Too bad this soaring parachutist, who was simply sporting on public land, probably doesn't know about his right to fly under the FARs or his exemption from persecution and prosecution in Colorado. He won't be learning this from the USHPA. Perhaps he should try the US Hawks.
If the Storm Peak Hang Gliding Association does not protest, this will be another example of a USHPA chapter wielding influence incorrectly and
coercing government entities to erroneously restrict flying from public lands. Steamboat actually leases a complete mountain range - Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak - from the US Forest Service for purposes of skiing. The resort's infrastructure is leased from the US Forest Service but the mountains are owned by the public and the public is not restricted when on foot.
Placing this mountain range under a USHPA dues monopoly is more dangerous to the future of our sport than any criticism I might level at the dangers of flying parachutes. All hang glider pilots and soaring parachutists should realize that our fundamental freedom to fly is more important than any perceived transgression against some group. Freeflight is not about creating a dues monopoly for privileged groups - and the purpose of government is not about protecting monopolies.
This is about a citizen's right to pursue his sport of choice. Despite what could be perceived as good intentions of the US Forest Service, the soaring parachutist can neither be fined nor forced to join any group. The Preamble to Part 103 (Published in 47 FR 38770, September 2,1982) states: "The USHGA's self-regulation program lacks the legal authority to enforce requirements to ensure the safety of others. There is no requirement for any hang glider operator to be a member of the USHGA."
http://www.fly-ul.com/preamble.html I term this type of monopolistic behaviour on our public lands as "
Torrey Creep" and recognize Bob Kuczewski, head of the US Hawks, as the leading voice in opposition to it.
Man who crashed paraglider at Steamboat Ski Area will be ticketedhttp://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2017/mar/07/man-who-crashed-paraglider-steamboat-ski-area-will/Forest Service mountain sports ranger Erica Dickerman said it is not illegal to paraglide from the ski area as long as you are a member of the local Storm Peak Hang Gliding Association. The man is not a member. The association has insurance and holds a permit from the Forest Service. Members can use ski area roads during the winter and the launch sites year round. Dickerman said the man is being encouraged to join the association so he can get some mentoring and training.
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Comment to
Erica Dickerman
Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District
925 Weiss Drive , Steamboat Springs, CO, 80487-9315
edickerman@fs.fed.us------------------
FYI: Colorado Recreational Use Statute
The Colorado legislature has enacted a “Recreational Use Statute” to encourage owners and managers to allow public access for recreation use on their lands.
Landowners can be any of the following – owner, tenant, lessee, occupant, or person in control of the premises.
The Statute defends both private and public land managers. - US National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/helpfultools/recusebrochures/coloradorecliabbrochure.pdf"Recreational purpose" includes, but is not limited to, any sports or other recreational activity of whatever nature undertaken by a person while using the land, including ponds, lakes, reservoirs, streams, paths, and trails appurtenant thereto, of another and includes, but is not limited to, any hobby, diversion, or other sports or other recreational activity such as: Hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, bicycling, riding or driving motorized recreational vehicles, swimming, tubing, diving, spelunking, sight-seeing, exploring,
hang gliding, rock climbing, kite flying, roller skating, bird watching, gold panning, target shooting, ice skating, ice fishing, photography, or engaging in any other form of sports or other recreational activity.
https://asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/recreate/co_rec.htmProvide an alternative voice to the USHPA.
Form a national hang gliding association.
Join the US Hawks.
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