Bill Introduced to Keep Pack Animals on Federal Lands
Two lawmakers from the Central Valley want to guarantee that trails on federal lands stay open to pack animals. Representatives George Radanovich and Devin Nunes last week introduced what they call “right to ride legislation.”
Radanovich says the use of pack animals on federal lands is under attack by environmental groups. The bill would ensure that trails currently open to pack animals stay open to them in the future. It also requires a complete environmental review before pack animal use can be reduced.
Richard Martin is superintendent of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. He says he´s supportive of using pack animals, but only when it´s safe and can be reasonably sustained.
On its Internet site, the High Sierra Hikers Association says it supports reasonable limits on pack animals, but not a complete ban.
