Hammock Policy Suggestions -- helping a city Park / Rec dept

**Us5Camp** · 06-30-2021, 12:08

Hello,
I've been asked to help my local Park & Rec establish a Hammock Policy.
They have NO problems w/ hammocks that are frequently used in river front parks.
They WOULD like to establish a policy to encourage wise choices for straps/suspensions, address those who hang w/ just ropes or small diameter cordage, etc & fit within what is commercially available / common for low cost, recreational hammockers.

Do any of you have examples of common sense hammock use policies that I could reference?

Thank You!

**ChinoUSMC** · 06-30-2021, 12:24

I know the big one is the use of 2” straps to protect the trees.

Another is to not cut away the foliage or hack down limbs (destroy or maim) trees. Leave that up to the P&R to designate trees or maintain the area for hammocks.

ETA: I found this one from another website https://kammok.com/blogs/the-outpost...mping-in-parks

Another website from FL State Parks .org stated this:

“Hammock use and any other associated lines may be attached to trees that are a minimum of 12 inches in diameter measured at chest height and using a minimum of 1-inch-wide flat web straps. Some parks may provide hammock posts instead of trees.”

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**cougarmeat** · 06-30-2021, 15:06

Of course it depends on tree type. Our Ponderosa Pine’s bark would probably do more damage to the strap than any strap to the bark.

I’d stay away from 2 inch straps because most people don’t have them. For example, I’m guessing most on this forum have/use 1 inch straps and a few have/use 2 inch straps. I have some - they are in a bag somewhere. The deal is, if you say, “2 inches” and the person has 1 inch straps, and knows they will be fine, it encourages disrespect for the law. If the person is not going to obey that rule, it make it easier to disobey other rules. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people walk right by a “Dogs must be on leash” sign and they are just carrying the leash. Clearly that rule (i.e. LAW) is for other people; not them. I ran into it last week while kayaking at Hope Island. Some lady had motored up on the beach, clearly marked, “No Pets” and let her dog out to run around.

My point is, don’t set up a situation where people are pushed to disobey the rules because then it makes it easier for them to disobey anything that is inconvenient for them. As most knowledgeable hammock users have 1 inch straps, and 1 inch webbing can be found almost anywhere, then if the trees can handle it, I’d go for the 1 inch specification rather than 2 inches.

**TallPaul** · 06-30-2021, 15:49

Leave no trace guidelines for hammocks

https://lnt.org/wp-content/uploads/2...ck-Camping.pdf

**jedavisii** · 06-30-2021, 20:30

Is the purpose to protect park resources or people or both?

In the people department I'd say things about "stacking" hammocks and not hanging any higher than the lowest point being x' above ground (BSA is 3'. Their policies can be found here https://www.scouting.org/health-and-...mmock-camping/).

If you wanted it to be light hearted I'd add "never hang higher than you're willing to fall"

I think others have addressed the LNT and keeping trees safe.

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**FLTurtle** · 07-01-2021, 14:05

The issue I have with the FL state park rules is that it addresses the hammock straps, however the tarp suspension is usually Zingit or other thin line tried to the trees. My tarp is tied lower than the straps...so technically, I'd need some length of 1" strap to sleeve the Zingit to comply. So far, it hasn't been an issue...but I see the potential is there.

**cougarmeat** · 07-01-2021, 17:05

I made one of those Amsteel-inside-of-nylon-tubing extensions - it’s around here someplace. I always use 1 inch straps for the hammock because - you know - the weight factor. But a tarp puts hardly any force on the tree (comparatively). I’m more concerned for wear on the LashIt against 2 inch thick sharp bark than I am on the LashIt hurting the tree. But you gotta do what you gotta do to make the authorities happy. And remember, you are representing the hammock community. How your interaction goes will color the Park Persons attitude towards the next hammock camper they come across.

**Phantom Grappler** · 07-01-2021, 17:30

This could be stepping off the deep end. Possibly with too many words. And those who understand, probably already know, while those who don’t understand probably will never know.

Maybe a short note on advisability of 30* angle of hang. A hammock camper who strings up their hammock in a tight flat horizontal hang—will put undue stress on their suspension, both trees, and probably their hammock.

The best way to show this to new hammockers is to have two schematic drawings showing the good way and the bad way. This could be on the sign that says one inch straps are the norm for hammock suspensions, to protect our trees.

Some people know
Some people don’t know
And some people don’t know that they don’t know