[pct-l] Wood stoves

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

Okay, I can't stay out of this string regarding wood stoves without saying something regarding the rules/regs...
First - a reminder - please remember you need a CA Campfire Permit; the PCT Thru-Permit is NOT a campfire permit...
Secondly, it is your responsibility to know the rules, regulations, and current restrictions for wherever you are on the PCT...

The use of wood stoves is 'illegal' in certain areas no matter what time of year...
An example that should be obvious is at high altitude in the subalpine/alpine zones - the fragile 'soil' needs 
all those 'twigs' for the replenishment of the already low quantity of nutrients in the soil...
Burning 'twigs' does NOT return 100% of the original nutrients to the soil...
The PCT does stay 'high' for very long stretches and the subalpine zone drops in elevation as one goes North...
I'm NOT saying don't use a wood stove, but rather use it only in appropriate areas (elevations)...
The government agencies DO consider "tiny sticks" as "firewood", and a stick stove as a 'campfire', also...

Yosemite has a limit of 9,600' for campfires: see <http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm>...

Please note the FAQ at the very bottom of the page:

> Can I use a Sierra stove above 9,600 feet?

> No, you may not use a Sierra stove (stick stove) above 9,600 feet
in elevation.  The small

> twigs used to fuel Sierra stoves are just as valuable a part of the ecosystem as is the larger

> wood used in
traditional campfires. Regrowth at higher elevations is extremely slow
and the

> soil is low in nutrients. Removing this wood from the system
further slows growth.

Seki has different elevation restrictions in different regions of the parks and has added many specific areas below 
those 'standard' elevations of each region banning "campfires" (which would include using wood stoves):
see <http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/kernfire.htm>;
also <http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/2008FoxtailBulletin.pdf>...

Inyo NF: see <http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/wild/sitespecific.shtml>...

So what is "just twigs" to some folks is very similar to "just TP" to others...
Do what's 'right' in ALL of your actions even if it takes a little extra effort - if not for yourself and fellow hikers, then for the future generations...

Happy trails!!!
Jim / PITA