FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Observing in Arizona

[Jeff Hopkins <phxjeff@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have not done much observing in the remotes of southern AZ, but I 
have seen some disturbing things in other areas.

There are areas of Arizona that are prime for dark sky observing, but 
are illegal to set foot in (thanks to organizations like the Sierra 
Club). These are the wilderness preserves. In most cases there are no 
signs and no fences, but if you get caught in the area you are in a 
world of hurt. I have heard some real horror stories regarding this.

Also, the Forest Service has started clamping down on collecting fees 
for visiting areas of the National Forests. If you thought you had a 
right to be in the National Forest, you  thought wrong. If you do not 
pay the fee you are subject to arrest and fine. Hunters have the 
right as part of the Hunting Licences Fee. Now some may think the 
fees are a good idea, however, in truth they are a very bad idea as 
the fees do not even cover the cost of the program. You may even find 
access to private property used for observing may be blocked by the 
Forest Service as they are constantly closing roads.

What to do? Contact your representatives and express concern. At the 
present rate you can kiss dark sky observing in AZ goodbye in a few 
years.

Jeff
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Jeff Hopkins
HPO SOFT
http://www.hposoft.com/Astro/astro.html

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