Actually, it was quite appropriate.
I get letters from time to time from the Sierra Club and Nature's Conservancy, and, once in a great while, from the Wildlife Foundation. I have had contact
with the Sierra Club since 1993.
I was QUITE perturbed, when, a few years ago, I was "invited" to a week-long event, which included golfing, nature hikes, and some other activities that had absolutely NOTHING to do with environmental issues - and everything to do with having access (with vehicles) to an area that, as a citizen, I could not drive.
At one time, this land was "supposedly" withdrawn - but, if you are the right people - it is not off-limits to you. Golf and skiing vacations are quite a favorite activity for some environmental groups.
Of course, if you have lots of money, or, you are someone special, environmental issues don't matter - Cheney was hunting in a "preserve", there are car
races in the Mojave desert.
OR - you can "donate" land to places like the Sierra Club, and, then folks can PAY them for outings.
And, sorry - there is absolutely NO difference in golf and metal detecting. The only difference is - who is doing the activity.
Take a Sierra Club Vacation:
http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/
I can give you many, many "outings" by Nature's Conservance, Sierra Club and others. In fact, we were stopped once from having a horse pack trip, because they were afraid there might be some poop in their way. Is poop natural?
Now, jadeblackhawk,
I was NOT referring to any one person in particular - just the way things are. Are you aware of the fact that Sierra Club gets to make the maps for land withdrawals? Are you aware that, many places in the west donated to Nature's Conservancy for withdrawal are actually LIVED in by Nature's Conservancy members?
Its a racket. Has been, will continue to be.
Beth