Forest Service to consider day hike quotas?
According to an Associated Press story published today, the Forest
Service is considering expanding
the quota permit system for the Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes to:
The story quotes Wenatchee River Ranger District wilderness coordinator Lisa Therrell as saying these popular areas are "way overused on weekends."
The proposal is sure to open a debate within the hiking community. Hikers have begrudgingly accepted limits to overnight use, but quotas for day hikes have yet to take hold in Washington's national forest lands.
Coincidentally, the Wenatchee River Ranger District is facing budget cuts that will not allow it to remain open on Sundays during permit season. That would almost certainly have to change if a day-hiking quota system was put into effect.
"address overcrowding at nearby Mount
Stuart, Ingalls
Lake and Headlight Creek Basin."
What's significant is that one of these, Ingalls Lake, is a popular day
hiking site. The Forest Service currently has lottery system for
overnight permits
in the Enchantments area, but has yet to place limits on day use.The story quotes Wenatchee River Ranger District wilderness coordinator Lisa Therrell as saying these popular areas are "way overused on weekends."
The proposal is sure to open a debate within the hiking community. Hikers have begrudgingly accepted limits to overnight use, but quotas for day hikes have yet to take hold in Washington's national forest lands.
Coincidentally, the Wenatchee River Ranger District is facing budget cuts that will not allow it to remain open on Sundays during permit season. That would almost certainly have to change if a day-hiking quota system was put into effect.
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
