[AZ-Observing] Re: Observing on Public Land may get Costly

This is alarming since I live in the Prescott area. Are they ticketing 
for taking pictures even when on the right of way of the road? My guess 
is that the Demo program will be renewed under Bush because my guess is 
Republicans want to privatize this aspect of the national forests. 
Privatization will ultimately lead to this kind of fee system. Seeing 
how Republicans operate in congress I doubt there will be much we can do 
as individuals to prevent congress from continuing the Demo program 
which is supposed to expire this year.  Hate to be so pessimistic. Plus, 
it seems so unthinkable that they could charge for observing at 5 Mile 
Meadow, for example. Do you think it could happen?

As an aside, the sky is blue and partly cloudy but to the east and south 
there are ground level clouds moving in, which amounts to fog, I 
believe. I have never seen this before so late in the day and with blue 
sky showing. Wierd weather.
Stan

Jeff Hopkins wrote:

>If you enjoy heading out to dark sky country for and evening or two 
>of observing you may want to check on what some in the government are 
>up to. Check
>
>http://www.aznofee.org
>
>If some officials have their way ALL non-private land may end up 
>costing you $5 or more per day or night for use. Prescott National 
>Forest has been rumored to even take that to extreme and have 
>ticketed people stopping to take pictures for the forest when they 
>hadn't paid a fee and received a pass. Fines can be up to $5,000 
>and/or 6 months in jail.
>
>While some may think this is no problem, it turns out the cost of the 
>program exceeds the income so in addition to costing you more 
>directly, it will also cost more via taxes.
>
>If you care, get involved!
>
>Jeff
>  
>

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