[Nmcaver] nmcaver Digest, Vol 21, Issue 9

[Larry Pardue]

>> On Jun 28, 2006, at 2:06 AM, Stephen Fleming wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Mike, I have to agree with Bill. He is not wrong. These are fees  
>>> to use lands we have already paid for and if you want to play on  
>>> the NPS segment you will pay ever-increasing costs. When you read  
>>> the NPS press releases, they don't even pretend they have  
>>> involved the public in their fee decisions. There is no mention  
>>> of public comments or hearings. No mention that not everyone  
>>> agrees with their processes. All you see is that they've done an  
>>> internal study to ensure the fees are consistent with other  
>>> parks. Well, I am so impressed they are so concerned with  
>>> consistency among parks. Doesn't make any of it right. Where is  
>>> the data to show any of their fees are necessary? By that I mean  
>>> some verifiable process that is not based on them just saying  
>>> they need it. You ever seen that kind of data? I haven't.

Well said Steve!

I went to Flagstaff/Sedona/Grand Canyon a few weeks ago.  I found it  
very disturbing to find that down around Sedona they are demanding a  
fee to pull over to the side of the road.

"When is a Red Rock Pass Required?


A Red Rock Pass (or Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Golden Access) is  
required when recreating on National Forest land in Red Rock Country,  
a high-impact recreation area. The pass must be displayed in the  
windshield of the vehicle.

Vehicles parked on the National Forest in the red rock area that do  
not display a valid pass in the windshield are subject to receiving a  
citation.

A pass is not required for incidental stopping to take a photograph  
or to enjoy a scenic vista (approximately 15 minutes or less)."

How about that?  As long as we look quickly enough they don't charge  
for looking.  I wonder if I drive by the same place enough to look  
for a total of more than fifteen minutes, if I owe then? We should be  
happy to pay; after all the rocks are RED!  I think this is a pretty  
unbelievable example of what you are saying.

On the same trip I ran into the trail issue at Grand Canyon.  There  
are numerous signs about fines for leaving the trail.  When I  
researched the issue I found the actual rule is aimed at cutting  
switchbacks.  Making up a rule, on the spot seems to happen too often  
in the National Parks.

Larry Pardue