Hiker Rescue Funding

Citizens Count Editor

In 2008 the state passed a negligent hiker law, giving the state the power to bill lost or injured hikers for the cost of their rescue mission if they were found to have been negligent.

SB 128 created a study committee in 2011 to determine who should pay when state authorities carry out search and rescue operations for lost or injured hikers. The committee recommended several ways to raise funds for search and rescue, including creating a Hike Safe Card, which, for a fee, would guarantee that a hiker would not be billed for rescue. This option was implemented in 2014.

"Hike Safe Cards" can now be purchased by hikers for $25, indemnifying them against the costs of rescue operations on their behalf regardless of whether they are deemed negligent. Negligent hikers that choose not to buy Hike Safe Cards may still be billed for the cost of rescue.

Pros

Author

Citizens Count Editor

"New Hampshire should continue the Hike Safe Card program."

Because recouping costs from negligent hikers is difficult, Hike Safe Cards provide necessary additional funding.
Hikers are more likely than others to call for help, so the Hike Safe Cards are a way for them to make a fair contribution to the search and rescue fund (license fees assessed to hunters, fishermen, and snowmobilers are the primary source of revenue for the search and rescue fund).

Cons

Author

Citizens Count Editor

"New Hampshire should eliminate the Hike Safe Card program."

Rescues are a public service and hikers should not have to bear the cost .
The system of charging hikers for a card will cost money to implement while still not providing enough revenue to manage rescue costs.

Learn More

New Hampshire Fish and Game: Hike Safe Card

Hike New Hampshire

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CAUSE

Comments

bill

November 20, 2014

The new hike safe card, which will become law in January 2015, reverses a long attempted effort, spearheaded by Col Ronald Alie (spl?) some years ago to reduce hiker rescues.

His efforts made any negligent act by a hiker, that resulted in a rescue mission, subject to charges for the cost of the NH Fish and Game's participation, with the hope that if faced with substantial costs for inappropriate acts, hikers would better prepare, with the resulting decrease in rescues. It was totally aimed at reducing rescues - not making money!

The voluntary hike safe card, which sells for $25 is an effort by the Fish & Game dept. to make money to offset some of their financial difficulties. Which if it stood alone is laudable.

The regrettable side of the card is that it lets those negligent hikers off the hook for significant costs for a mere $25.

This is a major flaw. Responsible, well prepared hikers don't need a card because they will not be charged for a rescue - unless they are negligent or reckless!!

As a result I cannot support the card as a means of supporting mountain rescues in NH.

I would suggest that if a hiker is responsible and wants to truly support NH mountain rescue efforts, they would do better by sending a $25 donation,or more, to one of the unpaid, totally volunteer rescue groups, such as; Mountain Rescue Service, Pemigewasset SAR, Upper Valley SAR, Androscoggin Valley SAR or New England Canine. These groups and others, supply their own equipment, give up their free time in the spirit of the mountains,and raise their own money to supplement training and equipment costs. The New Hampshire Outdoor Council is also a source to send donations to, as it supports all outdoor rescue groups in the state by making grants where needed.

Hiker Rescue Funding

Comments

Thank you to our sponsors and donors