[pct-l] Bear can requirements clarification

[Lance Marshall]

Perhaps the best source of authoritative information on food storage
requirements can be found in each park superintendent's compendium.

 

>From the Yosemite National Park Superintendent's 2012 Compendium page 22 and
23:

(http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/upload/compendium.pdf)

 

The following conditions are established to regulate food storage:

 

When not stored as described below, all food and food containers must be
within six feet of an awake person.

 

Food Storage - Wilderness Areas

Any person camping within the Yosemite Wilderness is required to store food
items, items carrying food scents and toiletries in a bear resistant food
storage container that is allowed for use in the park by the NPS. All other
food storage systems are prohibited in the Wilderness. This requirement
applies during those periods when items are not being transported, consumed
or prepared for consumption, or when items are unattended for a sufficient
time to allow a bear access to them. Items must be kept in approved
containers which are closed and secured properly.

 

In at least two places the compendium differentiates between lockers and
canisters:

In a properly closed bear resistant food locker.   Vs:

 

In a properly closed bear resistant portable food container that is allowed
for use in the park by the NPS.

 

I suppose you could argue that you don't need a canister if you keep moving
(ie:"transporting"), keep your food within 6 feet, and never sleep.  I
wouldn't count on it.

 

The Sequoia - Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent's 2012 Compendium
page 7 and 8 also has a canister requirement with an exception for PCT
thru-hikers:

 (http://www.nps.gov/seki/parkmgmt/upload/2012-Compendium-signed.pdf)

 

Wilderness Areas:

Food items must be stored in one of the following ways, in descending order
of preference:

-In a food storage container........

-In a food storage locker.

-Suspended................using the SEKI counterbalance technique.

 

The following food storage regulations apply in the Specific restricted
Wilderness Area:

1.      From May 1 through October 31, all parties must have SEKI allowed
food storage canisters with the capacity to store all food items.  All food
items must be stored in these canisters when food is not being used,
prepared or consumed.

2.      Stock parties must have SEKI allowed panniers and/or steel drums
with locking lids.

3.      Long distance through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail with a valid
wilderness permit must either carry SEKI allowed food storage canisters or
stay at sites with food storage lockers and store all food items within.  If
snow prevents access to food storage lockers in these areas, they may use
the SEKI counterbalance technique."

 

I couldn't find a compendium for Inyo NF but the SEKI compendium page 31 has
a canister area map that includes parts of Inyo NF.

 

IMHO, carry a canister for your own peace of mind and for the safety of
bears and others.  Hope this helps.