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Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 1:55pm
Thread (disabled) Board
It can be hard to remain ethical when others are doing wrong. I applaud you for yours. I'm sure you are aware of all the ways you can react to this so I won't elaborate. You have to follow your heart and do what is right; but I will say a rule is a rule and the rangers will somehow find out about these boxes.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 2:31pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I wouldn't plant any but I would definitely look if some boxes were planted there.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 3:05pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Thoughts?

I applaud you for respecting the rules and not planting there. If I were faced with this, I would send a message to the planter letting them know that these boxes are in violation of the Park's rules, and that you are aware of previous boxes being discovered and removed (and discarded?). So, if they value these plants, they should probably remove and relocate them to a more acceptable location, before that happens.

I wouldn't go beyond warning the planter, though. I wouldn't remove them myself, or "out" them to the Rangers. Let the inevitable happen if the planter ignores you.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 3:14pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I feel like it makes us as a community look terrible. They said not to plant them, so don't plant them. I'd definitely write the planter and tell them to get their boxes out of there. I wouldn't remove them myself, but I also wouldn't go and find them, generally. I don't want us in the news for the wrong reasons. I would also bring it up to Ryan. I have heard he can make clues for boxes like these disappear.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 3:23pm
Thread (disabled) Board
1. If they say don't do it, then don't do it.
2. The New River Gorge website it has a pack it in/pack it out rule.
3. If we alienate the management now, it will make it harder for those trying to get the management to change their minds.

We don't want another incident like the Disney decree.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 4:08pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Unless there has been a major shift in policy in the last month, planting in the park is still against the park rules.

The speed limit on Main Street is 25 mph. Guess what. What should I do about it?
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 5:23pm
Thread (disabled) Board
To protect your positive and tenous relationship i would pull all those planted inappropriately. Could give you more cred with the park and it is the right thing to do. We had a similar problem years ago in Harpers Ferry. The NPS actively went after them. Good luck with this quest.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 5, 2018 5:29pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Has it occurred to you that the people who have planted boxes in the New River Gorge area are not aware of a policy such as the one you describe?

We planted a box there yesterday, and we're assuming that's what triggered your post. We reviewed the NPS web site for the New River Gorge National River and checked the park's published policies including the superintendent's compendium. No prohibition of letterboxes (or geocaches) was mentioned that we could locate. If you know where to find this rule on the park web site, please post a link.

You say "it's known not to plant there," but how can one know there's a prohibition if it is not publicized by the park? Is this a rule that the rangers themselves have adopted on their own?

Thanks for any links you can provide to the publication of this official policy.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 9, 2018 10:05am
Thread (disabled) Board
Oh, I was lucky to read the Burgemeister poem just in time for it to be deleted. Very funny with the link--but it-just-disappeared. I'd love a copy AQ'd to me if possible, can't remember who wrote it.
Re: Ethical question
Board: State: West Virginia
Reply to: #969091 by Old Celt
Dec 11, 2018 12:37pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Interesting Thread...

I plant when I want, Where I want, and when I want to.

Carry on,
Mtn Girl