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Posted by Alicia on January 18, 2008 at 2:04:00 pm EST
In reply to What? No Kids Allowed Above Treeline?! posted by Alicia on January 18, 2008 at 11:43:35 am EST

Yes, I was really interested to find out where this rule came from too (was it just a generally perceived risk or in response to an actual incident) and asked the director about that.

Seems it was a little of both. He wasn’t the director at the time, but apparently the rule was established in the early 1970s in response to an incident where parents brought an infant up Katahdin, against the recommendation of a ranger at the bottom. I believe some sort of disagreement then ensued up high (apparently noticeable by others), but don’t believe anyone was hurt or that any type of rescue was enacted either. I don’t know details like the conditions at the time. It's pretty vague.

The director told me that the general principle of the rule was developed at the request of rangers and search and rescuers, who would have to rescue two people, instead of one, when small children are involved above treeline.

He’s right that you have to be prepared to take care not only of yourself, but your child, but I consider that the responsibility of the parents or leader and part of normal trip planning and decision making.

While I have the utmost respect for S&R people and what they do, I don’t like a blanket rule that bars someone (regardless of skill level and preparation) from a certain trail or peak based solely on a factor like age.

Would I take my preschooler up above treeline in winter in New England? Nope. But, I’d argue that our properly outfitted, fed, and hydrated son, ready to set off on a clear fall day with his fairly experienced parents (who were prepared to carry him in the kid carrier at any and all points) was better prepared than many day trippers. Ultimately it comes down to an individual knowing the level of risk he/she and every member of their group is willing to take on.

An advisory gear checklist concept doesn’t bother me, especially if it’s covering basics like having a light. I think, like Bill mentioned, it would discourage the unprepared and hopefully cause them to reevaluate their preparation. I think strong recommendations and advisories about gear and preparation, when appropriate, can be useful. Although if they get overused people can tune them out.

I’m also okay with reckless hiker rules that allow search and rescuers to recover costs from negligent people.

As Bill mentioned, in the Whites there are usually signs at trailheads warning about going above treeline and being prepared and so on. But no one is there to stop you or give you a go ahead. It’s still ultimately your decision and your responsibility.

After talking to the Baxter State Park director this fall, I got the feeling this rule (among others) would be reconsidered this year when the rules get a good looking over (Baxter operates separately from other Maine state parks, since it was set up as a wilderness area by Percival Baxter). He practically said he agreed with all of my points. Or maybe he was just trying to appease me; we’ll have to wait and see.

Baxter also has this age-based rule:

MINORS: All groups of five (5) or more persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by at least one responsible person, of at least 18 years of age, for each five (5) minors.

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