Over on another thread we are discussing the issue of an installation of a fire pit in the Hang Glider setup area.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9937
The "pit" has raised some very good questions about how do we maintain the site for flying and at the same time share the site with other users? (some would say "abusers"). This might be a bit of cliche' but "Ask not what the club will do for you, but what YOU can do for your club"?
We might like to complain about what the A-hole's (on parade) do to our launch when no one is flying but how much have the individual members done to maintain the site? Frankly, we are just as guilty for beating the hell out of good old Mother Woodside as any of the other users that visit the mountain.
There are exceptions to what I'm going to say as there are people that do take the time to rake up the garbage, repair the road, the burnt carpet and that poor little outhouse but what have YOU done for the site? (And... btw, even tho I don't agree with the fire pit and feel it was installed without understanding the bigger picture, it was done with the best of intentions... most certainly the party in question is probably looking forward to "roasting" me over that pit ?)
There is a small percentage of people that driven by their own ethical values, take the time to pickup the garbage, make repairs and add improvements, none of them are seeking any glory or recognition, they just want to do the right thing.
On the other hand, as a group, a much larger portion of our flying population just march past the issues, head in the clouds thinking only of the flight ahead. To that end, we need to collectively solve the problems our favourite site endures. Much like many backcountry users that have decided that packing more "out" then what they pack "in" is the ethical thing to do.
Woodside needs some attention, we have be using the site without appreciating our obligations. All pilots need to do their part. The club can be the conduit for collective actions but individuals can still contribute.
Perhaps pilots would like to share some ideas on how to improve the site? I have a few ideas but would like to see what others have to say.
Martin
(and not the retired reprobate air junky from Chilliwack
)
)
But making an easier spot for people to build thier fires away from our launch would be a good idea. If we are bringing in a machine to do work it may be time to look at how much work it would be to improve the North side of launch for two slots.
. It's easy sometimes to forget the heavy lifting is mostly done by a small group of dedicated volunteers. The more pitching in, the lighter the load and better experience for everyone. We've got a sign made up. Ali (new event's director) did an top-notch job, they're cheap and replaceable. I'd like to get similar ones for other WCSC sites. Not a panacea by any means but every bit helps. 