[pct-l] ursack issues and update

[Donna Saufley]

Hikers had problems with Ursacks right out of Kennedy Meadows in 2006 when
the 'sack did have conditional approval for use in the SEKI.  Because the
bags have a knot on the end, the bears could easily pick them up and carry
them off, absconding with all of the hikers' food. Bears cannot make off
with the other types of cans. They might not get the food right away, but
they did get the bags and the hikers were SOL.  This is why they did not get
conditional approval again. Rodents were another big problem; bear's teeth
aren't sharp enough to get through the Ursack fabric, but the little
critters like squirrels and mice have sharper teeth and were able to big
through, making holes in the bags while hikers slept.  It is a pity that
they didn't work out . . . I loved my Ursack.

It is my understanding that the current philosophy is to remove stationary
bear boxes and put emphasis on enforcement of carrying approved bear
canisters.  There are changes coming in the SEKI.  So, past history of
checking for bear cans may not be a good predictor for the future. 

Though I was through long before the snow had melted and the bears take to
higher country, I heard a bear at Grouse Meadow, and there were problems
with them above Le Conte Canyon reported by those who'd camped there.  We
also had a young marauder at Benson Lake who we were able to chase off.
Some of the smartest and most persistent bears have been found at Rae Lakes.
So, it's not just Yosemite car campgrounds where they've gotten used to
finding people with improperly stored food.

Please, follow the rules when it comes to bear cans.  The life you save may
be a bear's.

L-Rod 


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Jack Young
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 2:51 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] ursack issues and update


Does anyone know if it is the policy of park rangers to ask hikers to show
their bear canister?  Or if a persistent ranger would do such a thing?  Has
anyone ever been busted with an URSACK in an area where it was not
approved.and if so what happened.  I am thinking about not taking the sleeve
for my URSACK on this summer's journey and trying to assess the risk. We
used the URSACK last summer in areas where it was not approved (High Sierra
Trail) and didn't have any trouble.I did have the sleeve then but it's still
not approved.  (I want to be careful here not to criticize our hard working
and underpaid park rangers.  They have my highest respect.it's the regs I
have issues with.)

I thought I read somewhere that it is possible even with current regs to
hike the JMT using the URSACK (a superior product IMHO) AND campsite bear
boxes. Trying to figure that out.  Any thoughts on that one?

>From the ursack  website: March 5, 2009 
There has been some movement in Ursack's lawsuit against federal officials.
The parties and their lawyers met in San Francisco on February 27, 2009.
Some progress was made, but at this time there is no determination if Ursack
will be approved for use in Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and King's
Canyon National Parks, or Inyo National Forest in 2009. All parties are
continuing to work toward a prompt resolution. Updates will be posted here
as appropriate.

BTW, I still have never seen a bear in the sierra backcountry.  Only in
Yosemite near people.


Thanks,

JY

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