Designated Wilderness Areas, New Hampshire – In 2012, an article Wilderness Under Siege by The Wilderness Society was an eye-opening read about how the 112th Congress was introducing bills that could forever change the well being of America's public lands and wilderness. Conservation NH also complied a list of New Hampshire bills in 2012 all thought to be anti-conservation, dubbed "The Dirty Dozen Bills".
Lastly, a Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 was drafted geared towards designated wilderness areas in New Hampshire. The possible removal of another footbridge in the Pemigewasset Wilderness was the likely motive behind this useless, nonconforming resolution.
One section of the Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 regarding trail blazing stood out to me. It suggested trail blazing should be in all parts of the White Mountain National Forest, including designated wilderness areas.
The resolution references wilderness experience and solitude of designated wilderness areas, but then demands trail blazing needs to be in these same wilderness areas. Trail blazing painted all over trees does not equal wilderness experience or solitude.
I don’t want to see unsightly and excessive trail blazing throughout New Hampshire's designated wilderness areas. Designated wilderness areas are defined as natural areas untrammeled by man. Trail blazing does not fall into "natural". See the Wilderness Act for the definition of Wilderness (Section 2(c)).
Reality is hikers have been making their way through New Hampshire’s designated wilderness areas for years without the need of trail blazing. The lack of human impact is the very reason why many visit these areas.
If some groups get their way the process of destroying New Hampshire’s wild places will start again. Make your voice heard by calling, e-mailing and writing your lawmakers. Do not let the anti-conservationists destroy New Hampshire's wild places! New Hampshire Conservation Advocates are in demand.
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.