Thread: Mapper's Account Talk

Yes indeed the American approach to public lands and public access to wildlife, hunting and fishing privileges is dramatically different, rather egalitarian and SUCCESSFUL. This is definitely a situation where access for the average American has been and is becoming more and more jeopardized. I think this goes far beyond the basic conservative/right wing way of thinking about hunting and fishing access. I know plenty otherwise conservative sportsmen who do not like to access to tags and lands further limited. We need to watch out because frequently the change to a more fee-based system with dramatically increased fees comes as a result of budget cuts. I work under the USDA umbrella and though my position, digital mapping, is growing and quite safe, the agency funding cuts are coming fast and hard.

Originally Posted by Mapper

Yes indeed the American approach to public lands and public access to wildlife, hunting and fishing privileges is dramatically different, rather egalitarian and SUCCESSFUL. This is definitely a situation where access for the average American has been and is becoming more and more jeopardized. I think this goes far beyond the basic conservative/right wing way of thinking about hunting and fishing access. I know plenty otherwise conservative sportsmen who do not like to access to tags and lands further limited. We need to watch out because frequently the change to a more fee-based system with dramatically increased fees comes as a result of budget cuts. I work under the USDA umbrella and though my position, digital mapping, is growing and quite safe, the agency funding cuts are coming fast and hard.

Amen to that! Interestingly and for the good frankly, BLM and Forest Service have in some locations been unable to appoint and convene Recreation Advisory Committees because they can't find people interested in serving on them. Any changes (increases, new fees, etc.) in recreation access and use fees have to be approved by the regional RACs before they can be implemented. Almost everyone's opposed!

I<3TDs

Actually, I'm civilian currently wasting away in the concrete jungle...err desert. If I remember correctly from a prior post you are up north at/near Hill or ATK?

I've been meaning to tell you I love the avatar. I currently have a 3.5 y/old malamute and my past best friends have included a husky/mal mix and seppala husky (both crossed the bridge this winter w/in a couple months )...all amazing dogs. But all providing major headaches at times

Originally Posted by ILoveTDs

Mapper

I'm a westerner, I'm probably working within 5 mile of you. Your military right?

And Khotso. Where, roughly, in OR are you. I'm trying to make my way back to Bend. Going to start looking for FS/BLM positions soon. Did my grad work at OSU and spent the last winter writing in Bend. And at Timberline Lodge, great place to use as a temp office!!

Things are looking bad out there, I'm getting skeered. Might be time to eject and wait for a better re-entry. For many weeks I've been saying more risk out than in. I don't think that applies right now....I definitely feel more risk in than out.

Come on buyers, prove me wrong.

Originally Posted by Mapper

And Khotso. Where, roughly, in OR are you. I'm trying to make my way back to Bend. Going to start looking for FS/BLM positions soon. Did my grad work at OSU and spent the last winter writing in Bend. And at Timberline Lodge, great place to use as a temp office!!

South Coast -- rainy but good surf. Writing while staying at Timberline Lodge? Must have been pretty lucrative!

Mapper & Khotso, I liked your "Western" discussion. I took am lifelong Westerner (Mostly WA-state, but lived years in NM, Colorado, Idaho & Calif. -- +3yrs in TX who thinks they're West sometime but not really in my book). I also strongly value our Outdoors and public lands. So, my hat is off to you. Both UTAH & OR. are wonderful, beautiful places, so enjoy.

Originally Posted by Khotso

South Coast -- rainy but good surf. Writing while staying at Timberline Lodge? Must have been pretty lucrative!

No, I was student and I used the desks/tables in the rotunda area, camped out in the parking lot ski-bum/climber's style. Became good friend's with the bar tender and he kept my coffee cup full. I stayed w/ a friend in Bend used the Community College and City library as my office.

Love the South Coast and wish I had surfed more while there. Try to get there once/year. Love seeing the seals out w/ you, just don't overthink what is likely hunting for them under the surface! I mostly play in the mts. but really miss the ocean access. Speaking of outstanding access opportunities the public coastline in OR is fantastic...saw more bald eagles on the OR coast than anywhere else.

Originally Posted by Mapper

No, I was student and I used the desks/tables in the rotunda area, camped out in the parking lot ski-bum/climber's style. Became good friend's with the bar tender and he kept my coffee cup full. I stayed w/ a friend in Bend used the Community College and City library as my office.

Love the South Coast and wish I had surfed more while there. Try to get there once/year. Love seeing the seals out w/ you, just don't overthink what is likely hunting for them under the surface! I mostly play in the mts. but really miss the ocean access. Speaking of outstanding access opportunities the public coastline in OR is fantastic...saw more bald eagles on the OR coast than anywhere else.

Nice! Occasionally see Golden Eagles here too -- not often though. There are lots of bald eagles in the area. But if you really want to see balds, go to McDonald Creek/Lake at Glacier NP in mid-to-late October -- hundreds of them feeding on spawned salmon drifting in the creek. At least there were in the late 70s.

I didn't enter this market to be risk averse...so I'm not leaving yet. Bring it on!

Lots of people like to post videos, not sure how but here's a link. I've been talking a bit about outdoors pursuits. Frequently, especially in winter I get caught in some pretty nasty, sometimes scary mountain storms. Every time that happens I cinch everything up and turn directly into wind for a moment to just enjoy that I'm out, exposed and experiencing all of it. Had a similar thought when I decided to stay in the market this morning, cheesy by comparison. But the same song always going through my head at those times. Here it is for today...especially since it's "Friday" in market terms:

REO Speedwagon - Ridin' The Storm Out - YouTube