Shannon

Sadly I think it's a case of it being FAR easier and less costly to simply ban or extend a ban than it is to do one, much less all, of the suggestions you offer here. They're all with merit, but as an avid park user you're probably also aware of how tightly our Texas State Parks are operating in terms of budget constraints. A course, even administered online, would cost more than simply banning fires outright at certain times/conditions.

Like it or not, especially in "this economy" (no matter how much I cringe at hearing it used as an excuse for everything), it's easier to ban something outright than it is to allow it and have additional enforcement or education required to do so safely.

It's also a bit of a logical leap on your part that people are not coming to the parks due strictly to the burn ban in place. That would take some analysis of the average park visitation from month to month prior to and after the burn ban, as well as comparing it to season's past which may or may not have had a burn ban in place. I've had to cancel reservations before, and it's never ever been because of a burn ban. And I like a campfire as much as the next gal, but I cook over a camp stove so it's an aesthetic desire not one of "well, I can't cook/eat, so I can't visit/stay the night."

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- Shannon Moore
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