We, the undersigned, stand in opposition to the 'Backcountry Office & Permit System Restructuring Proposal' submitted by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Under this proposal, the GSMNP would charge fees for the use of backcountry campsites.
Our opposition comprises the following concerns:
* NPS-provided data demonstrates that backcountry use in the GSMNP has significantly declined from a peak approximately 15 years ago.
* The assignment of fees to backcountry users irresponsibly targets the group of individuals who are most likely to protect the Park and its resources, yet fails to address the significant damage to the Park wrought by frontcountry visitors.
* It is unlikely that all funds raised under the proposal would, in practice, actually find their way to "improve on those experiences that people have in the backcountry".
* In extremely difficult financial times for many individuals and families, the Park's timing for this proposal is unseasonable and will induce financial hardships on some of its finest current and future stewards.
And perhaps most importantly,
* The GSMNP is prohibited from the charging of an entrance fee under deed restrictions imposed at the time of the Park's formation. We are concerned that enacting a fee for the use of the backcountry violates the spirit of the original Park agreement, which was to provide a resource 'for the permanent enjoyment of the people'.