Posted by JRM on October 29, 2002 at 08:54:22:
In Reply to: What about National Parks... posted by msblucow on October 29, 2002 at 07:51:03:
Good idea, horrible examples. You picked two of the most trashed parks. Yosemite is a joke. People have absolutely destroyed what once was pristine. If you are trying to argue against closing access, try using something less mutilated like Kings Canyon, or even the "non-park" areas like Courtright Reservoir.
The biggest trick the devil ever played on people was allowing them to think he didn't exist. The biggest trick the commercial fisherman ever played on people was getting the UASC to oppose reserves. We #%%$&# ourselves on this one. While we're busy fighting amongst ourselves the sticks and traps of the nearshore live fishery is continuing to rape the ecosystem.
At this point, I'd even be willing to give up diving in reserves if we could ban commercial fishing in the nearshore. Or better yet, why not make it like the real "Wilderness Areas" and ban anything with a motor. If you want in, kayak or swim. IMHO, that would be the best solution. Limits access without denying it. This isn't about reserves or fishing licenses or who gets to dive where. This fight is all about getting the commercial guys out of the nearshore. Period. Once they're gone, then we can get back to making fun of the extremists.
JRM