We ALL have legit connections with the PCTA. Here it is:
https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-tr...ce-permit-faq/
Why are these thread questions being asked? These questions can easily be taken as one having side stepping loop hole finding illegal maneuvering motives. Is it based in the self serving "I'll do my own thing" regardless of others and anything else mindset? If none of these motives individually apply no need to feel confronted. I wish you well.
We all have opportunity here to do the "right thing." "Enforcement" begins through self enforcement - freeing ourselves - by making better decisions through character and integrity - considering our individual impacts in context of a larger whole - policing ourselves and community.
If one cares to read about the PCT Permit system at the PCTA website and which has been posted several times on WhiteBlaze on similar PCT threads it DEFINTELY IS NOT A SYSTEM JUST TO MAKE IT EASY TO HAVE ONE PERMIT THAT OVER RULES HAVING TO GET MANY PERMITS!!! NOR IS THE PERMIT NOT ENFORCED/ENFORCEABLE!!!
Do I need to start on the day my PCT Long-distance Permit says? Will it be enforced at the southern terminus?
Yes, you need to start on the day and location that you are permitted for.
The PCT community and most thru-hikers really care about the PCT and the experience it provides.
You understand that the best way to minimize the effect of your presence on the environment and other hikers is to voluntarily comply with all best practices, rules and regulations regarding the trail. Having 118 people start their long-distance trip on the same day – as it happened in 2014 – puts significant pressure upon fragile desert ecosystems and the very experience you are hoping to enjoy.The first principle of Leave No Trace is “Plan Ahead and Prepare” and
picking a travel time that minimizes the concentration of people (all of who will camp, drink water and leave human waste) is a critical component of being a good steward of the land.
For those that need a little more incentive to “do the right thing”, the Cleveland National Forest, approximately 14 miles from the border, is the first place where travel permits are required. Crest Runners, who are Forest Service employees, will be out on trail making contact with PCT travelers and they will have access to law enforcement officers. Voluntary compliance is by far a better way to operate than a system of increasing regulations and enforcement. It frees up resources for making this experience better, rather than reacting to visitor use problems.
I can tell you from sitting in on PCTA meetings, reading PCTA and other PCT managing authorities partnership sensibilities, and personally conferring and understanding not only the PCTA's goals but also several of these various governing authorities the PCT will not be managed with an open door come one come all non quota free for all management system as perhaps is currently allowed to a greater extent elsewhere.