Let's see where this goes

[base311]

So I dunno if any of you have had a chance to read Mr. Heid's latest article in Skydiving: "Signs of a Possible Thaw in Park Service - Jumper Relations," but I gotta say:

Love him or hate him, Mr. Heid appears to have done more to keep the heat and pressure on the NPS than anyone else I'm aware of in recent history. Whether you agree or disagree with his plans and actions, the route he has taken does appear to be bearing some fruit (although still rather green, I suppose).

At some point there comes a time to recognize the efforts that are being made to gain access and, in the absence of a better plan or more organized effort, stand behind that effort. He's done a lot. Now he needs help. If you have a desire to someday jump _LEGALLY_ in a national park, then perhaps it's time to get onboard and all work together to make this happen (sooner rather than later).

I've heard rumblings that there's another attempt to organize some kind of group/association/collaborative. I don't have any details, only rumor. Can anyone share details? What can be done? Where do we go from here?

It's time to start thinking about this as a serious endeavor.

Does anyone read this board anymore?

Whatcha think?
e-me Boone97@yahoo.com
Gardner

[CrazyThomas]

If I remember correctly, didn't Robin also get a senator to start using the phrase "Back Country Parachuting", rather than BASE jumping? It seems this article appeared a little more than a year ago, and I have not read this new one.
Robin is working for our sport, and trying to gain access legally. And it seems like he knows some of the correct channels to try to go through.
This is an effort that needs more than organization. It needs participation also.

>> Does anyone read this board anymore?

Yes.




Thomas

[imported_Tom Aiello]

>Does anyone read this board anymore?

Nah. I'm just here to edit your posts.

Seriously, 80% of my posts recently have been in the moderators forum, trying to hash out the shape and direction of these forums. I really think we can create something that will work complementary to the DZ.com board, to pull experienced jumpers over here.

I'd love to hear about organization efforts, too, if anyone wants to share.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[base428]

This has been discussed lately and I've been the one calling for a
"new" organization comprised of BASE jumpers willing to put some time into our fight to jump legally in national parks. Even reviving the stagnant CJAA may be an option, as the website is up and running and there is a lot of history there.

(Mick or Tim, what's the latest on the CJAA?)

I believe that people such as Robin, Avery, Harry, Dennis, Vertigo, other BASE manufacturers, myself, and countless others should join together to come up with some common goals. If we had about 4-5 small groups of jumpers, each containing 2-4 members, then each group could tackle a different area. A web-based forum for all members of this group could be formed for each of us to stay in touch. If we are all on one team, we have a lot of power.....if we all work individually, then we continue to suffer.

Anybody interested in putting in a few hours each week?

Anybody wanna step up to start this new organization or shall I?

Anybody want to suggest a different approach?

I'm all ears....


------------
Jason Bell (BASE428)
Email: jbell@vertical-visions.com
Web: www.vertical-visions.com or www.bridgeday.info

[park1231]

The Access Fund would be a good organizational model to follow.
Their commitment to conservation is a strong rallying point that draws in climbers and non-climbers alike. I have not BASE jumped yet but have climbed for several years and it would seem that jumpers and climbers access issues regarding National Parks are similar.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact the Access Fund and attempt to gain their support as a brother organization.

http://www.accessfund.org/index.html

Heres a link with some tips for writing letters to Land Managers, Senators etc. regarding land access issues
http://www.accessfund.org/programs/programs_tool.html

[Karin]

>Mr. Heid appears to have done more to
>keep the heat and pressure on the NPS than anyone else I'm
>aware of in recent history.

I concur. Good article - objective, well-rounded and factual. Robin's been inexorably consistent in his coverage of NPS issues and has done a good job of keeping the topic at the forefront of matters that need service & attention from the American BASE community.


>Does anyone read this board anymore?

Yah.

[imported_mknutson]

Without people that can put in a few hours _every_ week, and also agree on things, and make progress, Organizations are just difficult to say it mildly.

After all, everyone keep bosting about being a "rebel" and "non-conformist". Organization is just a 180 on that mentality. So we must first get a majority of the jumpers to slightly change their thinking.

The CJAA has many fundamental documents that I wrote, and got some feedback on, but never could get a final vote to approve.

I agree we will continue to suffer, but it is a mental steriotype we must change. We need everyone to change. How can we do this?

[TSR]

I am not exactly sure what needs done for this cause as I am relatively new to the sport(2yrs,60 jumps). However, I would be willing to help out in any capacity necessary. It seems to me that now, more than ever, is the time to band together and fight for the legislation that allows us equal access to the parks. Like a lot of jumpers, my employment would be seriously affected by a black mark on my "Record", so this is a very serious issue for me. Please let me know what I can do to help and you've got it. I can be contacted at tsrbsbd@hotmail.com

Travis