I was wondering if anyone has camped/backpacked in Ohio's Wayne National Forest and drank water from on-site streams and ponds.
I ask because on page 2 of the downloadable brochure at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne/recreation_sites/camping.html , it states…
"We do not recommend filtering water in streams and ponds due to the high metal content in our water from past mining."
A few questions come to mind:
1.) Is that statement a public relations tactic to discourage folks from remaining on-site long term?
2.) If not, is the water really so poisoned that it is untreatable for human consumption?
3.) Which begs the question… is it a National Forest because the federal government believed it was the right thing to do? Or is it a National Forest because past mining has made the land unprofitable (real-estate, farming, shopping mall, etc.)?
Thanks,
Nick
