What does no electronics permitted mean?

[+BuxCamper]

In a couple of threads including a recent one about repairing a cache for an AWOL owner it has been mentioned that the area has a posted sign indicating electronics are not permitted.

 

What the heck does this mean?

 

Does it mean somebody with a hearing aid, pacemaker, insulin pump not to mention consumer electronics like GPSr's cannot enjoy the area?

 

OK, I probably wouldn't like to hear a cell phone ring from the middle of the woods but I can think of a lot of things that can be done to damage the area and a cell phone ringing or navigating with my GPS are not on the list.

Edited November 21, 2006 by BuxCamper

[+Renegade Knight]

You would have to find the law's that caused the sign to be erected. The law has an intent and purpose and probably excludes the types of electronics that you have metioned. But you have to read it to know for sure.

[+sbell111]

I've never seen such a sign, so I can not guess what it means.

[+the hermit crabs]

I've never seen such a sign, so I can not guess what it means.

 

here's what one looks like:

 

[+StarBrand]

Fairly broad wording there. Is my watch an electronic device? What if my watch also functions as a GPS? (casio used to make one)

 

I'll bet if you contact them they will not further define the terminology.

[+Moose Mob]

It's only an assumption, but I would think they are intending top keep out cell phones, radios, and anything that might disturb the tranquility. This is based on the "no jogging" rule and that you can walk (or crawl).

[bogleman]

good grief, now that's a sign , my best guess would be metal detectors or the cell phone - could scare the bird with the funky rap ring tone.

[+the hermit crabs]

Fairly broad wording there. Is my watch an electronic device? What if my watch also functions as a GPS? (casio used to make one)

 

I'll bet if you contact them they will not further define the terminology.

I actually did email them to ask. I included my Mass Audubon membership number in the email, so maybe they will be nice and clarify it.

[+StarBrand]

I for one, am looking forward to the response.......

[+Renegade Knight]

It's only an assumption, but I would think they are intending top keep out cell phones, radios, and anything that might disturb the tranquility. This is based on the "no jogging" rule and that you can walk (or crawl).

 

Given the nature of the area I concure. Anything that beeps and buzzes like R2D2 is what they are after.

[+edscott]

They don't want some birdwatcher with a pacemaker getting too excited and dropping dead on their property.

[topografix]

As I recall, Baxter State Park in Maine does not allow any communications equipment in the backcountry, even for emergency use. If you go in, you're responsible for your own survival and rescue - no calling for help.

 

I found less stringent regulations using google:

25. AUDIO DEVICES: Audio devices such as radios, televisions, cassette players, or cellular telephones may not be operated within the Park.

 

26. POWER EQUIPMENT: Chainsaws, generators, and other power equipment may not be operated within the Park.

[+Western Mass Clan]

They left one item off their sign.

 

 

[+BuxCamper]

I didn't even think about a watch. I usually wear a cruddy old DIGITAL watch. Its an electronic device! Time for a sundial.

 

Now if a small plane goes down in Baxter SP and the pilot or passengers have the ability, do they have to turn off the Emergency Locator Transmitter?

 

This is so vague on so many levels.

[+Harry Dolphin]

As I recall, Baxter State Park in Maine does not allow any communications equipment in the backcountry, even for emergency use. If you go in, you're responsible for your own survival and rescue - no calling for help.

 

Glad we missed that one! My sister carried her cell phone when we made out attempt on the Hundred Mile Wilderness. And I carried my GPS.

[+BBWolf+3Pigs]

As I recall, Baxter State Park in Maine does not allow any communications equipment in the backcountry, even for emergency use. If you go in, you're responsible for your own survival and rescue - no calling for help.

 

Glad we missed that one! My sister carried her cell phone when we made out attempt on the Hundred Mile Wilderness. And I carried my GPS.

 

From the Baxter State Park website:

 

17. CLIMBING OR MOUNTAIN HIKING: Climbing or mountain hiking may be restricted at the discretion of the Director. Park users must be reasonably prepared and equipped, and must take reasonable precautions against endangering themselves or others. Hikers must wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and must carry a working flashlight. No children under the age of 6 years are allowed above timberline.

 

25. AUDIO DEVICES: Audio devices such as radios, televisions, cassette players, or cellular telephones may not be operated within the Park.

