[QUOTE=chipj29;107595.
But anyway, why should someone who buys a snowmobile pay for someone else to hike?[/QUOTE]
While it may not be too logical, that's the existing method used in NH for funding the NH F&G rescue fund. It is just one dollar per year per registration for a boat, rv, or snowmobile, and it adds up to about $190,000/year.
What's the mechanism for getting hikers to contribute to the state fund for finding lost hikers? The state could simply ask for hikers to make a donation by placing donation boxes at the Mt Washington summit, Tuckerman Ravine headwall, Mt Chocurua, Mt Osceola, Mt Adams, Mt Lafayette and other popular spots. A donation box way up on the summits could become an inspirational go-to place for burnt out city folks........ya never know. Like, each donation box could be dedicated to some poor slob who froze dead while lost hiking the January mountain in tennis sneakers.....followed by the message..."Don't let this happen to you & please donate!"
Or maybe, extend the new 9% campground tax to include the purchase of hiking boots. A 9% sales tax on hiking boots seems more like a fee than a tax because a hiking boot is pretty useless without a hiking trail to go get lost on. Probably the one dollar boat/rv/snowmo rescue fee could be eliminated with a 9% boot fee.
Think I'll go run for state rep on this highly important issue.........duh
