01-27-2006, 09:23 PM
[cool][#4040ff]I don't think we perceived your "ranting" to be aimed at BFT members. It is obvious that you share our common frustration with all of those who mindlessly litter and destroy while out in our great outdoors.[/#4040ff]
[#4040ff][/#4040ff]
[#4040ff]I too have practiced cleanup on campsites and fishing areas for a long time. Even out here in "trashy" Utah, there are a lot of sportsmen who make it a practice to take plastic garbage bags along to clean up after those who don't. Only problem is that it is hard to keep up with the litterers.[/#4040ff]
[#4040ff][/#4040ff]
[#4040ff]Once, while hiking in the Sierras, in California, I was on my way down the trail after several days in the back country. Just as I approached a campsite, three young men were leaving it...fire still smoking and quite a bit of trash littering the ground. I yelled at them to get back and clean up their camp area and put out the fire. I could see the looks passing among them. There were three of them and only one of me. However, I was visibly hot and ready to take it to the next level if necessary. They picked up their trash and put water on the fire. I made them stuff the trash in their packs and followed them all the way down the trail to the parking area, where they dumped the trash. Not sure I would try that these days. I am older, slower and usually do not travel "armed". Unfortunately, you never know who is armed, so discretion is the better part of cowardice. I don't backpack much anymore but I still carry trash bags.[/#4040ff]
[signature]
[#4040ff][/#4040ff]
[#4040ff]I too have practiced cleanup on campsites and fishing areas for a long time. Even out here in "trashy" Utah, there are a lot of sportsmen who make it a practice to take plastic garbage bags along to clean up after those who don't. Only problem is that it is hard to keep up with the litterers.[/#4040ff]
[#4040ff][/#4040ff]
[#4040ff]Once, while hiking in the Sierras, in California, I was on my way down the trail after several days in the back country. Just as I approached a campsite, three young men were leaving it...fire still smoking and quite a bit of trash littering the ground. I yelled at them to get back and clean up their camp area and put out the fire. I could see the looks passing among them. There were three of them and only one of me. However, I was visibly hot and ready to take it to the next level if necessary. They picked up their trash and put water on the fire. I made them stuff the trash in their packs and followed them all the way down the trail to the parking area, where they dumped the trash. Not sure I would try that these days. I am older, slower and usually do not travel "armed". Unfortunately, you never know who is armed, so discretion is the better part of cowardice. I don't backpack much anymore but I still carry trash bags.[/#4040ff]
[signature]