[pct-l] "Approved Storage Methods" SEKI

[reynolds@ilan.com]

Does SEKI have the force of law to inforce this? Who knows. Is this a list
of "approved storage methods"? yes
     -tom
            Protecting Your Food From Bears in the Backcountry


Plan ahead to store food in one of these three ways, listed in order of
effectiveness:
   1.      Rent or buy National Park Service-tested bear-resistant portable
     food canisters (available at Lodgepole Market and Cedar Grove and
     Mineral King Visitor Centers).
   2.      When available, camp at an area with a metal storage box. Keep
     in mind that you must share these food boxes with other hikers; locks
     are not permitted on them. Carry rope for hanging food in case the box
     is full or you don't camp where you intended.
   3.      Carefully hang food by the counter-balance method. Only use this
     option if the others are not available, and practice it before your
     trip!


Avoid taking odorous foods; they attract bears.


Don't leave food and containers (ice chests, bags, cans) in cars at the
trailhead. You must use trailhead food storage boxes if they are available.
If not, contact a ranger for alternatives. Bears can break into vehicles if
they see or smell signs of food.


Share food storage boxes with other campers. Store soap, sunscreen,
deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are
attracted to anything with an odor.


By making loud noises and throwing objects you can often scare bears away
before they get to your food. Be bold, but keep a safe distance and use
good judgment. Never attempt to retrieve food from a bear. Never approach a
bear or get near a cub.


Bears are active both day and night. At night and any time you are away
from camp, remove all food from your pack and store it properly. Leave your
pack on the ground with flaps and pockets open.


When you leave an area, take all your garbage with you.


If a bear does get your food, you are responsible for cleaning up and
packing out all debris, and for reporting it to the nearest ranger.


Note: These regulations and precautions help decrease the chance of
personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and confrontations
are still possible, even when all guidelines are followed.


All bears in the Sierra Nevada are American black bears, Ursus americanus.
This name can be misleading, as they may be black, brown, cinnamon, or even
blonde in color. The last grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in California was
killed near Sequoia National Park in 1922. This information does not apply
to parks inhabited by grizzly bears.




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