RE: [Philmont]: Bear Bags vs. Bear Cannisters

As usual, Dr. Bob said it best:

 "There is a ceaseless need for education."

 In 2003 I engaged (along with a few thousand of my closest friends) in
a pitched and heated battle with the New York State DEC over a proposal
to tighten group limits and restrictions in the Catskill Park, which is
just a tad bigger than Philmont. One of my arguments was that Scout
units are better trained (Outdoor code, Leave No Trace, etc.), and
groups showing proof of such training should be allowed slightly bigger
group sizes. Well I have to tell you that I was blown away by the
anecdotal evidence fired at me by the Rangers about Scout units engaging
in "totally unacceptable" habits and committing infractions I found
incredible. I came away from the fight resolved to do my best to help
"clean up our act". I speak at Roundtables, and offer my experience to
any Troop who asks. Most Troops with sloppy habits learn those habits
from leaders who don't know any better. This can be fixed and we need to
fix it.
 As for Bear canisters at Philmont, as I said before, I am agin 'em.
Philmont is a very unique place where all users are educated before
using the backcountry and that education is re-enforced throughout their
trek. The current system is working. Bear canisters will not correct
sloppy habits such as food odors in the tent, failure to clean up vomit
or blood, and other issues which are the predominant cause of bear
attacks these days. If there is to be a "next step" in bear suppression
at Philmont, it should probably take the form of Bear Boxes in the
campsites. Although the initial investment would be greater than
canisters, the cost of ownership would be lower in the long run.
Canisters cost about $80.00, think about the replacement cost to your
crew when a bear takes one for a walk.
 The point is, all systems will work, but we all need to take it
seriously and teach our youth how very important this is to everyone who
travels in the outdoors, whether at Philmont, or anywhere else.
Infractions by a few cause problems for everyone, so when a Scout leaves
a candy bar on a rock "to see what might come get it" he has just
contributed to a future bear encounter for someone who will come down
the trail after him. It is our job to make sure everyone understands
this.

Happy Hiking,
 Tom

By the way, could someone post the entire 2004 statistics from High
Country so that those of us not in the PSA can benefit?

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Tue Jan 4 15:56:09 2005