Can anyone here explain why hammocking is prohibited at state parks in Florida? I am beginning to look into the matter, and am considering some "action" to see if this can be changed. But first, I must figure out what the objections are by the park service.
Respectfully, I am not looking for speculation but first hand information on the why of this policy.
“Indian builds small fire and stays warm, white man builds big fire and stays warm collecting firewood”—unknown
“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea”—Karen Blixen
First hand is going to be an issue unless you can find one of the people responsible for drafting the rule. Somewhere on this site, I posted the actual statute involved in the rules and regs for Florida State Parks. If you can find it, you may be able to do the research to establish why the rule was added. I got a different story from every 'official' I spoke to about the rule when I lived there. All I can say is, good luck!
Trust nobody!
Thanks Cannibal, I found the original post here.
I will work to follow up on that. Everyone else is welcome to chime in as well...
“Indian builds small fire and stays warm, white man builds big fire and stays warm collecting firewood”—unknown
“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea”—Karen Blixen
Thank for checing into this BuffaloSkipper. The rule doesn't seam to be enforced too aggressively although I may hve been lucky in the past. I have hung at Myaaka River S.P. and Jonathan Dickenson S.P. with no hasle. Maybe others can add their experiences here, both good & bad.
It is definitely something we should get reversed bcause I wouldn't want an entire weekend to be ruined by a "by-the-book" ranger.
Please let us know what we can do to help: signing petitions, writing letters, etc.
I think the rule was originally drafted because of all the RV campers tossing up clothes lines and the ole mesh hammocks with no regard for the trees.
I myself have been asked every time to remove the hammock.
The rangers have never been mean or aggressive about it.
I tried to educate them on hammock camping and they liked it and agreed but were like rules are rules, now back to the ground with you monkey boy!
Along with hammocks and clothes lines you've got to guess there have been several gas lanterns dangled from state park trees. Those along with the giant spikes that some folks have pounded into trees to hold the lanterns make some pretty terrible scars.
Rather than try and single out the culprits they've taken the "shotgun blast" approach to the rules and banned everything. Just one more reason I try and stay away from the state parks (along with the RVs, barking dogs, screaming kids, generators, etc.).
Seems it's not just State Parks. My favorite place the Everglades National Park has this
posted:
Site Occupancy
Only one primary camping unit (motor home, pop-up camper, camper van, etc.) and one secondary unit, (tent) may occupy a campsite at a time. Maximum (8) persons per site. Leave an indication of occupancy at your campsite. Occupancy signs are available at the registration desk. Do not attach anything to the trees or vegetation.
I applaud my fellow Floridians within this group for taking the initiative to act on this matter.
It would be a great accomplishment if people within this forum could get
these regulations amended.
Being from Alabama, I would love to have the opportunity to hang in Florida's state parks.
"I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance will come." - Abraham Lincoln
Well, yet another reason I won't ever be visiting Florida again any time soon.
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