As an avid hiker and outdoors-man who loves nothing better than to leave the city behind and get back to nature, I know a thing or two about bringing the proper equipment and supplies along to ensure a safe hiking experience. In addition to the usual supplies and gear- water, backpack, extra clothing, and food - there is another item that one must acquire before venturing off into any of Southern California's forest areas: a Forest Adventure Pass!

The good old Forest Adventure Pass! Making a simple trip to the forest seem an awful lot like entry to an amusement park, you must pay for the "privilege" of entering the forest. Basically, this "pass" is nothing more than a glorified parking permit. No matter what your destination in the forest is, no matter what your intended activities, in order to park anywhere in Southern California's forest areas you must have a Forest Adventure Pass clearly affixed to your dashboard or window, or you will be fined! Many unsuspecting people - many of whom are novice forest users - have been shocked at the sight of finding a parking ticket on their vehicle upon their return from a day in the forest. I too have been the recipient of a parking ticket or two in the past when I dared to "try my luck" and refrain from buying a pass. Most locals and people who are regular users of our national forests are well acquainted with the need for a Forest Adventure Pass. These passes, which are available at any ranger station and many convenience stores located throughout our national forests, are available in daily and yearly forms. A day pass is sold for $5 dollars; an annual pass is $30 dollars.

The rationale behind the Forest Adventure Pass is that the money generated from the sale of these passes is used towards the betterment of our national forests. Parking areas, picnic facilities, trails, and many roads are maintained and improved by way of the revenue generated from the sale of these passes. And that's a good thing! Our national forests are national treasures; they should be protected and restored to the fullest. As popular as our national forests are in California, and considering the amount of use they get over the course of any given year, they need all of the protection and monitoring that is possible. With the increasing amounts of urbanization and urban sprawl continuing to chip away at our natural wild areas, our national forests are becoming more and more popular and cherished as tiny pieces of untouched Edens surrounded by large metropolitan areas in which people can seek escape from hectic city life. While I may not agree with the requirement of having to pay to park in the forest when I wish to go on a hike or other outdoor adventure, I agree that the money generated from the sale of the Forest Adventure Pass is used for a good and noble cause.

Learn more about this author, Jason Medina.
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