doxiemom11 wrote:
The forestry campground where we are at allows campers to collect any downed wood they can use. I think most of the campground that forbid it do so because they, the campground collect, cut up and sell the wood themselves.
You are prohibited from taking any standing timber - even dead ones!
So often, campers bring their own knowledge and experience into an environment, not understanding the needs and function of that environment. Often what works fine in an urban area is oftentimes in conflict in a natural environment.
While the poster did not specify the different campgrounds in their post, I would presume that the campgrounds, being discussed, are in government control and or managment. There is a distinct difference between Forest Service and National Park Campgrounds. Many years ago, I would often talk about the difference between these two Agencies in a way that explained further than their difference as the Department of the Interior or Agriculture. I would describe, in my campfire talks, the difference between the Park Service and the Forest Service was the difference between a Supermarket and a Museum. The Forest Service is there to manage the Forest in the manner best for the health of that forest. If that managment is determined to need thinning of the trees, for the survival of future trees, then they are harvested/thinned. If the Park Service looks at a forest, their decision is based on managing that forest in the manner that will preserve the forest for future generations as in the conditions that previous generations would have viewed it. That means allowing a tree to flourish, die, fall naturally, and return to the soil, without intervention.
Last Fall I was visiting Yellowstone, as I have for many decades. Many of the places I stay, I have for many years, if not for decades. In this particular camp, I have watched one particular tree diminish in life and then finally die, leaving the branches bare for many years. A number of other trees followed and became sentinels along this river. During these years, after the death of this gallant tree, I watched the area come alive with perching Bald Eagles, Osprey using the branches for launching platforms, for fishing in the pools below. The other trees falling to the ground, developed grubs and other delicacies. I watched two different times, bears rooting within these downed trees. I watched porcupines climbing these dead trees, as well as Owls seeking out nesting locations. I did not see the "Live" trees with as much activity around them.
I left this camp for 10 days to backpack and kayak at another lake, within Yellowstone, only to return to this camp. I was greeted by one of the people that I often meet this time of year here, he was visibly upset and began to tell about a guy cutting trees down. I pulled in and immediately noticed the change. The brave tree was no longer above the river bank and the 10 to 12 dead standing trees were now gone. In their places were numerous piles of saw dust, stumps and drag marks, to the camp to my north. I walked over to this camp and there were two stacked piles of "cordwood," that were split and stacked. Next to it was a man, in his 40's, feeding the fire with these new cut logs. Asking about the cut wood, non-judgementally, he answered; Oh yeah, good thing I cut those trees down for you, as you could have been in danger with any of them falling! My wife gave me this Stihl Chainsaw for my birthday and it sure does come in handy, on trips like this!!"
The point is that this gentleman was not aware of how important a tree is, these trees, even when it is dead. Many people are not, but they can be educated in why this is. Yes, there are times and places for cutting and using trees as a resource. Then there are times they're not to be. To the casual observer, it is confusing and often people ignore the rules and feel that they should do what they feel is right, as this person did. He wasn't malicious, but excited to use his new chainsaw and not have to go buy or hunt for firewood. "Heck, it was just there. People should really bring chainsaws with them as they are a big help!!" He continued to tell me. I understood what he was saying, but privately I mourned the loss of those trees. Many do not realise how important the Antiquities Act is, in places like National Parks and other protected areas of the Department of Interior.
Yes, some campgrounds allow cutting of dead trees, standing or fallen. It is better to understand that sometimes the rules and regulations were created for reasons you might be aware of, understand and or support.
I like campfires, but tend to avoid them now. After 40+ years of backpacking, in areas that campfires were prohibited, I grew to use backpacking stoves and appreciate their convenience and cleanliness. I don't miss the campfires as much, now.
b
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