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Naturally occurring forest fires also release CO2. Trees consume CO2. I think that's what Elton John's "Circle of Life" song was about?

8.5% is still a pretty significant tax for going out to eat, particularly when multiplied by the growing tabs courtesy inflation. Perhaps a better way to handle the SAR issue could be to draw inspiration from collect calls: "Do you accept the charges?"

FIFY Not all USFS Wilderness areas have the WMNF charades.

I think the parking lot should be expanded. I do not advocate collecting a fee there at this juncture, knowing that the funds in that park already do not go to hiking infrastructure (hard for me to believe at this point that the fee would be directed to that, even if it was the stated intent).

My recollection from a few months ago is that there is still some really old stuff out there (judging by the moss), so although "clip and clean" was probably very good, it will take a lot more effort to get everything. There was also a lot of new debris, but it appeared that was temporary and...

It is one of the most spectacular view ledges in that section of the WMNF and locals have been going there for years. It should NOT be closed. I have spent a lot of time volunteering for multiple trail maintenance organizations mitigating trail creep/erosion/environmental damage. In my...

That view ledge has been a destination for a very long time. If you have a number of people trying to access it the same way (in this case, logically via the summit) and you don't provide a sustainable, unified path, you're going to get a mess of herd paths/trail creep/environmental damage...

I visited Albany last fall for the first time in a few years. The decomissioning of the unified view spur has created environmental damage. Here's an example of how the cairns were "scattered:" Now that there is not a unified path to the view, the issue previous Forest Service employees had...

Brushing in a problem area takes a few minutes. Construction of stone steps/drainage/scree takes many days. Regardless, trail creep is a huge problem, dramatically exasperated by "social distancing." Once that fibrous/microrooty layer goes, the area is at risk to gullying, which then...

I haven't been up the north slide since last year, but I did not interpret that sign to be directing me onto a herd path.

There have been herd paths on the north side of the approach to the slide proper for years. Unfortunately, many herd paths and overall trail creep in the state have become much more prevalent since the huge increase in hikers with social media (and COVID). I hope the Forest Service continues...

My opinion is that if one goes into either "bushwhack" without the ability to navigate off-trail, they may become disoriented or lost. If one goes into the "bushwhacks" expecting to bushwhack, they will likely find it very easy navigationally speaking. There are way too many herd paths in both...

Backpacker Killed in Wild River Wilderness "Overdue Hiker Found Deceased in the Wild River Wilderness" May 28, 2021 Bean’s Purchase, NH – New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers located the body of a hiker reported overdue by a loved one at the Spruce Brook Tent site just off the...

Thank you for filling in the bypasses. Most hikers do not know how much damage is caused by skipping switchbacks or walking off trail to avoid a blowdown or "socially distance."

I think it's important to note that the Cog is receiving financing, not funding. It is a secured loan. The state is lending the Cog $1.2 million for a 20 year term at prime plus 1%. By the end of the loan term, the state in theory gets back all of the $1.2 million plus interest plus the 1%...

The mask mandate remains in place in certain towns (typically college towns). Businesses may choose if they wish to mandate face masks on their customers. Fortunately, there have been some stores/restaurants in the White Mountain region that have allowed customers to make their own decision...

I think the second sentence answers the question posed by the first.

Appears to be yet another rescue that could have been prevented with better planning and bringing snowshoes. I feel bad for my friends in SAR getting all of these avoidable call outs.

What is so odd about carrying a cellphone? Few folks go anywhere sans-cellphone nowadays.

I think more people are losing their footwear in postholes because more people are not wearing snowshoes. If you posthole deeply while barebooting/Microspiking, you may well go up to your hip in snow and perhaps have an obstruction (branch, stump, rock, etc.), holding you in place. If you're...