Re: April 19 news story.
Kudos to the U.S. Forest Service for considering the closure of the Hanging Lake area until protective measures can be established. As our public lands everywhere are under similar and increasing assault by uninformedand apathetic visitors, even more drastic measures are in order.
Entry to all national and state parks, forests, BLM land, waterways, etc., should be restricted to possession of a permit earned by passing a written test demonstrating basic knowledge and awareness regarding litter, human waste, campfires, graffiti, resource protection, minimum impact use, etc.
As elitist and draconian as this may sound, I predict the continued abuse and deterioration of our lands with ever-increasing use will ultimately require something of this nature, and now is not a minute too soon.
Jim Allard,Arvada
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