Avalanche safety bill

[astrotech]

There is a bill (H.R.2039, Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005) that has been introduced into the House for funding for avalanche education and preparedness. Right now, it has no co-sponsors, just the sponsor, Rep. Don Young (AK). In order for this to pass the House it will need some co-sponsors and, of course, bi-partisan support. Since it is only asking for 15 million dollars, a drop in federal budgets, this is not a high profile item.

Please write, fax, call, or e-mail your representative, or the representative for an area with avalanches that you frequently spend time in. Let them know that this money is needed and it will be going to a good cause, one truly worthy of taxpayer money.

[SkiDog]

Consider it done. Great find.

[RR]

hmmmm....just what do I want to be protected from?

The bill as written is a dangerous matter. I far prefer the way things work in the Wilderness areas under Forest Service control. That is, nothing is done but posting of advisories and some trails are closed at key times.

Be very careful what you ask for....some "protections" will be very far from supporting actual use....mark my words!

[riverc0il]

i didn't read the bill, but considering 15 mill a drop in the bucket is how we got into the current fiscal mess we are in as a country. i consider myself excessively socially liberal and think public funds should be funnelled into safety concerns for the masses. but 15 mill? that seems excessive.

[skiyak777]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

i didn't read the bill, but considering 15 mill a drop in the bucket is how we got into the current fiscal mess we are in as a country. i consider myself excessively socially liberal and think public funds should be funnelled into safety concerns for the masses. but 15 mill? that seems excessive.

That might be just enough to cover a howitzer to protect the road between Anchorage and Girdwood. I don't think has has anything to do with BC skier safety- in fact, it makes me nervous when they start firing artillery into the BC (or dropping charges out of helis like Wasatch Powerbirds does) while I'm out there.

[M@]

Still forming my opinion on this. Regulation is always good and bad. It's the "necessary evil" that we put up with becuase we have to. Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose.

M@

[SkiDog]

I guess I didn't read far enough into it. I got to this point "(a) Establishment- The Secretary shall establish a coordinated avalanche protection program--

(1) to provide early identification of the potential for avalanches that could endanger the safety of recreational users of public land, including skiers, backpackers, snowboarders, and campers and visitors to units of the National Park System; and

(2) to reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches on visitors, recreational users, neighboring communities, and transportation corridors," and thought it sounded pretty good. Thanks for making me read the whole thing and think it through. This is a prime example of how our system works. I probably read more of it that all, if not most, of the Reps in the House.

[Freebird]

Originally Posted by M@

Still forming my opinion on this. Regulation is always good and bad. It's the "necessary evil" that we put up with becuase we have to. Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose.

M@

Ok Bobby Mcgee... I'm leary on this too. I still haven't formed an opinion either. I'd rather have funds given into Avalanche Education and Awareness and less on the actual control and 'public protection.' I don't like the idea of the federal government being involved in this at all. Personally I think it's something for the individual communities or states to deal with- especially considering each area's avalanche characteristics are so vastly different. Now, I'm all for the federal government giving money to education, so if they want to help fund avalanche education courses- sweet. The better educated we (as a community) are in the backcountry- the safer we (as a community) will be (overall).

My problem with getting too much high ended policy making involved in this type of thing is that it makes it less flexible for each organization to deal with and adapt how they see fit. Regulation this and regulation that, and federal ordinance this and policy that will in the long run I think cause more lawsuits, and people trying to place blame. I'd rather it be left as much as possible as the individual traveller's responsibility to find the appropriate information on their own and take care of themselves on their own- a natural selection of 'skills' so to speak. Again- all for education leading to development of those skills.

Ok, I guess I have formed an opinion...

[PWDR8S]

Originally Posted by Freebird

Ok Bobby Mcgee... I'm leary on this too. I still haven't formed an opinion either. I'd rather have funds given into Avalanche Education and Awareness and less on the actual control and 'public protection.' I don't like the idea of the federal government being involved in this at all. Personally I think it's something for the individual communities or states to deal with- especially considering each area's avalanche characteristics are so vastly different. Now, I'm all for the federal government giving money to education, so if they want to help fund avalanche education courses- sweet. The better educated we (as a community) are in the backcountry- the safer we (as a community) will be (overall).

My problem with getting too much high ended policy making involved in this type of thing is that it makes it less flexible for each organization to deal with and adapt how they see fit. Regulation this and regulation that, and federal ordinance this and policy that will in the long run I think cause more lawsuits, and people trying to place blame. I'd rather it be left as much as possible as the individual traveller's responsibility to find the appropriate information on their own and take care of themselves on their own- a natural selection of 'skills' so to speak. Again- all for education leading to development of those skills.

Ok, I guess I have formed an opinion...

I'll echo what Freebird said.... AND RR's words of wisdom. Besides.... isn't this already happening on the 'local' level? I'ld say this is a million dollar boondoggle and that any funding should go to the Avi education... more courses in more locales. This way the fed funds wouldn't have strings restricting or changing what the local crews need to do.

LESS BUREAUCRACY!!!! NOW!

[Freebird]

Originally Posted by PWDR8S

...

LESS BUREAUCRACY!!!! NOW!

and for those that don't know better- apparently the Japanese as I learned last night...- LESS BUSH NOW!

Take that to mean whatever you want it to mean.

Hey 8's you're approaching the coveted 5,000th post! We need to drink some beer in celebration!

[Mad Skier]

Originally Posted by Freebird

and for those that don't know better- apparently the Japanese as I learned last night...- LESS BUSH NOW!

Take that to mean whatever you want it to mean.

Hey 8's you're approaching the coveted 5,000th post! We need to drink some beer in celebration!

I second the quoted, and use this opportunity to make my grand: 50th post.

And heres to many more.