socks wrote:
Not a mistake but a serious one, do tell. Me, I could care less, it's a non-issue for me, but I am curious why it is a mistake?max.patch wrote:
i really like JPD but i think this is a serious mistake.jimmyjam wrote:
I saw where Jennifer Pharr Davis is now on the ATC board.
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ATC Policy on the A.T. Experience and Non-Hiking Recreational Uses of Trail Lands
Adopted by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 1997
The Appalachian Trail is, first and foremost, a footpath open to any and all who travel on foot. Itssole purpose as a recreational resource is to provide an opportunity for “travel on foot throughthe wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the AppalachianMountains.” Except in isolated instances where historically recognized nonconforming uses areallowed by legislative authority, the footpath of the Trail should not be used for any otherpurpose. This policy is intended to provide a framework within which other recreational uses willbe evaluated. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy may develop additional policy direction forspecific uses as needed.
The lands acquired and managed for the Appalachian Trail, and lands designated within theA.T. management zone, not only protect the footpath itself, but provide primary protection of theTrail experience. The Trail experience, as used in this context, is intended to represent the sumof opportunities that are available for those walking the Appalachian Trail to interact with thewild, scenic, pastoral, cultural, and natural elements of the Appalachian Trail environment,unfettered and unimpeded by competing sights or sounds and in as direct and intimate amanner as possible. Integral to this Trail experience are:
• Opportunities for observation, contemplation, enjoyment, and exploration of thenatural world;
• A sense of remoteness and detachment from civilization;
• Opportunities to experience solitude; freedom; personal accomplishment; selfreliance;and self-discovery;
• A sense of being on the height of the land;
• Opportunities to experience the historic and pastoral elements of the surroundingcountryside;
• A feeling of being part of the natural environment; and
• Opportunities for travel on foot, including opportunities for long-distance hiking.
Other recreational uses of these lands should be considered compatible if they do notrequire any modification of design and construction standards for the Trail footpath or Trailfacilities; cause damage to the treadway or Trail facilities; require an engine or motor; oradversely impact the Trail experience or the cultural, natural, or scenic resources of theTrail.
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supported speed hikes with their accompanying circus atmosphere are inconsistent with current atc policy. i believe the atc needs to make a statement discouraging supported speed hikes as being inconsistent with board policy. as much as i admire JPD as a person, and believe she will continue to be a positive ambassador for the trail, the fact that her claim to fame is as a supported speed hiker makes it even more unlikely that the atc will address this issue.
2,000 miler