--

It doesn't specify type of radios (AM/FM or two-way). I would think it ludicrous to think hikers must be able to haul their body out if they have two broken legs.

[topografix]

I think that's a way to encourage you to go prepared for anything, and not hike alone.

 

Not that it matters much. We got to the top of whichever peak that is across the Knife Edge from Katahdin, and celebrated by listening to some college kid talking to his friends a half mile down the trail on one of those FRS radios. He found it easier to just keep it clipped to his belt, turn the volume all the way up, and push the Talk button and shout to reply.

 

This may have also been the trip where my father celebrated reaching the summit of a trailless peak by stuffing his compass in his back pocket and sitting down for some much needed rest. (Always bring a second compass!)

[+olbluesguy]

Seeing that the sign was put up by the Auduban society, Im guessing it has a ban on electronic bird calling.

probably consider it cheating.

[+Dread_Pirate_Bruce]

I would expect that this runs afoul of the Americans With Disabilities Act ("ADA") as it bars pacemaker patients. There is a fellow here in California who has been suing small businesses for the most minor violations of the ADA. I understand that he sued one restaurant because the mirror in the restroom was too high and because the pipes under the sink were not insulated. I understand that he has been making a good living with such lawsuits. I, of course, do not approve of such things, but mention this as the sign is not well conceived.

[+Bad_CRC]

I'm guessing it means boom boxes.

[+sbell111]

I'm guessing that it is one of those rare rules that I would have no guilt when I broke it.

[+geognerd]

I wonder if that would prohibit using a digital camera to photograph the birds.

[+Vinny & Sue Team]

I have entered a deep psychic trance to access the original thoughts and intents of the creators of that sign in the Akashic Records Book in the Akashic Records Room at the Akashic Records library, and I can tell you with 99.9998% certainty that the concerns of the land stewards at the wilderness refuge were as follows: They wished to exclude use of the following item:

 

Portable frequency-agile ground-scanning radar units with attached ground side-scan sonar mapping and proton spin precession 3-axis gyroscopic-stabilized magnetometers with real-time real-world bifurcated GPS orientation with all component devices coupled to a portable PC for standardized data display and datalogging. These portable backpack packages typically sell for prices ranging from $240,000 to over 3 million dollars.

 

Unfortunately, while the land managers have nothing against the electronic hardware package in question, they realize that these devices are used by "Crashed UFO Prospectors" (aka CUFOPs) who are searching in these wilderness areas for crashed UFOs which are usualy buried from 31 to 596 feet below the surface. When these crashed UFO prospectors find such a wrecked starship, they are notorious for disregarding wilderness area rules and regulations and for bringing in massive earth-moving equipment and explosives for use in excavating and retrieving the crashed starships, and they are also infamous for hiring large armies of renegade outlaw soldiers of fortune (aka ROSOFs) to guard their excavation sites and to thwart any efforts by land managers and law enforement authorities to stop their illegal excavation activities; these excavation and retrieval activities cause severe environmental damage and this is why the land managers ban use of such devices.

[+emurock]

I have entered a deep psychic trance to access the original thoughts and intents of the creators of that sign in the Akashic Records Book in the Akashic Records Room at the Akashic Records library, and I can tell you with 99.9998% certainty that the concerns of the land stewards at the wilderness refuge were as follows: They wished to exclude use of the following item:

 

Portable frequency-agile ground-scanning radar units with attached ground side-scan sonar mapping and proton spin precession 3-axis gyroscopic-stabilized magnetometers with real-time real-world bifurcated GPS orientation with all component devices coupled to a portable PC for standardized data display and datalogging. These portable backpack packages typically sell for prices ranging from $240,000 to over 3 million dollars.

 

Unfortunately, while the land managers have nothing against the electronic hardware package in question, they realize that these devices are used by "Crashed UFO Prospectors" (aka CUFOPs) who are searching in these wilderness areas for crashed UFOs which are usualy buried from 31 to 596 feet below the surface. When these crashed UFO prospectors find such a wrecked starship, they are notorious for disregarding wilderness area rules and regulations and for bringing in massive earth-moving equipment and explosives for use in excavating and retrieving the crashed starships, and they are also infamous for hiring large armies of renegade outlaw soldiers of fortune (aka ROSOFs) to guard their excavation sites and to thwart any efforts by land managers and law enforement authorities to stop their illegal excavation activities; these excavation and retrieval activities cause severe environmental damage and this is why the land managers ban use of such devices.

