The park service officially withdrew the proposal to charge for backcountry camping today. I am absolutely drained from this fight but the outcome makes the long struggle worth it. Keep your eyes on the park news because we need to ensure this stays off the table for good.
January 13, 2012
Final supporters
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 wouldcharge fees for the use of backcountry campsites.
Ouropposition comprises the following concerns:
* NPS-provided data demonstrates that backcountry use in the GSMNPhas significantly declined from a peak approximately15 years ago.
* Theassignment offees to backcountry users irresponsibly targets the group of individuals who are most likely to protect the Park and its resources, yetfails 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 timingfor this proposal is unseasonable and will induce financial hardships on some of itsfinest 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 aresource 'for the permanent enjoyment of the people'.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
December 23, 2011
December 22, 2011
The climb toward five hundred names has been slow and exhausting. I am asking you to send this link to the people who care about these mountains because we need that credibility before presenting our case.
October 2, 2011
The emails I receive from those who have spent decades hiking these trails remind me exactly why we are fighting this proposal. It is exhausting to navigate the bureaucratic silence from the park office but I am not walking away from this yet.
Reached 100 supporters
August 19, 2011
10 Comments
I say no... No more fees...errr taxes...errr I mean fees... We pay plenty of taxes... How about no more bonuses for government workers...their bonus should they are fortunate to have a job.... How about no more taxpayer parties.... I'm sickend to see our government abusing our hard earned $$...
I say "NO" to backcountry camping fees. Certainly with all the money the federal government wastes, especially since the inception of the Obama administration, Congress should see that more of the squandered taxes from the government coffers could be redirected to better fund our national parks. Teddy Roosevelt must be spinning in his grave over a proposed assessment for backcountry campers who are stewards of our national resources. The National Park Service and Congress should be ashamed for proposing such a fee.
I love these mountains and those visiting wants it to be primitive like it was set up to be. No fees for camping we are taxed and charge fees. let sign against this.............
The backcountry is a special place. I think they would receive more in funds by asking for donations.
Keep our parks free for everyone. Hiking is the one thing you can still do without a bill in the mail every month. Stop nickle and diming us.
God's country should be free. Permits "yes" fees "no"
God's country should be free. Permits "yes" fees "no"
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
The park service officially withdrew the proposal to charge for backcountry camping today. I am absolutely drained from this fight but the outcome makes the long struggle worth it. Keep your eyes on the park news because we need to ensure this stays off the table for good.
January 13, 2012
Final supporters
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 wouldcharge fees for the use of backcountry campsites.
Ouropposition comprises the following concerns:
* NPS-provided data demonstrates that backcountry use in the GSMNPhas significantly declined from a peak approximately15 years ago.
* Theassignment offees to backcountry users irresponsibly targets the group of individuals who are most likely to protect the Park and its resources, yetfails 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 timingfor this proposal is unseasonable and will induce financial hardships on some of itsfinest 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 aresource 'for the permanent enjoyment of the people'.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
December 23, 2011
December 22, 2011
The climb toward five hundred names has been slow and exhausting. I am asking you to send this link to the people who care about these mountains because we need that credibility before presenting our case.
October 2, 2011
The emails I receive from those who have spent decades hiking these trails remind me exactly why we are fighting this proposal. It is exhausting to navigate the bureaucratic silence from the park office but I am not walking away from this yet.
Reached 100 supporters
August 19, 2011
10 Comments
I say no... No more fees...errr taxes...errr I mean fees... We pay plenty of taxes... How about no more bonuses for government workers...their bonus should they are fortunate to have a job.... How about no more taxpayer parties.... I'm sickend to see our government abusing our hard earned $$...
I say no... No more fees...errr taxes...errr I mean fees... We pay plenty of taxes... How about no more bonuses for government workers...their bonus should they are fortunate to have a job.... How about no more taxpayer parties.... I'm sickend to see our government abusing our hard earned $$...
I say "NO" to backcountry camping fees. Certainly with all the money the federal government wastes, especially since the inception of the Obama administration, Congress should see that more of the squandered taxes from the government coffers could be redirected to better fund our national parks. Teddy Roosevelt must be spinning in his grave over a proposed assessment for backcountry campers who are stewards of our national resources. The National Park Service and Congress should be ashamed for proposing such a fee.
I love these mountains and those visiting wants it to be primitive like it was set up to be. No fees for camping we are taxed and charge fees. let sign against this.............
The backcountry is a special place. I think they would receive more in funds by asking for donations.
Keep our parks free for everyone. Hiking is the one thing you can still do without a bill in the mail every month. Stop nickle and diming us.
God's country should be free. Permits "yes" fees "no"
God's country should be free. Permits "yes" fees "no"
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I say no... No more fees...errr taxes...errr I mean fees... We pay plenty of taxes... How about no more bonuses for government workers...their bonus should they are fortunate to have a job.... How about no more taxpayer parties.... I'm sickend to see our government abusing our hard earned $$...