When Are There Too Many and What to Do About It? An Opinion
It is difficult to determine the carrying capacity of the often fragile natural environment crossed by our beloved PCT. Just how many hikers can the PCT absorb? I found myself thinking about this question when I saw the photo of the line of climbers waiting for their moment to summit Everest.
Of course, the impact of even thousands of hikers on a 2,650 mile long trail is very different than scores on a thin ridge at more than five miles high. On Mt. Everest the issue has become one of safety, quality of the experience, the quantity of human waste/trash generated by these climbers and their support teams, and their effect on the flora and fauna of the region. On the PCT, as the numbers of PCT hikers continues to swell, drawing walkers from across the globe, the issues are . . . well . . . the same.
I can’t pretend to know when we reach the tipping point on the PCT, but I do believe that there would be value in creating a team of trail users, ecologists, and recreation professionals charged with recommending measures that could be implemented to extend the vitality and health of the PCT, the PCT experience, and the lands it crosses. The PCTA has worked to institute a soft quota system and to educate hikers about the philosophy of Leave No Trace. There are periodically crews charged with dismantling fire rings and rehabbing overused campsites. But there may well be more good ideas out there. Are there more effective ways to educate hikers about minimizing their impact? Is diffused camping better than concentrating camping in fewer spots? Are their ways that Guthook and similar apps could be involved in reducing hiker impact? How can the bolus of hikers we know as the herd be spread out? Are there certain parts of the trail suffering more than others and should more aggressively be protected? Are practices in place around the globe that could be applied to the PCT?
There is much to be said for being out in front of this issue. There is every indication that growth in the numbers walking the PCT will continue. What do you think? Are there suggestions you have? Send us any thoughts to [email protected]
Rees Hughes
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