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→Creation of the Greater Patagonian Trail
Before publishing the trail I have long considered if publishing may have also negative consequences for the affected area. I personally do not see that this trail will become overun like in example "Torres del Paine". The trail is simply too long and demanding to attract large crowds. And even if a larger number of hikers seeks this challange they will be distribute over a rather long trail. The principle risk of publishing this trail is that this attracts irresponsible people that litter and don't have the necessary care when making camp fires. This may indeed cause severe damage and destruction. To promote a responsible behaviour I plead that all hikers respect the [[#Code of Conduct|Code of Conduct]] of the trail.
On the other side I have seen plenty of evidence that settlers give up and retreat from this gorgeous but challenging highlands. But if the settlers that created these trails vacate their land then the trails will soon be overgrown, become invisible and destroyed by weather without being repaired and maintained. So by creating an addition source of income for these tough herdsmen and mountain farmers they will have one more reason to stay. And if they stay the trail will be maintained and remain accessible for hikers like you and me.
===Future Development of the Trail===
This trail is not finished yet. There is plenty of terrain left till this trail finally reaches the southern tip of Patagonia and ends either on the shores of the Magellan street or even on Tierra del Fuego. Also a few smaller sections need to verified and recorded and additional alternatives may be aggregated. Read the chapter [[#Trail Verifications, Additional Options and Extensions|Trail Verifications, Additional Options and Extensions]] to see how you can contribute to perfect and extent the Greater Patagonian Trail.
* Leave no trace and in particular no litter. All packings that can be carried with content can be returned when empty.
* Make camp fired only where permitted and where and when it is safe to do so. Don't light a fire in dried out areas or when wind can carry sparks that may ignite nearby vegetation. Use only death wood and put the fire out with plenty of water. Don't leave the fire or go to sleep before having it put out completely.
* Don't abuse the hospitality of the people along the trail and pay fairly for what they share with you. Using a trail or camping in a not maintained place should be free of charge but if you get invited to a meal or use a camping ground that was installed by a local settler pay what you would get charged in other places. Don't ruin the hikers reputation by misusing the generosity of humble people.
==Comment to KMZ File for Trekking==