This relates to one of the other threads where someone was complaining about too many posers in the outdoors (can't remember who, but you know who you are <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />).

My point was yes, it's nice to out there alone, or with "serious" hikers, but, if no one takes an interest in preserving public natural areas, someone will come along and take it from you through development or privatization.