Re: [at-l] Re: An into

["Jim Hipp" <jimhipp@worldnet.att.net>]

This is the same mentality that forced the NPS to spend $75,000 on a
wheelchair accessible latrine at Indian Gardens, half-way down the Bright
Angel trail at the Grand Canyon. Built in spite of the fact that wheeled
vehicles are not allowed below the rim of the canyon.

It never ceases to amaze me what well intentioned people will think up
next.

Personally I think this is the dumbest idea I have heard this year. 

Jim

PS - If there is any doubt about where I stand on this subject let me know
and I will forward a strongly worded letter.

jimhipp@worldnet.att.net
down a country lane in AL

----------
> From: cosmo catalano, jr. <Cosmo.A.Catalano@williams.edu>
> To: at-l@edina.hack.net
> Subject: [at-l] Re: An into
> Date: Friday, May 07, 1999 7:31 PM
> 
> Welcome Max--
>         The Applachian Trail Conference (ATC) is currently beginning to
> (finally) officially address ADA accessability on the trail.  The "Access
> Board", made up of ACT, NPS and representitives of groups advocating for
> citizens with many different "disabilities" (hearing, sight, ambulatory,
> etc) is reportedly close to publishing its first position paper regarding
> access--not only to the footpath but to other "primitive" facilties
> including shelters and privies.  It is likely that a standard for trail
> construction will be included.
> 
> Needless to say, quite a wide range of response is anticipated.  Many
> people (not-disabled) react in some kind of stunned disbelief, that
> shelters and privies located miles from a trailhead over extremely rough
> terrain would have to meet ADA standards.  No one expects the document to
> call for a complete accessability refit of the AT footpath, but trails
that
> are currently in the planning stages could possibily face this
requirement,
> and it may keep them form being completed, as constuction costs for a
fully
> accessable trail are many thousands of $ per mile.
> 
> Currently ALL wheeled vehicles are banned from the AT foot path, unless
> local easement are negotiated.  I hope that the Access Group will
> specifically recommend changing this rule to allow devices that assist
the
> disabled (but still continue to ban other things like bikes and ORV's)
> 
> Personally, I find it quite reasonable that new construction of
facilities
> meet ADA standards.  Much of the AT is accessable by ORV (off road
> vehicles, such as 4 wheelers and snowmobiles, not to say horses).  It now
> appears that certian areas of Adirondak Park in New York will be required
> to allow access to the disabled in ORV, despite the current ban on
> motorized vehicles.  In Connecticut there is a section of the AT that has
> been restructured to accomodate wheelchair users.  It is included as part
> of a nature trail loop, and is very flat and not representive of the "AT
> Experience"--whatever that may be.
> 
> As a member of a local AT Committee (AMC Berkshire), and an avid hiker,
I'm
> very interested in your thoughts and comments regarding this question.  I
> also will be happy to forward to you the report of the Access Board when
it
> comes out.  The more points of view from active outdoors-people they
hear,
> the better.
> 
> I think you will find this list full of thoughtful listeners with a wide
> range of opinions and experiences.  I look forward to an insightful and
> lively discussion.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Cosmo
> 
> "There are three great times for thinking --
>  On the john, in the shower, and while hiking.
>  And the best of these is while hiking."
>         --Colin Fletcher.
> 
> Life is Fast, Walk (OR ROLL) Slowly
> 
> 
> * From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

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