That is a great story.

[+worldtraveler]

I would avoid using electronic items that could obviously disturb the animals or human visitors, and I wouldn't worry about being in violation by carrying or using other electronic devices, including my GPSr, digital camera, digital watch, PDA, or mobile phone (ring on silent or vibrate, of course). There is no state or local ordinance referenced, and I doubt the Massachusetts Audubon Society has much enforcement authority.

[+whitecrow]

Probably should read "sound or noise producing electronics", a gps is quiet & don't see how it would startle the birdies.

Of course there's always the "Yow" factor, as in tripping over a log while gazing at my 60Cx.

Edited November 22, 2006 by whitecrow

[+the hermit crabs]

I did get a reply from them, and some of the previous guesses were correct:

 

Thank you for your inquiry, this restriction applies to devices that would be disruptive to visitors or wildlife such as radios and electronic equipment used to attract birds or other wildlife.

 

So just turn off the beeps on your GPS, and you should be all set

[+StarBrand]

Thank you for your inquiry, this restriction applies to devices that would be disruptive to visitors or wildlife such as radios and electronic equipment used to attract birds or other wildlife.

 

 

If that is what they want then they should say that. Too easy.

 

At least they replied!!

Edited November 22, 2006 by StarBrand

[+Renegade Knight]

....

 

From the Baxter State Park website:

 

17. CLIMBING OR MOUNTAIN HIKING: Climbing or mountain hiking may be restricted at the discretion of the Director. Park users must be reasonably prepared and equipped, and must take reasonable precautions against endangering themselves or others. Hikers must wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and must carry a working flashlight. No children under the age of 6 years are allowed above timberline.

 

25. AUDIO DEVICES: Audio devices such as radios, televisions, cassette players, or cellular telephones may not be operated within the Park....

 

Those conflict. For modern hikers and other outdoor types including geocachers taking reasonable precauctions may very well include electronics.

[+Renegade Knight]

I did get a reply from them, and some of the previous guesses were correct:

 

Thank you for your inquiry, this restriction applies to devices that would be disruptive to visitors or wildlife such as radios and electronic equipment used to attract birds or other wildlife.

 

So just turn off the beeps on your GPS, and you should be all set

 

Excellent. I'm glad they took the time to reply.

 

To answer the question from another poster about a camera. Digital cameras would actually be better than a manual. You can turn of the shutter sounds.

[+budd-rdc]

I did get a reply from them, and some of the previous guesses were correct:

 

Thank you for your inquiry, this restriction applies to devices that would be disruptive to visitors or wildlife such as radios and electronic equipment used to attract birds or other wildlife.

 

So just turn off the beeps on your GPS, and you should be all set

Well, at least there's room to interpret this vague rule with common sense.

[+Lil Devil]

That's quite a sign. I'm surprised it doesn't say "No Frisbees"

[+Confucius' Cat]

I think that's a way to encourage you to go prepared for anything, and not hike alone.

 

Don't know how you could "go prepared for anything" without a means to call for help.

 

I suppose it would be good then to carry a handgun and a lot of ammo... when you need help, fire 3 times... repeat until help comes... save one round for your head if help doesn't come and it looks like you're gonna starve to death.

 

Oh, wait a minute, MASS! My bad; them things aint allowed in there.

[me_chris]

....

 

From the Baxter State Park website:

 

17. CLIMBING OR MOUNTAIN HIKING: Climbing or mountain hiking may be restricted at the discretion of the Director. Park users must be reasonably prepared and equipped, and must take reasonable precautions against endangering themselves or others. Hikers must wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and must carry a working flashlight. No children under the age of 6 years are allowed above timberline.

 

25. AUDIO DEVICES: Audio devices such as radios, televisions, cassette players, or cellular telephones may not be operated within the Park....

 

Those conflict. For modern hikers and other outdoor types including geocachers taking reasonable precauctions may very well include electronics.

 

I hike and camp a lot, and for me, being reasonably prepared, especially for a mountain hike or climb means at least 2 GPSrs, flashlights, an FRS or GMRS radio for each member of the hiking party (in case of separation), always a cellphone (although I rarely get reception out in the middle of nowhere), and my camera gear which includes digital SLR cameras, strobes, and light meter. So, being "reasonably prepared" definitely requires at least some type of communication device...

