I find it peculiar that in the event this young man had not been found, there would not be an issue. I can't imagine a government body fining the survivors of a family member whose "negligence" prompted an expensive search.

"Mason's rescue was particularly expensive because the helicopters the state typically used were unavailable, and a helicopter from Maine had to be brought in, Acerno said."

Unavailable for what reason? How is it that the state is allowed the greatest leeway in the burden of financial responsibility when the greatest cost of the rescue was the state's responsibility, not the eagle scout's?

According the article, the average cost of a rescue in New Hampshire last fiscal year was around $1338.32. If a fine must be imposed, that seems a better figure.