I would agree with you. In the guns/anti-gun debate, I roll my eyes at the lack of objective data. So, I am happy to back any effort that will yield good information. It is interesting that they mention paint samples. It would indeed be interesting to determine how much lead has been introduced into the environment from applying a spiffy paint job to that nice new fire lookout, a favorite project back in the Great Depression. I can recall one lookout on a desert peak in Arizona where the fire danger was nil. And yes, it was decaying, with splinters and slivers of paint all over the place.

I would happily return to that summit to obtain samples. What a great excuse for a good climb!

Thinking even further back in history, many southern Arizona peaks were occupied as heliograph stations during the Geronimo campaign. That might have brought in a little lead here and there.

Its already an 'issue'

Here it is....

California lawmakers weigh first statewide ban on lead ammo

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/04/.../#ixzz2RxtaMW74

Very interesting. And right up my alley, at least in LA county. Up to 40 lbs though in addition to one's regular gear? Yipes.

HJ

I agree with the others who said this will be done to measure lead in the soil to counteract any lead bullet complaints.

Sidenote, I'm currently working with Doug Ritter at the big NRA conference here in Houston. So many wonderful toys...
-Blast

A similar study was done in the southwest several years ago for traces of lead from bullets and shot. My shooting range is in a small canyon where the walls are eighty odd feet high so the projectiles will be buried deep as the walls collapse. I still worry about it leaching into the water table however.

???

40 pounds of gear? Sounds like a lot more than just minor samples. Here they tested water, soil, foliage and woody materials. f I remember correctly all thier samples fit in a little cardboard box barely larger than an altoids tin. And why test so high up there? They don't put a watch tower on every peak.