Does rafting the Middle Fork pose a threat to the wilderness?
Fortunately, no. Congress had the foresight to protect the area long ago, and the Forest Service has been strictly regulating its recreational use ever since. The number of visitors per day is controlled. A limited number of outfitters have been granted permits to offer guided excursions, and they are licensed and overseen by governing agencies. All fishing is catch and release, using barbless hooks. Camp sites are assigned ahead of time for accountability and visitors are subject to a strict “leave no trace” policy, requiring them to carry out even ashes and human waste and to “re-scatter” unused firewood. A portion of the proceeds of these guided trips goes to the Forest Service.
