What Julie and I saw last week in the Park made us sick with tire tracks and a vehicle driving cross country. I'd say forget about monetary fees and make them serve the full six months in prison.
Knucklehead is an understatement, but thanks for being civil, Mr. Sage.
Yes, but I believe we need to be more concerned about the damage to the flora, fauna, and environment. If our stewardship means anything, we ought to be strongly speaking for all around us that does not have a voice.
I'm so tired of the (this does not refer to you, fish more) self centered idea that agencies put regulations in place "just to stop me from doing what I want," instead of the broader perspective of regulations in place to protect the resources and each of us doing our part to make that happen.
Here are just two examples. Saturday afternoon Dec 23rd, we drove out Lake Hill Road inside Death Valley National Park. Our landmark for finding the turn off highway 190 is the large brown sign stating in large letters it is illegal to drive off road. We found the persons associated with this vehicle illegally drove off of Lake Hill Road, cross country for approximately .25 mile, parked, pulled out two chairs, and enjoyed their wonderful National Park.
The vehicle was also inside designated Wilderness (carsonite signs are in place designating the wilderness boundary).
Here is the Park's webpage - No Driving Off Designated Roads
All campfires in Death Valley National Park's backcountry have been illegal for decades -
"Campfires are prohibited. Fire can only be made in established campgrounds with provided metal fire rings. Gathering wood is unlawful and burning of wood is not allowed in the backcountry. Campstoves and propane grills are allowed in all areas."
The entrance to Lake Hill Road is signed that campfires are prohibited.
source - the Park's webpage - Backcountry camping
Yet every time we camp out Lake Hill Road we find a newly built fire ring (we know this because we've been breaking down fire rings and carrying out the trash and unburned wood from these sites for years).
In no way do I believe these are tourons - clueless tourists. I've seen (and documented and reported) so much of this, that it is clear to me this is deliberate disregard of rules. I am way past the point of being weary of it all.