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mrcondron
Most of that stuff on the valley floor would go away if fires were not allowed. Start with that. With the emission standards today compared to 20 years ago cars don't cause that much of a problem.
I wish they'd done that long ago; the valley just isn't well-suited for campfires in any number, there's just not enough air circulation. I think it's difficult because a lot of recreational campers associate campfires with the "camping experience", and when camping with friends or family, I enjoy having an evening campfire. But the bottom line is that it's just not practical in the valley, and regardless of what we "like", it's better overall to just get rid of campfires there, or maybe have one central evening fire. Then, if having an evening fire is a big deal, people can decide just how important it is, and camp elsewhere if it's an issue.
When camping in the valley, I avoid going to the campground area as much as possible in the 5-10 PM slot, as it's just too smoky and can't possibly be healthy. In the off-season, the mornings aren't so great either.
I believe housekeeping camp has fire pits too; when in the valley last week, the smoke smell became strong when headed down Southside drive before getting to Curry. Imagine if the river campgrounds were still in use.
I doubt that cars really pollute the air that much, the main concentration seems to be in the central part where day parking is, near the village. Diesel pickups and noise pollution, that's another thing...
Gary
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