How envolved would you get?

[Metal Twister]

Just a question for some thought...

In my conversation with Richard yesterday he suggested that if any park rule violators were observed, he would appreciate phone pictures, or anything that he could use as proof to prosecute violators. He didn't want us to get involved any more than a picture showing the situation and maybe a license plate #. Ive got mixed emotions about that for some reason. It seems that it would be so easy to take things out of context.

I'm just curious what your thoughts are?  Any opinions one way or the other? 

[StvDiego]

For me there's way too many it depends...

If, and it's a big if, it was something serious enough to require immediate intervention, i.e., protect a person(s) in immediate danger or protect property in a major way like an arsonist in Santa Ana conditions or some one driving a skip loader down Sidewinder (well, maybe that's a bad example, so maybe if some one was bulldozing the park then...), in that case, I have no problem getting involved in bigger means than dropping an e-mail and a pic.

For everything else my feeling is they have people who are paid to patrol and police the area, let them do their job. Where do you draw the line, and even more, what is the line? Littering, making noise at night in the campground, pooping on a plant...? Also, does Scuff and it's members want to become the polite-police, I mean really, to me it's somewhat unfair to put recreational 4-wheelers in a position to be off-road watchdogs. I go there to enjoy time with friend. I pick up trash when I find it, I'll stop and help someone broken down and I always try to leave the place better than I found it. Sure, if it's a major event, I'm there, no problem. I'll do my part to take of the place, but to me, prosecution is not always the answer. I'd rather have the opportunity to invite someone to join us on a run and pass on the David Doctrine, Every Run is a Trail Clean-Up. I'd rather make friends than enemies.

I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the work Richard and the other Rangers and law enforcement personnel do for us and I will do my part to help, but I'm not going to be park deputy and sneak around taking pictures of some idiot throwing a water bottle out his window. I'll stop and pick the bottle up and hopefully have the opportunity to speak to the fool sometime and have a lesson in trail care.

[Metal Twister]

In a lot fewer words that is the way I feel also. I cant picture myself sneaking pics of wrong doers. If it was an out of control behavior I probably would intervene on the spot. Other than that, I dont think I would feel comfortable with the picture thing.   

[DavidWymore]

Don't fight fire with fire unless necessary...a soft answer turns away wrath.

I've heard someone is ripping out the "new" signs in Sandstone = bad form! I'd take a picture.

One time some yuk-yuks were yanking out bushes at Superstition for firewood = picture time...if I'd had a camera. I didn't say anything though...pregnant wife and my were parents with me and I didn't wanna tussle with those characters.