Effective immediately, New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG) is selling annual voluntary “Hike Safe” cards to raise money for the department’s search and rescue fund. Cardholders will not be held responsible for search and rescue costs if rescued due to negligence; they will still be charged if their actions are deemed reckless or intentional.
The cost of the card, good from time of purchase through the end of the calendar year, is $25 for individuals and $35 for families. Cards may be purchased online at wildnh.com/safe.
Anyone with a valid New Hampshire hunting or fishing license, or a current registration for an off-highway recreational vehicle, snowmobile or boat, is also exempt from repaying rescue costs due to negligence.
AMC is working to make sure its members and guests are aware of the Hike Safe card as a voluntary way to support funding of search and rescue in New Hampshire.
AMC sees the Hike Safe card as one tool in a broader effort to address New Hampshire Fish and Game’s overall funding challenges. The legislation establishing the registration card also reestablished a commission to study the department’s financial sustainability, especially in light of declining sales of fishing and hunting licenses, and that is an important step toward resolving Fish and Game’s funding issues. Labels: White Mountain Guide, White Mountain Guide Online, White Mountain National Forest, White Mountains