Originally Posted by
MuddyWaters
I'd say as an ATC representative, a ridgerunner does have the authority to request to see a permit. Further every interview I've seen with Smokies ridge runners they have all said that they request to see permits. Now you may not have any authority to do anything about it if they don't comply , but you can radio a LE ranger and so that alone is some enforcement ability.
And while ridge runners are not employed directly by the NPS, the ATC is. The NPS grants the right to oversee the AT to the ATC, and ATC is accountable to them for management of it. The ATC also receive significant federal funding for it, something like 25% of their total expenses I think. So while you may not be directly employed by your bosses boss..... You do work for them . Like it or not. It's their national scenic trail, and something like 45% of it is directly on federal land. The NPS used federal funds to aquire the lions share of the protected corridor as well. The 250,000 acres of AT protected lands is a significant land holding in NPS system