States Charge Hikers for Rescues

Message 19 of 664

A hiker in New Hampshire was recently charged more than $25,000 for search and rescue services when he became lost hiking on Mt. Washington. A total of eight states have laws that allow them to charge hikers for rescuing them.

What do you think? Are these states out of line or just trying to recoup expenses?

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In Colorado we have a solution: the Colorado Search and Rescue Card. It costs $18 and is good for 5 years and covers the cost of rescuing lost or injured hikers. Unfortunately, the program is not well publicized so not too many people take advantage of it.

posted by westernchef

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Education about how to be prepared for travels in the back country would go a long way towards preventing some of the problems that occur. Search and rescue groups or hiking clubs could hold classes to teach "hiking 101" at stores that cater to hikers (this happens at REI regularly), at colleges, church/civic groups, even neighborhood associations. It would be a worthwhile investment in time and possibly even save lives.

posted by westernchef
29 days ago

I would like to see the forest rangers get involved in guided group hikes, or some kind of educational programs. More and more people are turning to hiking and camping as a low-cost vacation, but often they aren't prepared and put themselves and their families in jeopardy. I'm surprised more people aren't lost in the wilderness every year. When I went to the McCormick Wilderness last summer, I met a group of hikers coming out as I was going in -- they looked about as unprepared as any group I've ever seen -- no water, improper shoes/boots, overweight, no hats, etc. etc. -- if it rained, they would've died!

People just don't understand the difference between a nature walk and backcountry hiking.

posted by OldMike
29 days ago

"People just don't understand the difference between a nature walk and backcountry hiking." - OldMike

No they don't, Mike. And that's what gets them into trouble.

Eric

posted by SentientBeing
28 days ago

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