Trail Bandit controversy

[Lex]

I knew that the Trail Bandit made good maps, but I was unaware of the issues around some of his activities. There's some discussion about it here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1 ... lands.html

There are some interesting perspectives.

[mcpenguin5]

This is indeed disturbing. Has anyone contacted the NPS people about this? I would think they would appreciate his help in keeping the existing, approved trails in shape, but hacking into Park flora without approval is a jailing offense! Perhaps he is unaware of this?
Just sayin'

McPenguin5

[PA Girl]

Wow, what is going on? Who would think it was ok to break trails on someone else's property, including the US Government, without permission? Using poison and cutting down endangered trees!

I always assumed (see where that got me!) that the site was just identifying existing trails.

[RickG]

There's more to it if you read deeper, along with plenty of hyperbole. Here are two articles originally from bellman3 on tripadvisor:

http://www.backpacker.com/december_07_b ... ills/12044

http://trailbandit.org/news.htm

I don't condone trespassing or the use of herbicides, but keeping open historical trails is not without reason. There's a reasonable middle ground and it sounds like that is being discovered.

Cheers, RickG

[Cid]

I agree with Rick G on this one...it does seem like there is a middle ground here that would work for everyone. I found the article links very informative. This issue should raise red flags all over, but it is important to look at both sides.

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