 

Strange rule...

[topografix]

Don't know how you could "go prepared for anything" without a means to call for help.

 

I suppose it would be good then to carry a handgun and a lot of ammo... when you need help, fire 3 times... repeat until help comes... save one round for your head if help doesn't come and it looks like you're gonna starve to death.

 

Oh, wait a minute, MASS! My bad; them things aint allowed in there.

 

Uh, I wake up every morning in the fall to the sound of waterfowl hunting, so I think you're wrong about the "no guns in MA" part. I think you'd find plenty of landowners here who would would welcome hunting on their land - we've got plenty [too many] of deer and geese, and a rapidly growing turkey population.

[me_chris]

Don't know how you could "go prepared for anything" without a means to call for help.

 

I suppose it would be good then to carry a handgun and a lot of ammo... when you need help, fire 3 times... repeat until help comes... save one round for your head if help doesn't come and it looks like you're gonna starve to death.

 

Oh, wait a minute, MASS! My bad; them things aint allowed in there.

 

Uh, I wake up every morning in the fall to the sound of waterfowl hunting, so I think you're wrong about the "no guns in MA" part. I think you'd find plenty of landowners here who would would welcome hunting on their land - we've got plenty [too many] of deer and geese, and a rapidly growing turkey population.

 

I think handguns arent allowed though right? Nobody hunts waterfowl with a pistol....

[topografix]

I think handguns arent allowed though right? Nobody hunts waterfowl with a pistol....

 

No need for guns. We just lure them in with our liberal views about health care and civil unions and then tax them to death.

 

Just for the record, how many tyrannical governments has your state overthrown? Happy Thanksgiving!

[+Confucius' Cat]

Just for the record, how many tyrannical governments has your state overthrown? Happy Thanksgiving!

Good one!

I reckon my state wouldn't exist if not for your state's courage and tenacity. Why did they let it go?

 

(thread seems to be successfully hijacked) REALLY I DIDN"T MEAN TO!

[+Glenn]

I wonder if that would prohibit using a digital camera to photograph the birds.

Even non-digital cameras have electronics. If it has a flash or a light meter then it has electronics in it.

[+Confucius' Cat]

Just for the record, how many tyrannical governments has your state overthrown? Happy Thanksgiving!

Good one!

I reckon my state wouldn't exist if not for your state's courage and tenacity. Why did they let it go?

 

(thread seems to be successfully hijacked) REALLY I DIDN"T MEAN TO!

I apologize for the disparagemnt of courage and tenacity of MASS people in this post.

 

I was typing in a hurry to get out and my wit could not keep up with my slow typing skills.

 

Keeping in mind the entire post was made in jest, I should have said "your state's standing up for personal rights" I was mostly referring to amendment 2 of course, as would be garnered from the history of my posts.

 

I didn't mean to offend, just trying to be funny.

[FlagFinder]

maybe when you turn your electronics it will mess up the birds navigation lol i saw that in a movie once i thought what in the world

[+evelbug]

As to the issue of no celphones vs celphone for saftey: I highly doubt anyone would have a problem if you have a cel phone, turned off, in your bag or emergencies. Should you break a leg or need assistance, then turn on the phone and call for help.

[dsandbro]

I would suspect it means audio or noisemaking devices. By Federal law (ADA, among others) you cannot ban pacemakers, hearing aids, insulin pumps, respiratory assistance equipment, powered wheelchairs, or electronic prosthetics.

[+Confucius' Cat]

maybe when you turn your electronics it will mess up the birds navigation lol i saw that in a movie once i thought what in the world

I've always wondered how those big clouds of birds manage to fly hither and yon in seemingly random directions, yet stay all together. Now I know, they use GPS.

[+Moose-r-us and MrEdden]

Hmmmm, interesting. I guess this means I need to turn off my noisy beeping insulin pump...not!

 

I guess I'll just have to disobey the signs!

[+BuxCamper]

Hmmmm, interesting. I guess this means I need to turn off my noisy beeping insulin pump...not!

 

I guess I'll just have to disobey the signs!

 

"Excuse me Joe, could you remove my pacemaker before we go in? Here's a rusty pocket knife, cut right here."

 

At least MAS offered a clarification. I don't know who would have authority to enforce any ordinances/rules on that area. But I hope they have the same understanding.