NAC Action Alert
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK - SALINE WARM SPRINGS
December 10, 2003
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NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
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http://www.naturistsociety.com/NAC/
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DATE : December 10, 2003
SUBJECT: Saline Warm Springs
TO : All Naturists
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee has identified an important situation at Death Valley National Park in California. NAC is alerting you to that situation and is asking for your
immediate action.
Saline Warm Springs in the Saline Valley has been the site of informal clothing-optional use for decades. Throughout recent years, signage has clearly identified that historical usage. Now, however, the
Clothing-Optional sign has been removed on the order of Park Superintendent James T. Reynolds.
The Naturist Action Committee recognizes the importance of proper signage at clothing-optional areas on public land. The sign
at Saline Warm Springs must be restored, and NAC is specifically asking for you to help by contacting Superintendent Reynolds.
BACKGROUND
An aide in the office of Superintendent Reynolds has been
telling callers that the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) forbids nudity at the Springs. The aide's information is incorrect. Quoting from the Backcountry/Wilderness Field Guide prepared in 2000 specifically by the staff of
Death Valley National Park:
"A 'clothing optional' practice has existed at the Saline Valley Warm Springs for several decades. Such activity is not prohibited under 36 CFR; however, certain sections of the
California Penal Code could be applied if a complaint is lodged. The current policy of clothing optional use of the Saline Warm Springs will be allowed to continue; appropriate enforcement actions will be taken upon
complaint."
THE BENEFITS OF SIGNAGE
Signs at clothing-optional areas on public land are informational. They give visitors an idea of what to expect, and they help to prevent user conflict. Despite
the apparent concern of Superintendent Reynolds, informational signs alone do not constitute endorsement or designation of a particular activity or use.
The absence or removal of informational signage where there is a
history of a specific use encourages conflicts and complaints. Superintendent Reynolds has authorized a move that is clearly a step backward from avoidance of user conflict and a radical departure from Park policy, as expressed
in the Park's own Backcountry/Wilderness Field Guide.
SEPARATING TRUTH FROM RUMORS AND HOAXES
When the clothing-optional sign was taken down at Saline Warm Springs, someone put up unauthorized signs
proclaiming "No Nudity." Those signs were a hoax. They never had official backing and were soon removed.
When you contact the management of Death Valley National Park, please do not mention the "No
Nudity" hoax signs. That will only confuse the issue and dilute the effectiveness of your message.
NAC IS ASKING YOU TO TAKE ACTION!
The Naturist Action Committee asks all naturists and other
concerned citizens to contact Superintendent Reynolds.
J.T. Reynolds
Superintendent
Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328
TEL: 760-786-3243
FAX: 760-786-3283
EMAIL: DEVA_Superintendent@nps.gov ..or.. jt_reynolds@nps.gov
NAC recommends that you make your contact by written correspondence (postal mail or fax,
with e-mail as a distant second choice in this instance). J.T. Reynolds is frequently away from his office, and telephone messages are too easily "lost" by unsympathetic office staff.
WHAT TO SAY?
When you write to Superintendent Reynolds, please remember the following:
1) Be polite. Hostile or belittling letters create ill will and often overwhelm the actual message you need to convey.
2) Be brief. Make your point and send your letter.
3) Identify yourself. Anonymous letters are sometimes simply discarded.
4) If you have been a visitor to Death Valley National Park or to
Saline Warm Springs, be sure to say so. Letters from those who haven't visited are also important. This is your park too!
5) Say clearly that you OPPOSE THE REMOVAL OF THE CLOTHING OPTIONAL SIGN AT SALINE WARM
SPRINGS. Say clearly that you WISH TO SEE THE SIGN RE-INSTALLED.
6) Using your own words works best. If you need a few ideas, look at the sections above entitled BACKGROUND and THE BENEFITS OF SIGNAGE.
7) Be sure to thank Supt. Reynolds for his consideration. Sign and date your letter.
MORE INFORMATION
Find more information on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee:
www.naturistsociety.com/NAC
Select "Alerts," click on "View Current," and then Select Saline Warm Springs. Links will take you to additional information, including maps and excerpts from
the 2000 Death Valley National Park Backcountry/Wilderness Field Guide.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists
throughout North America. NAC is a volunteer nonprofit organization that relies on the grass roots participation and financial support of concerned naturists.
After you've written to Superintendent Reynolds, won't you
please take a moment to help NAC by sending a generous donation? You may send your contribution to the address below, or you may call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard or Visa.
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Thank you for choosing to make a difference!
Naturally,
R. Allen Baylis
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
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Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - <ctnudists@aol.com>
Board Member Allen Baylis - <baylislaw@earthlink.net>
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - <naturist@sunclad.com>
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