Hey everyone,

I found this great article located here about how mountain bikes are banned from wilderness areas in the U.S. A study by the National Park Service shows that horses cause 8.4% more erosion then bikers. The study also showed that hikers cause 1.4% trail erosion to bikers .6% trail erosion. With those numbers, the law really makes no sense because in most situations hikers cause more erosion then bikers. If you agree with me on this then share your thoughts! Every person helps make a difference! Try writing to your local parks department and let's see if we can get this antiquated law repealed.

Mason S.

Hey Latitude Reader,
You what you should do right now? You should drop that paper your grading and read this article here about the new design of the Sunchips Bag. Although not totally certified yet by the Biodegradable Products Institute, Frito-Lay claims the bag can completely break down within the span of 14 weeks. This may actually turn out to be more of a curse than a blessing; people could start to compost every chip bag they see, not having a sure way to tell if it is biodegradable or not. This is why 3 months after its release, bags will come with the official BPI stamp of approval on them. That is, if they're certified. Only time will tell. So tell everyone you know about the new bags and start composting.

-Paul H.

Hey Latitude Readers,
Take a break and read this article at (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/01/100324-gorillas-extinct-africa-un-report/) about the possible extinction of gorillas in ten years in Central Africa. We need to be aware of this situation and do the best we can to help prevent the extinction of this species. Spread the word on to your family, your friends, your friend's family, your cousin, your sister, the crazy guy who lives down the block, the weird guy at the park, and anybody you know. Get the word out so we can try to prevent the unnecessary killing and murder of an amazing and interesting species like the ape.

-Cesar G.

Hello Latitude Readers,

Try reading this article at (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0323/California-may-extend-smoking-ban-to-state-parks-and-beaches) about a piece of legislation that would fine people for smoking in California parks. We, the staff of the Latitude, are hopeful that the legislation will pass. If it does, the sentiment could spread to Austin and our parks would be free of smokers. It would be nice to visit a park with air completely free of smoking. Also, the legislation would discourage people from smoking in general for the ill will they receive. Once again, we hope the legislation passes so that one day Austin will have absolutely clean air in its parks.

-Matt G.