Current Environment Issues:

• 11/20/04 The trail user/Fee Demo program passed into law criminalizing use of our national wild lands for those who do not have a user pass. Preliminary estimates of the cost for the new annual pass to federal lands are $80-$100 individual agency and day use passes may be available, and these fees have not been determined yet. Being caught without a pass will be a class B misdemeanor if this law does not get repealed before September of 2005. If caught without a permit on your car your are presumed guilty with a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to 6 months. For more information see the press release by the Western Slope No-Fee Coalition.
• 3/31/04 The initiative (#713) that outlawed steel-jawed traps in Washington state as inhumane to wild animals, and dangerous to humans and domestic animals is in danger of being repealed by the state legislature. Action deadline 3/31/04, Best action: contact your state representatives, Further information www.save713.org

Information Resources:

Rutchblock Quick Reference Printable reference card for this method of avalanche safety evaluation.