While I think this is a step forward, I wouldn't exactly call it a win until someone has successfully negotiated a permit. I do appreciate ABPs hard work though.
If anyone wants to read the actual text, please follow the link below. After you read the section on parachuting (8.2.2.7), read section 8.1.1 on "appropriate use." Then read section 1.4.7.1 entitled "Unacceptable Impacts." This section is important because jumping can easily be determined as making an "unacceptable
impact" in the park (I thought of 5 reasons right off the top of my head). Regulations are written vaguely by the federal govt on purpose so they can make them say what they want them to say for any circumstance. Thats how the govt keeps the power and if anyone thinks the govt will ever give up its power, you're sorely mistaken. They will
always control every aspect of (legal) jumping in the parks. I guess the question is what do you want to give up for a jump?
This is a LONG, hard road and I give kudos to anyone who can stay the course and see it through. I do wonder though, after someone jumps through all the hoops (and there's sure to be many) and they actually get a permit, will they quit the fight, become satisfied with that
system, or keep fighting for more open and easier access for all jumpers? Ha! Who am I kidding? By that time there'll be so much politics involved that there will still be very few jumpers who will get to jump under a permit. Anyway, I don't see any jumps happening anytime in the near future unless NPS management decides they want to take a chance and allow it, which is doubtful. I hope I'm wrong though...
My 2 cents.
Actual text here:
http://www.nps.gov/policy/MP2006.pdf
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