Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Actual suggestions to FS

don't know if these are really true, but based on some of what I've seen, I wouldn't be surprised...

aerodyne

Comments on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
"A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."

"Escalators would help on steep uphill sections."

"Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."

"Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."

"Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals."

"All the mile markers are missing this year."

"Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."

"Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."

"Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."

"Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter."

"Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."

"The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals."

"Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."

"Need more signs to keep area pristine."

"A McDonald's would be nice at the trail head."

"The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."

"Too many rocks in the mountains."

I smell sarcasm in some of these...

... ya think?

pretty d#$@ funny though!

Actually, those suggestions were compiled by a Contra Costa County newspaper( the name escapes me right now) about 7 years ago. Every year or so these FS suggestions make their way into circulation for the next lucky person to "discover" it.

Last year Backpacker Magazine published the FS suggestions without giving due credit to the newspaper. I pulled my copy of the article out of storage that I got in 1996-when I worked for REI- and sent Backpacker Magazine a copy of it with an enclosed letter that went something like this: "If Backpacker Magazine is going to publish another authors work does it not make sense to credit that author? Your article failed to mention the source that was used, this is plagarism, this is against the law. I'm sure it was just an over-sight by your staff and I'm sure they will rectify this problem".

And whadda ya know, the next month BP mag. included a very small admission that the article on page "15", was in fact from this newspaper and they listed the author's name.

True story. And, I never get tired of reading these hilarious suggestions that come from completely clueless people that have no business in the wilderness.

This seems to be an unfortunate habit with the Backpacker people. Some of you are aware of my interest in wilderness water purity, especially in the <a href="http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/pcs/articles/giardia.asp">Sierra</a>. If you have read it, the feature article in Backpacker's December issue will seem oddly familiar.

Upon finding an earlier version of my paper on the Internet a year and a half ago, they contacted me a couple of times, indicating minor interest in the subject.

And now this "original work." I do intend to drop them a note.

Why would Backpacker Mag. stoop so low? They are the number one outdoor magazine most months, yet, they commit plagarism without so much as a thank you.
Is that John Veiahman (sp) character still the head honcho at the magazine? I never liked him too much. I was in Mammoth when he was there taping his Trailside show on backcountry skiing about eight years. Man, what a putz. This guy was so cool he couldn't even stop and talk to fans of his show. He brushed us off faster than you could say hack job. I got the feeling from watching him and how he handled the small crew and his guests that he had a love of the outdoors as long as it made him look good and made him money. Trailside was so much better when Pete Whittaker took over, someone who actually knows a thing or two about the outdoors.
Anyways, enough of the ranting. I'm really suprised that this plagarism incident isn't an isolated occurance. The FCC should slap them with a fine.