[pct-l] Park Rangers

[shon mcganty]

I've had a few irriatating experiences with park rangers when trying to obtain a backcountry permit.  
Three times at two different parks I've been turned down for my permit.  Why?  Because, in their view, the hike I was wanting to do isn't possible.  Why?  I was trying to set an iteneriary with 23-25 mile days over 4 days (90 miles in 4 days), and that just wasn't possible.  I still steam over it.  
I've heard 5 park rangers use the term "not in this park," referring to "this park" has mountains and passes, with the idea that I must be from Iowa and I may be able to do 25 miles a day at home on roads, but not this "park" which has ups and downs.
 
I wish I knew to what extend they have a right to deny permits.  I'm guessing they have all the power.  That's why I steam over it.  They have no idea what they're talking about.
I wish I knew if I could ask to speak to their supervisor or write to the head organization to complain or someting.
I am willing to give over authority with policites to protect people from people and protect land/wildlife from people, but a hiker should not be denied based on some ranger's idea of what may be too physically difficult.  How can they dare allow El Cap or Mt. Rainier to be climbed, which is tons more dangerous than hiking 25 mile days.  They don't deny climbing the peaks, but hiking around them??  Makes no sense.
 
Also, I guess I'm in a minority, but I think a $5,000 fine is way too high.  Doesn't fit the crime.


________________________________
From: mikey chapman <petergrubbfan at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 9:08 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Park Rangers

Hello All, Ive been to Yosemite at least 30 times,and 3 of those
times,friends who were with me were flat out abused by authority.
Theres a history of overzealous Rangers there,google it.  Im sure it
has something to do with the amount of idiots who are careless and
lawless,but id say theres also a few bad apple Rangers(like any part
of society,pct).  One thing that is crazy smart,they have there own
courthouse and jail,which makes getting fined a hard thing to overcome
for the unaware. They like to hold you untill your fines are paid,or
untill you bond out,or you sit it out(hope for an O.R.,which are slim
to none there). That includes all the goodies of real jail,strip
search,bad food,and my buddy tells me you are caged like an
animal,small cage like cells. Id hate to think that money,quotas,or
advancement are related but........  Anyhow,be careful out there. Has
anyone ever been given the $5000 fine for the no bear container? How
was that handled? Oh,and alot of these offences mean lifetime bans to
the park and maybe other parks. A little food for thought,hope you
enjoyed.
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