Just a Hyker

Introduce yourself to the group! We welcome novice and expert alike! We especially love hearing from those new to Portland and those new to hiking
Post Reply
Hyker
Posts: 1
Joined: December 22nd, 2018, 10:57 am

Just a Hyker

Post by Hyker » December 26th, 2018, 1:18 pm

Just and Idaho Hyker looking for examples of chainsaw use in Wilderness Areas that were allowed (as excepted by the "Wilderness Act") in either, BLM, USFS, NPS, or US Fish and Wildlife service...

User avatar
retired jerry
Posts: 14398
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm

Re: Just a Hyker

Post by retired jerry » December 26th, 2018, 3:33 pm

After a forest fire, like the Eagle Creek fire or the Dollar Lake fire they use chainsaws in Wilderness.

I remember some comment about clearing out the Elk Cove Trail after the Dollar Lake fire. It's authorized for fire fighting, and then extended to include removing trees that had burned and then fell onto the trail. And they clear out trails to provide access for fire fighting crews. Using chain saws.

The Wilderness act doesn't allow man made things except when it's the minimum required to meet the objectives of the act including human access and wildlife preservation. Trails are man made things but they're an exception allowed to provide human access. There was some legal case where they allowed a water tank for wildlife.

It seems like if they're unable to clear out trails without using chainsaws, that should be an allowed exception. I don't think many people would agree though.

User avatar
retired jerry
Posts: 14398
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm

Re: Just a Hyker

Post by retired jerry » December 26th, 2018, 3:34 pm

and welcome

Post Reply