We suppose it’s just a sign of the times but Arizona is closing 13 of its 22 state parks beginning next week due to budget cuts totaling $8.6 million. As you can imagine folks in Arizona aren’t too happy about it and they’re venting some of their frustrations on the official state parks website.

I’m sure the argument has been made that parks are good for local economies, especially in states like Arizona with such unique natural beauty. Here in our home state of Georgia they’re actually looking to add $5 million to improve amenities - like cabins and campsites - to attract more (paying) overnight visitors.

As outdoor enthusiasts it’s up to us to advocate for local, state, and national parks or be faced with a situation like the one in Arizona. We’re pretty sure once folks start showing up and finding locked gates they’ll start calling and writing their representatives.

Congrats to our top contributors in January - SCGuide1 and Tom from JTX. Both members will receive $25 gift cards to REI and immortality here on the Tripleblaze blog.

Although the weather may not be ideal for camping or hiking at the moment, now is the time to start planning your summer adventures! It’s also a great time to add reviews and photos from the fall while you’re stuck inside for a chance to win your own REI gift card in February. So far this month SCGuide1 is on top again and Sincitybronco is in the #2 spot. The good news is, there’s still plenty of time to get your contributions…

We’ve been fans of the Spot Satellite Messenger ever since we first heard about the GPS device that allows you to track the progress of backcountry expeditions remotely. GPS-enabled devices like the Spot and the personal locator beacon from ACR Electronics also allow the user to send exact location coordinates to emergency responders at the push of a button. Unfortunately, it seems some consumers are abusing devices like the Spot at the slightest hint of trouble or are putting themselves in danger because they figure they have an easy way out.

Take, for example, the group of hikers who summoned emergency responders 3 times in a single trip! In each instance, helicopter crews had to deliver water to the unprepared hikers who later admitted they wouldn’t have even considered attempting the hike without their GPS beacon. These devices have been dubbed “OnStar for Hikers” and “Yuppie 911″ but it turns out cell phone calls to rescuers are just as common in extreme environments with decent cell coverage like Death Valley.

Some may be quick to blame device manufacturers but we think that’s not quite fair. For one thing, GPS beacons are very useful devices when used appropriately (kinda like toilet paper - just because kids might use it to vandalize the neighbors, it’s still a good product). Instead, we encourage search and rescue organizations to continue charging victims based on response costs in cases where the individuals should have been better prepared. Yuppies should have no problem with that

via The Function Blog.

This is a pretty cool item that didn’t get a lot of press (which actually makes it even cooler): last month Hi-Tec donated 900 pairs of hiking boots to Haitian earthquake victims. The company gave the boots to Souls4Souls.org which will distribute them to men, women, and children in Haiti. Not ones to toot their own horns, Hi-Tec makes no mention of the donation on their website - all I was able to find was this short press release on another site:

Hi-Tec has donated 900 pairs of men’s, women’s and children’s boots and shoes to soles4souls.org for distribution to victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

“Our hearts go out to our Haitian neighbors as we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, and we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Bill Berta, CEO of Hi—Tec USA. “We deeply appreciate the work of Soles 4 Souls and encourage everyone to look into their own closets in support of this tragedy.”

And as you can see from the image at the top of this post, Hi-Tec also supports our National Parks and other great causes. Kinda makes us feel good to see outdoor companies stepping up and helping out…