In this post, I'm going to vent my frustration and anger. Being a naturalist for sixty years I've taken pride in visiting many parks and natural areas most of my life. This post pertains to @SpringMountainRanch in las Vegas, Nevada. Take a look at the photos and you'll understand.
The upper trails have been closed most of the time during the pandemic. Well, the above picture explains why. New fencing has gone around Lake Harriet. This fencing now keeps people about 75 to 100 feet away from the lake's edge and the fence is at least six feet tall.
I can completely understand the State's reason for doing this, it's because of human beings, or those who think of themselves as humans. Because of people like you, and you know to whom I'm referring, you put invasive species in the lake, you let your dogs shit all over the trails, you and your children deface the rock and other natural items, and you leave your trash everywhere.
I hiked this upper trail today, 2021-Mar 21, again for the first time in nearly a year. I'm so pissed-off at you filthy, good-for-nothing idiots who caused my freedoms to be more limited than they were because of your actions, you can't imagine. I wished there was a BOUNTY on catching those of you who break the rules. If one is enforced I'd be there every day collecting a handsome sum.
Because of you, I can no longer sit along the shoreline, on the bench, next to the water, and enjoy the scenery. Because of you, this has become nothing more than an average hiking trail.
Now some of you might be saying, "so what, what am I going to miss?" Take a look at this next picture and you'll see what you'll never see again.
For over twenty years I've come to this lake, almost monthly, sometimes more frequently, simply because it was beautiful and peaceful. I've always purchased an annual pass, but alas, I will never do so again. Yes, it was this nice.
Also, today while I was hiking the upper trail, I was fortunate enough to walk by two giant piles of dog shit. Well, in my opinion, and I've stated it before, let's close the park to dogs. Why not? Obviously, humans are not going to pick up behind their pets, they just won't. I used to look past these persistent piles of disgust because I so enjoyed around the waters. Now I say, PERMANENTLY BAN DOGS!
Before the pandemic, the park added extra Rangers. I used to walk by them and thank them for being present. I'd always tell them it helps to improve our humanity. Today, there was a park Ranger parked in his truck, next to the lake, with his red lights flashing - just watching people. Has it really come to this? See the next picture.
So now, I say screw it. As is the usual case, the actions of the few have ruined the pleasures of the many. It's partly the fault of the powers that be. Why you ask? Because if we were to implement bounties on those who break the rules we would have ordinary citizens obtaining proof of those who do not respect what we strive to preserve. Put a $1k bounty on those whose animals shit on the trails without the owner cleaning it up. A $1k bounty on those who wilfully throw their trash wherever. A $1k bounty on those who deface or destroy what the rest of us hold so dearly. Offer a $1k bounty and people like myself will take the time to video the perpetrators and keep a lookout. As it is now, we may report it, but simple pictures won't do - they can be doctored. And who's to say it's an actual depiction of the event.
I feel sorry for those young persons who will follow. Within the next decade or two, you won't be able to walk on the open lands without an escort. You'll be herded in like sheep. You won't have time to relax or explore. You'll have a designated time-slot and only be allowed to see a fraction of what's "out there".
Politics, partisanship, and archaic laws are what prevent the expansion of our freedoms and liberty. Soon you may as well walk by an aquarium because the beaches will be closed, the open lands will be fenced off, and you will be pigeon-holed in the grinding routine of your everyday life.
Let the people start making video citizens arrests with a bounty. It's the only way we can prevent further closures and loss of freedoms. Stop allowing the few to ruin what the many hold so dearly.
I've had enough of those of you who have no integrity or pride. Make it happen.
