Dear HCN,
Hypocrites. How many
times have we heard the demand that the extraction industries
(mining, grazing and logging) pay fair market value for the use of
public resources. The cry goes forth from those that supposedly
care about the West, “why should citizens shoulder below-cost
subsidies for special interests.” In fact, it is well known that
recreation is the biggest “use” in the New West. Why should the
rest of us foot your recreation bill (HCN, 2/14/00: Land of the
fee)?
User fees are right, user fees are fair;
those who use – pay your fair
share.
Michael D.
Bloomquist
Washington,
D.C.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline There’s no free lunch.
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