Sad state of national parks and forests - II
I've less than 2 years ago reported here the sad state of our national parks and national forests after family camping in Yosemite, Redwood, Raiinier, Lassen Volcanic, Lake Tahoe... which I posit with...
Forum Discussion
I'm still surprised when I go to a state campground and find paved spots and water and electric hookups.
Until recently, Connecticut state park campgrounds were mostly just patches of grass. I got used to that, using my camper as a self contained camper. Now CT is "improving" state campgrounds, adding electric and paved spots, and cabins. Sure, it is nice, but all that "infrastructure" that is being added requires more maintenance and personnel to take care of. And I honestly miss the "olde timey" limited facility campgrounds, where the people camping there seemed to make an effort to clean up after themselves.
Also in CT, some of the state parks have "Friends of (whichever park)", volunteer groups who help the park employees take care of the park and also push for renovation and adding facilities. Hammonassette State Park in CT has a very active Friends of Hammonassette who are always working on the park and are in the local news with what they are doing. I can see myself helping them when I retire.
We've been to a New Jersey County park a couple times that is beautiful. As far as I know it has one full time employee, a guy that has been there for over 10 years and he keeps the place well run and maintained, along with a volunteer group. The full time guy seems to really love the place and his job, and it shows.
I don't think there is a one solution that fits all.
Seems like the best places are run and maintained by people who love what they are doing, paid or volunteer, more taxes or less.
Until recently, Connecticut state park campgrounds were mostly just patches of grass. I got used to that, using my camper as a self contained camper. Now CT is "improving" state campgrounds, adding electric and paved spots, and cabins. Sure, it is nice, but all that "infrastructure" that is being added requires more maintenance and personnel to take care of. And I honestly miss the "olde timey" limited facility campgrounds, where the people camping there seemed to make an effort to clean up after themselves.
Also in CT, some of the state parks have "Friends of (whichever park)", volunteer groups who help the park employees take care of the park and also push for renovation and adding facilities. Hammonassette State Park in CT has a very active Friends of Hammonassette who are always working on the park and are in the local news with what they are doing. I can see myself helping them when I retire.
We've been to a New Jersey County park a couple times that is beautiful. As far as I know it has one full time employee, a guy that has been there for over 10 years and he keeps the place well run and maintained, along with a volunteer group. The full time guy seems to really love the place and his job, and it shows.
I don't think there is a one solution that fits all.
Seems like the best places are run and maintained by people who love what they are doing, paid or volunteer, more taxes or less.
