[pct-l] A Modest Proposal For Herd Management

[Bill Batchelor]

Who let reasonable ideas onto this list.   

And yes, you can donate even if you are not hiking:  "Charitable HOOEY" or
CHOOEY.  If you are section hiking (or Partial trail), you donate PHOOEY.   

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of David Plotnikoff
Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 1:18 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] A Modest Proposal For Herd Management

Hello from a long-time list-lurker.


Regardless of how you feel about the ADZKO, I think most of us can take one
step back and agree on the validity of the underlying
problem: The adverse impact and stress the herd imposes on trail town
services, trail angels and the trail itself is hard to deny.

With that in mind, I would suggest that we set aside any calls for
cancelling, moving, rescheduling or otherwise messing with the ADZKO. 
There is no need for such a drastic and divisive step. Instead, I would
offer a modest proposal: Economic sanctions to make the thru-hikers manage
their own itineraries. The fee structure would be very simple, and the
mechanism for administering it is already in place and has been functioning
for years.

When a potential hiker submits an application to the PCTA for a thru-hike
permit (ANY hike longer than 500 PCT miles) they shall be assessed a modest
fee. The Herd Overload Offset, Expensed Yearly fee will be calculated on a
sliding scale: Persons leaving the southern monument on the third Saturday
in April will be charged a top HOOEY of $100. For each day of deviation from
that date, the HOOEY will decrease by $4. Thus someone leaving Campo 25 days
before or after the peak date would pay no HOOEY at all.

Brothers and sisters, are you with me so far?

The proceeds from the HOOEY fund would eventually be applied to trail
maintainance and acquisition of key right-of-way. But first it would be
directed to address the adverse impact the herd has on trail towns. The
long-suffering postmistress at Warner Springs could apply to the HOOEY
grants committee of the PCTA for a new storage trailer to be on-site during
the peak month. The owners of the Raccoon Saloon in Wrightwood would be
given a small grant to hire extra security to handle the "Animal House"
antics of the herd. (Don't dispute me. I was there in '05 myself when the
earth shook and grown men cried out in terror.) Donna and Jeff Saufley would
receive one of the largest grants, covering daily truckloads of water,
laundry detergent, a Shiatsu massage therapist on call (for Donna, not you,
you dolt!) and several cases of premium wine. The Andersons will receive an
generous ongoing stipend for bulk taco salad ingredients and certain herbal
supplements as needed.

As someone who has been on the trail for nine years now, I am as invested in
the overall well-being of the trail - and the trail community - as anyone.
And it's with the most sincere intent that I say to you, brothers and
sisters:

It's time to go with the HOOEY. The trail we love depends on it.

David Plotnikoff
http://www.emeraldlake.com/pctguide/


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