To U Huckers: A modest proposal
I just got around to reading the Uhuck thread (okay, the first half of it). It's nice to see some energy and organization finally coming together around El Cap. I wish you all good luck and may just join you. However, a protest jump is not the most effective way to go about winning this battle. If you push authority, their first impulse is not going to be to cave, but rather to push back. This is human nature.
A better idea...
Organize a fund to protect the Great Gray Owl, an endangered bird in the park. Collect $50 000. Pledge that the money will only be donated if you as a group can conduct a solidarity BASE jump in honor of your feathered brethren.
You'll get just as much media coverage, and you'll be MUCH less likely to encounter a "push back" mentality from the NPS. Public sentiment will be much more positive than if you organize an illegal protest jump.
Even if you don't get a permit for the jump, go ahead and jump anyway, and then donate every penny to Great Gray Owl protection.
This approach will look much more positive in the public's eyes and the eyes of the NPS. Show that you're willing to work together to advance causes the NPS is interested in if they're willing to advance causes you're interested in.
I'll offer up the first $1000 for anyone willing to implement this idea or something like it. Any takers? I'd help organize it myself, but I'm too far away to run this kind of effort.
P.S. $50 000 may seem like a lot to raise, but it's really not that difficult. It just takes organization.
