allow myself to introduce ...myself This is my first post in this forum, or any forum for that matter. Until now, it has only been a source of information while making the skydives and research I feel I need to enter the world of BASE as safely as possible. I am also a climber, and as such, somewhat familiar with the issue of access. BASE, like climbing, is a sport that is self regulated. If someone deems an object jumpable, they do the research they feel is necessary, and then they jump it. Getting away with it is half the fun. No matter what you (someday we) do as BASE jumpers, there will always be jumpable objects that are illegal to jump. Keeping that in mind, shouldn't we do everything we can to legalize as many objects as possible? In order to do this, we will have to organize, much like climbers and the access fund (yes, fund implies donations, you give what you can). The infrastructure is already there in the form of BASE numbers. It will be our organization, in existence to represent BASE jumpers on the issue of access, not regulation of how BASE is practiced, though exceptions will have to be made. For instance, when a climber enters some parks, it is required that he register. Registration is a box at the beginning of the trail with forms inside. The forms require name, address, number in party, vehicle ID, and estimated time of departure. You leave the white copy in the box and keep the yellow on your person. At the cost of a minute (to fill out the form), you now have access to the entire park. If you run into a ranger, and he asks if you registered, you show him your copy of the form and climb on your merry way. One of the main issues of access is impact. Climbers have literature, organizations, and methods that promote a system to minimize impact on the surrounding environment. BASE jumpers have forums and word of mouth, neither of which impress 'the man'. A BASE access fund could actively spread the word of accepted minimal impact techniques. Having a BASE access fund would allow BASE jumpers and climbers to unite on the issue of access. While this may only apply to E's, it would be a start. Let's face it, we live in a litigious society, where legal access to B's, A's, and S' may never be granted (with the couple of exceptions already in existence); however, a successful history of legal access off E's could possibly be helpful. With the dedication and hard work of a few, and the participation of everyone, legal access could be more than just a dream. I for one would gladly volunteer. Just a thought. You know, the whole 'united we stand' concept. Your thoughts?
