Zenolith
Rope Lead
Member # 202

posted 02-05-2002 10:17 PM

There is a lawyer in Eugene that is taking these cases pro bono (although for activists I think). There is the fact that this is a "Fee Demo" project and that the USFS is telling congress that the compliance is proof of public acceptance. Kind of makes getting a summons look like extortion dosen't it?

There are three reasons to be in the woods without a permit; 1)religious purposes [like the Native Americans at Shasta]. 2)Your job (paid or not) calls you there. 3)Education. Surely all three apply, but I think the burden of proof (although I don't know the standard) is on you.

There is a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the Fee Demo and, more generally, the "Disenyification" of public lands. Here is their website: http://www.wildwilderness.org/

Good luck and keep us posted.

Posts: 122 | From: A Cave in Afghanistan | Registered: Dec 2000 | IP: Logged

Zenolith
Rope Lead
Member # 202

posted 02-05-2002 10:30 PM

I misspoke there are two reasons more to be in the forest without a permit. "Health reasons or any other purpose other than a recreational activity." Theoretically then, you could argue that you were there to protest the fee demo itself. If being there to protest is your purpose for the visit, you are exempt. Check this out: http://www.freeourforests.org/COE.html

Posts: 122 | From: A Cave in Afghanistan | Registered: Dec 2000 | IP: Logged

Zenolith
Rope Lead
Member # 202

posted 02-05-2002 11:30 PM

Yeah, I'm really pissed about this fee demo thing. Here's a website that has compiled all the legal stuff -transcripts, rulings, etc- pertaining to the fee demo: http://www.antifee.bizhosting.com/

If you get a lawyer, point them to that site; its a gold mine for someone who is going to argue against this. If you decide to defend yourself and want help doing research I'll volunteer. I'm not a lawyer; I dropped out of law school. Its a hateful profession.

Posts: 122 | From: A Cave in Afghanistan | Registered: Dec 2000 | IP: Logged