What is a car camper? If the car is camping why would it need a bear canister? Why would it be staying overnight in the bear canister area? I think you have it reversed, I see more hikers who are attempting a thru hike that think they are entitled. There is no requirement for any hiker to register. It is a voluntary system. Why are you so down on trail clubs and the ATC? There would be no trail without them. Many of the trail maintainers and trail club members are out on the trail donating their time and money to keep the trail open. They are not into this for any kind of control but for the love of the trail. How many people attempting a thru hike are willing to donate their time or money to help maintain the trail they walk on? How many hikers attempting a thru hike are members of ATC or a trail club? If you want “thru hikers” to have a voice than have them join ATC or the trail clubs and share their talents, opinions, and experience. I read the USFS web site regarding the bear canister rule. I saw nothing on this site thanking the clubs for the brilliant idea. What I read is the USFS developed these rules in consultation with the Georgia AT Club, the ATC, and Georgia DNR.
Ohibro