[pct-l] Problems on the PCT

[Marion Davison]

Charles Williams wrote:
> In my thoughts, a trail is what has been built to sustain and focus peoples (and their animals) impact to a small, narrow path.  This keeps 99% of the backcountry in relatively pristine condition so that when we venture off the path to see something special, it is indeed "special" and not spoiled by the impact of humans.
>
> If we put diapers on our animals, where are we to dump it?  If we dump it on the trail ( the place designated for our impact) what's the point.  If we dump it in the 99% of the pristine wild lands that are suppossed to be free from impact, what then?  Do you really want to find ten 10lbs piles of horse shit in the forest when you're 100' from what should have been the last discernable impact of humanity?  Even if we scatter it, a group of 4 clients with a cook and a packer plus 5 mules...that's 11 animals and at least 100 lbs of horse shit a day going into diapers to be dumped in the bushes.  Or the meadow?  or the forest?  Tell me what sensitive ecosystem that is unspoiled is the best place to dump it?
>
> Myself, I'll take it on the trail.  I think that's where it belongs...
>
> Quincy Rider
>

As a llama packer, I tend to agree with this.  The national parks limit 
stock travel more heavily than the national forests.  Depending on the 
park, stock users are not allowed to travel more than a 1/2 mile off an 
established trail.  They are required to use designated stock camps 
where they exist.  These regulations are in place in recognition of the 
fact that a pack string has an inherent impact on pristine lands.  A 
string of horses walking cross country can create a new trail with their 
feet, which will then be used by others, making a new trail where no 
trail existed before.  The trail tends to be open to the sun and dry 
compared with the surrounding landscape, so manure will dessicate and 
break down faster than it would on damper, shadier soil.  The action of 
horses and people walking through it also helps it break down faster.
As a llama packer, I am walking just like any hiker, through the same 
poop, and my animals are contributing to it.  I am leery of the 
movements to ban commercial packers from the JMT.  Once that happens, 
the next step is to ban private llama packers like me.  It's a slippery 
slope.