The confusion over masks in National Parks [NEW 2021 ORDER]

The White House has issued an order that some say requires wearing masks in national parks and BLM land when we are outside. But does it really? It is an understatement to say that there is a lot of confusion over the new COVID rules put in place by the Biden administration requiring the use of masks on federal land. Does that mean we need to mask up while hiking in a national park or hanging out at our BLM campsite? When we are outside? That’s what we’re going to try and answer this week on episode 329 of the RV Podcast. Plus we have lots more RV news, tips, your questions, an interview about a new service that promises to help RVers who have breakdowns on the road, and, of course, another great off-the-beaten-path report from the Burketts. Do campers have to wear a mask when outside or hiking in National Parks or Federal land? There is confusion about whether you need to wear masks in National Parks Last week one of the first things the new Biden Administration did was issue an executive order requiring all people to wear masks on federal land - even when outside. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 the order states: "individuals in federal buildings and on federal lands should all wear masks" which, if taken literally, seems to imply everyone in a national park or camping on land owned by the federal government popular with boondockers would fall under this order. I know, other RV writers and websites have been really stressing the literal application of the order but it’s been my experience that few things in life are to be taken literally and I would like to suggest we look more at the intent here than the most extreme application. The fact is, right now many details are lacking. For example, it is not clear exactly when this order takes effect, how it will be enforced, or what the penalties are for violating it. Actually, President Biden signed two orders. One requires that masks be worn at airports and on many planes, trains, ships, and intercity buses. That is pretty clear. The Order About Wearing Masks on Federal Property The second order requires masks on federal property. Let me quote from it: “Accordingly, to protect the Federal workforce and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce, and to ensure the continuity of Government services and activities, on-duty or on-site Federal employees, on-site Federal contractors, and other individuals in Federal buildings and on Federal lands should all wear masks, maintain physical distance, and adhere to other public health measures, as provided in CDC guidelines. Who must wear masks in national parks? So the intent of the order is to protect federal workers and those interacting with them. That could include rangers, campers, the folks who staff registration booths, concessionaires. Campground volunteers. Got it. that’s clear. So the requirement is that masks and social distancing be required inside buildings. Understood. What about masks "on federal lands?" But besides buildings, it also says “and on Federal lands.” That is where the confusion comes. Some sensational reporting in the RV media…maybe to get ore clicks… imply that means you now would have to always be wearing masks while anywhere in a National Park or BLM lands. That is NOT what the order says. "Should" instead of "Must" regarding wearing masks in National Parks Let me read what it says: It says “should all wear masks.” Not must. Big difference. It also references that people should follow the CDC guidelines. Well, guess what those guidelines say about wearing masks outdoors? It says masks need not be worn outside, when not in close proximity to people. What the CDC says about outdoor mask use Here’s the exact CDC quote: Masks may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others, or with other people who live in your household. However, some localities may have mask mandates while out in public, please check for the rules in your locality. How is the mask requirement on federal lands to be enforced? Also, the President’s order goes on to leave the implementation and enforcement of this to the heads of agencies, giving them discretion to “make categorical or case-by-case exceptions.” When the media asked the White House if the order specifically means that, campers, for example, will have t wear masks in National Parks and federal land, a Biden administration official said such decisions will be left to their overseeing agencies to implement, while also following "science." The COVID science changes each week as the medical and public health community learns more about the disease. As I read the order signed by the President last week, I don’t think campers and boondockers need to be concerned about wearing masks on a hike or when they are out exploring… unless they come into contact with others. Realistically, the order is broad and vague and its enforcement is very up in the air. But don’t expect rangers to be hiking behind boulders ready to cite you for not wearing a mask when you are out in the boonies hiking. We will keep monitoring this and report back as the order becomes clearer and more guidelines are developed More RV News … Pay attention to when popular state and federal campgrounds open (for some it is Feb. 1) and book now! Many popular state campgrounds are opening their reservation lines and it is important to pay attention if you're seeking to camp in a popular spot this summer. Feb. 1 is the day Nebraska (click here) opens up for summer reservations; Maine has one park open Feb. 1 (click here) with reservations for others opening shortly thereafter. Colorado is also open (click here) and filling up. Failing to reserve now may mean you can't find a spot later. Recently when we predicted trends RVers should expect in 2021, one was campgrounds will be booked out by the end of February 2021. To review that story and other ways to prepare, click here. Learn more about America's newest national park in West Virginia Many campers make it a point to visit as many national parks as possible, and so we thought you may enjoy learning more about the beauty of America's newest national park: New River Gorge National Park and Reserve (click here). The park and reserve sit on 72,000-plus acres in West Virginia, and IT became a national park as part of December's COVID-19 relief package. The park has rock climbing, white water rafting, and the longest steel arch span bridge in the western hemisphere where people parachute off the 876-feet from the bridge to the river below every October on Bridge Day. Camping is permitted, though it only offers primitive campgrounds currently. This is definitely a place Jennifer and I will want to visit. To see our 10 tips for visiting a national park in an RV, click here. Constitutionality of Maine's quarantine order for out-of-state travelers upheld by federal court Two campground owners in Maine who sued their governor over an executive order requiring out-of-state campers to quarantine for two weeks lost their appeal in federal court. The campground owners had argued in part that the COVID-19 executive order barring people from traveling freely between states was unconstitutional. Maine's governor was one of many last year that put a quarantine requirement on out-of-state travelers that devastated those who make a living in the hospitality industry - like campground owners. While the full case is pretty complicated, and it sounds like the matter is not over, Maine's governor has since modified her order. Now most out-of-state visitors must test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arrival or quarantine for 10 days once they arrive in Maine. Why hiking is good for your brain Many of us RVers got into the lifestyle because we enjoy nature. When we are outside and on a hike, it can be the ultimate de-stressor. But did you know hiking is actually scientifically proven to be good for your health? (click here) A hike provides exercise, which is good for your body, but navigating a trail is much better than walking a treadmill because of the cognitive work required to not get lost and stay aware of your environment. Plus, the study said, simply being outside does wonders for your health. And of course, if you find yourself at a campground today, and decide to head out for a hike, it is also important to keep safety in mind. Click here to read our story on what every hiker should know. RV PODCAST QUESTION OF THE WEEK This message left on the RV Podcast voicemail number from a listener named Nancy: Hi Mike and Jen. it's Nancy. I've been following you for quite a while and I really enjoy your podcast and your Facebook page. I’m one of your pretty common campers. We started with a pop up lightweight travel trailer, went to a bigger travel trailer, and recently a motor home. Now that I'm into the motorhome and actually haven't used it at a winterize it right after purchasing it, there's a lot of features and each level is more complicated. Even a tent came with instructions, but one out of particular comes to mind that pop-up came with a video. I always liked the fact that their company gave us this video that I could put in and look at watching it being demonstrated and today not just because of COVID 19, but because time is short for the training and the walkthroughs, everyone feels pressured to go quick and everyone else is telling them, don't let them, you know rush you through. But that's very hard to do and you know, what would even be better is walking away with a demo DVD. I just think that the more complicated of the more expensive the unit, it should be almost a given and I would love to see manufacturers do videos demonstrating off all the different features. And they can actually offer that with the unit to the next owners. So they're not at a loss when they come into a used unit. I keep a binder and that goes to the next person.