Chainsaws in NPS wilderness RE: [pct-l] Trail Gorilla Work near PCT/Kern Plateau

[AsABat at 4Jeffrey.Net (AsABat)]

In 1997 I heard chainsaws being used on the west end of Sandy Meadow, well
away from the trail. I asked the ranger at Crabtree Meadow about it. He said
they were clearing the trail. I said they were way away from the trail. He
said it was a different trail. I questioned that, knowing there are no other
maintained trails there. He did not elaborate. 

AsABat

> Actually, I've found that it is a little more complicated than that.  The
> Wilderness Act says:
> 
> 
> 
> (c) ....... except as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the
> administration of the area for the purpose of this Act .......... there
> shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment
> or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical
> transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.
> 
> Here is the rub:  The Dept of the Interior (Park Service) has defined
> "minimum requirements" as being chainsaws.  The Dept of Agriculture (USFS)
> has defined it as hand saws.