Our Forest Service has deployed a Backcountry Ranger crew in the Gorge this year, and this 2008 crew is laying the groundwork for future implementations of the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) process. They have already begun to rehabilitate several campsites and user-developed trails, but perhaps most importantly, they are passing along knowledge to the hikers and campers that they meet on the trails.
Approximately 12,000 camping permits are sold each year, and many of the campers who purchase permits know how to camp responsibly. Yet many others camp without a permit, and we all have, unfortunately, seen evidence of campers who are greener than the saplings they killed in an effort to build a fire that refuses to burn. Education seems to be the best proactive measure to protect the forest, wildlife, and the people within, and the USFS is taking that measure to remote locations.
The Backcountry Rangers hit on a number of topics as they interact with visitors. While new ones come up all the time, Tim Eling of the USFS stresses the following seven topics as the key issues that the Rangers are working to get out:
1) Where to Legally Camp
Visitors often camp illegally in the Red River Gorge. The two
rules we have are "Do not camp in rockshelters" and "Do not camp within
300' of roads or FS trails". Backcountry rangers try to explain the why
instead of just "don't camp here". They explain that rockshelters have
several sensitive resources such as rare plants, endangered bats, and
cultural resources. High intensity recreation impacts from camping and
fire building can damage or destroy those unique resources.
We welcome
visitors to hike up and look at rockshelters, but please don't camp or
build fires. Some especially sensitive sites are actually fenced. Look
for some designated campsites in the Red River Gorge as we implement LAC in the
following years. I am hopeful that this will help visitors find good legal
places to camp and have an enjoyable and safe time.
2) Overnight Camping Permits
Rangers remind visitors to get an overnight camping permit ($3.00 at
Gladie or area businesses).
The money collected from these camping fees stay here in the Red River Gorge, and helps to
pay for things like signs, brochures, toilets, parking facilities, and
backcountry rangers!
3) Be Smart with Campfires
Many inexperienced visitors can cause heavy
impacts without meaning to do so. For example, some visitors cut green
branches or live trees for firewood. Green wood does not burn. The rule
is you can have a campfire, but keep it small, make sure it is out before
you leave, and use only DEAD and DOWN wood.
4) Stay on Official Trails
The Red River Gorge is riddled with user developed
trails. We have over twice as many unofficial trails as official trails.
Some visitors get confused and accidentally walk down these user trails and
get lost. Rangers try to explain to folks what to look for in an official
trail (on official maps, signed, blazes on trees).
5) Partying
We are also trying to change the perception that the Red River Gorge is a place to
party. Over the years this attitude has not only led to loud distracting
parties and high impact behavior, but it has also led to serious injuries and
death. Backcountry rangers tell visitors that it is illegal to drink in
public in Kentucky. They also tell people that there are hundreds of miles of
cliffs and there are no guard rails!
6) Clifty Wilderness
Our Rangers are trying to increase knowledge of federally designated wilderness. The Red River Gorge is home
to Clifty Wilderness - one of only two wildernesses in all of Kentucky. US Congress
has set up wilderness to be managed differently from the rest of federal
lands. They are to be very primitive with no roads, building, or
mechanized equipment/travel. You go in on foot. Visitors should not
expect easy travel or easy rescue.
7) Be Prepared before Visiting the Red River Gorge
So many visitors seem to come down
here without a map, food, or water. They can get in trouble quickly when not
prepared.
Tim Eling is the coordinator of the Limits of Acceptable Change process in the Red River Gorge. You can
learn more about the LAC process, and stay updated on LAC progress, by visiting RRGtoday.com's
LAC page.
