Benches on Siphon Draw Trail

[brusso99]

Hello,

My first post. Really enjoying the hiking. Made it up to the flatiron with my wife recently and I was kind of miffed by the new bus stop style benches placed in the wilderness by scouts apparently. They totally kill the landscape since they are bright aluminum, I suspect they will be just magnets for graffiti. I wanted to get others take on them, and frankly see if others agree they should be removed. If so i would like to start getting people to contact the park and let them know they don't belong in there. whats next a starbucks on the flatiron?

Thanks
Brett

[BEEBEE]

SuperstitionGuy I got the stats from the national BSA site

http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheet ... couts.aspx

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting.

■In 2011, 51,473 Scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
■Around 5 percent of all Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2011.
■In 2011, the average age of boys earning the Eagle Scout rank was 17 years of age.
■From 1912 to 2011, more than 2 million Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank.


I was 16 in the late 80's and my friends were also when they got there Eagle. I know how much pride we all took in our projects.

rlrjamy thanks for posting the additional information

This one clearly had a lot of significance to the scout that did it

[chumley]

well, I'm happy to see that they were more appropriately moved into the state park. Seems odd to me that benches and markers are seen by some as appropriate in the national forest but the spreading of ashes is actually illegal. My sister died at a young age so I understand the need to make remembrances but I'm not going to impose my private matters of the heart onto others.

As our population grows, the impact of these poignant and well-intentioned items can become an issue. There are many emotional issues that tug at our heartstrings, and memories of loved ones must certainly be near the top of the list. Finding a way to accommodate all the requests for plaques, crosses, stakes, or other markings is one decision that I would not wish to have on my plate as a public lands administrator. The unfortunate result of an ever-increasing population is that the fairest solution may be to prohibit such displays altogether. It's a difficult issue. Incorporating the emotions associated with personal loss makes it even more difficult.

[CannondaleKid]

I for one am happy to see the benches haven't been torn up and scrapped but have been placed along a trail in the Lost Dutchman Park.

I also had nothing against the benches where they originally were OTHER than the fact they faced Apache Junction instead of the great views of the Supes.

And again, for those folks who didn't have the physical ability to hike up any farther, I felt it was a good thing... if that's as far as they could make it and they needed a place to stop and rest, GOOD! At least they were out enjoying nature instead of at the all shopping for more material things to make them happy. Ooooops! I guess that's another soapbox topic.

[brusso99]

Thanks for the good information.. They belong in the park, not on the trail in the wilderness. Perhaps i want to build a shrine to my Uncle who passed on the flatiron with reflecting pools and such.. too bad for me because its just wrong..

[CannondaleKid]

Perhaps i want to build a shrine to my Uncle who passed on the flatiron with reflecting pools and such.. too bad for me because its just wrong..

I totally agree there shouldn't be shrines in wilderness areas (or alongside highways for that matter) but I had absolutely no problem with the benches being where they were as long as they faced east toward the Supes.

At least they weren't under the tree facing Weaver's Needle... although if that bench is still there when I'm out that way again, I'll certainly take a moment to rest my weary bones on it, and enjoy the beauty of Weaver's Needle in peace.

[brusso99]

that bench at the tree at weavers does not belong.. thats an iconic picture spot, and someone just puts a bench and cable lock! who askes people to do this feces.

[chumley]

that bench at the tree at weavers does not belong..

Fear not. I have it on very good authority that bench was removed shortly after it's illegal installation.
The iconic picture spot is returned to it's natural state (plus some tree carvings).

[outdoor_lover]

Fear not. I have it on very good authority that bench was removed shortly after it's illegal installation.
The iconic picture spot is returned to it's natural state (plus some tree carvings).

Luckily, whomever labored to remove the Bench, didn't have to cut down the Tree to remove the Cable. I have it on good authority that that thought did occur....

[joebartels]

Special Forest Order 12-59-R prohibits storing anything in the wilderness for more than 14 days