on the Franconia Ridge jogging, power
walking, letting their dogs run loose and talking on their cell phones about
the wonderful hot food they had last night. Not exactly respectful of those
seeking perhaps just a little quiet solitude like the hiker conduct code the
AMC supposedly adheres to. Of course I could go on.

I respect the AMC. Historically they have been a great organization. I have
met many wonderful and diverse members. But I am concerned on what their
plans are for the future. A hut on Kinsman Ridge? That would be a
money-maker. Maybe another Highland Center, let's say on Route 3 near the
Skookumchuck Trail. How about a brand-new, state-of-the-art,
high-tech-friendly hut where the Guyot shelter now sits; that way, Mr. Jones
could e-mail his advertising pieces to the paper without having to hike
down.

In closing, let me say that I agree with Mr. Jones on one thing: Bring those
ear plugs (I prefer a Walkman), not just for snoring, but for hiking
anywhere near an AMC hut or shelter. You may also need them if you hike
after the hut hikers leave in places like Zealand Valley, Lonesome Lake,
Franconia Ridge, etc. That's when they love to start flying helicopters to
and from the huts, real conservative-like. And finally, instead of the
gentle strumming of "Here Comes the Sun" at 6:30 (is that really sunrise?),
I think Pink Floyd's "Money" is much more appropriate.

Sarah Dickerman

Littleton, N.H.