58. Fall Camping and Thor's LEAP Program

On this episode of RV Miles, we chat with Rick Schutt from Thor Industries about their program to get kids interested in careers in the RV industry. Then, we talk about our favorite fall camping tips. In the news, a popular National Park Service campground in Florida may become unavailable to RVs, a conservation conflict in Minnesota, and another stolen trailer full of Boy Scout camping gear. 

Sponsor: L.L.Bean

This year, L.L.Bean is joining up with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, to help you find your happy place – in an amazing system of more than 400 national parks, including historic and cultural sites, monuments, preserves, lakeshores, and seashores that dot the American landscape, many of which you’ll find just a short trip from home. L.L.Bean is proud to be an official partner of the National Park Foundation. Discover your perfect day in a park at findyourpark.com.

Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome

Get 10% off a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you.

Resources

Gulf Islands National Seashore may remove vehicle access and RV camping at Fort Pickens: https://weartv.com/news/local/removing-vehicle-access-to-gulf-islands-national-sea-shore-fort-pickens

Beginning this spring, Texas State Parks will allow you to choose a site when reserving and pay entrance fees online in advance, effectively reserving a spot for parks that have a maximum capacity. https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/travel-outdoors/article/New-Texas-State-Parks-reservation-system-will-13204349.php

A ban on mining has been lifted around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. about 365 square miles within the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The area of the Superior National Forest that hangs along the southern edge of the Boundary Waters is home to the Duluth Complex, believed to be one of the richest untapped deposits of copper, nickel and precious metals in the world. Mining companies have been exploring the region for decades, although no copper-nickel mine has yet opened. On Thursday the Department of Agriculture canceled a study on the potential environmental impact of mining in the region. Secretary of Agriculture said that the USDA can both "protect the integrity of the watershed and contribute to economic growth and stronger communities.” Environmental groups are aggravated that the Department of Agriculture did not finish the environmental study it had promised to complete. And still others are saying that mines are bad for business, as they may interfere with a growing recreational economy that supports the region. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/09/06/boundary-waters-mining

Another Boy Scout troupe has trailer full of camping gear. The third this year. https://www.fox16.com/crime/lr-boy-scout-troop-loses-camping-equipment-to-thief/1421169529