One Bad Decision Cost These Hikers a 17-Hour Rescue and a Bill to Match

You might want to think twice before heading out for that long hike unprepared. New Hampshire officials are warning four hikers that they may be charged for a recent overnight rescue.

Four Hikers Face Charges for Rescue Mission in New Hampshire

A group of four 18-year-olds from New Jersey set out on a hike last week along Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire. They got more than they bargained for when they became stranded on top of the ridge at over 5,000 feet. The young men set off on the hike with no lights and little food and water.

Five members of the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team and a New Hampshire conservation officer responded to the calls for help from the hikers. The rescuers had to hike over four miles to reach the hikers near Mount Lincoln. It was not until the next morning that the team of rescuers and the stranded hikers made it down to the trailhead safely.

According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, the hikers are going to be billed for the cost of the rescue. State officials blame the late afternoon start for the hike, as well as the lack of preparation for a trek of that magnitude. The agency said that the hike takes roughly seven to nine hours round trip; however, the group did not set out until about 3:30 pm.

New Hampshire is one of a handful of states that can legally charge people for heading into backcountry areas unprepared. The state law allows the Fish and Game department to collect reimbursement for those that they deem to act negligently. The agency said that about two dozen rescue attempts are billable each year.

As an alternative, those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of New Hampshire can purchase a Hike Safe Card. This $25 card goes toward the New Hampshire Search and Rescue Fund. Cardholders are typically not required to pay for rescue costs, making it a type of insurance program. However, cardholders can still be held liable under certain rules of reckless or intentional conduct.

Other States With Similar Programs

Utah offers a similar program with its Search and Rescue Assistance Card (USARA), costing $25 for an individual or $35 for a family. The Beehive State says that the USARA card does not guarantee that stranded hikers will not be billed; however, it reduces the likelihood of this happening.

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) costs $5 for a year or $20 for five years. Unlike New Hampshire, Colorado will never try to collect back pay for search and rescue missions. Instead, the money generated from this voluntary card helps to reimburse local municipalities and funds training and other needs.

Similar to Colorado, the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card gives the public the opportunity to voluntarily contribute to the state's rescue operations budget, supporting equipment purchases, missions, and training.

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