Roughing it? Sorry, you’re not up to code.
UPDATE: Since the time this blog post was written, there has been legal movement on this situation. Eustace Conway’s issues with the North Carolina Building Code Council received considerable publicity, thanks in part to a Wall Street Journal article on him. The North Carolina General Assembly decided to take up the case and proposed an exemption to building code requirements for primitive structures. The state’s House and Senate agreed with this exemption, voting for it unanimously. Once Governor Pat McCroy signed the bill into law, Conway was able to exercise his God-given freedom as an American. Fox News even produced a special on Conway’s dramatic battle titled “War on the Little Guy.” Score one for the good guys!
There aren’t too many true pioneers left in this country, and certainly even fewer who teach young people what it was like to live off the land before electricity came along. Pretty soon, we may lose another one.
Fifty-one-year-old Eustace Conway has been living in the wilderness for 30 years, making his own shelters and growing his own food. Living on land he owns in Boone, North Carolina, Conway operates Turtle Island Preserve as a not-for-profit educational organization. He teaches groups of scouts, teens and adults how to make stone tools by breaking rocks, bend bark to fashion baskets, spin sticks to start fires and much more.
Well, at least that’s what he has been doing for many years. Recently, “The Last American Man,” as he’s become known, was shut down by the Watauga County planning department. Why? Because his primitive structures don’t meet code. That’s pretty much the point, Conway counters. The whole lure of the place is its primitive nature and the fact that you can be taught by a guy who makes his own pants out of buckskin and stitches his own wounds.
Sorry, say county officials, who in their 78-page report of his facility declared his sawdust urinal and outhouses as “unpermitted,” labeled the wood he’s used to construct 20-plus buildings as “not grade-marked,” and stated that his open-air kitchen is “not protected from insects and animals.”
Check out this Wall Street Journal article to get the full story.
Watauga County officials have told Conway that he must rebuild or tear down the cabins, barn, kitchen, blacksmith shop and sawmill he’s built with his own hands, as well as create a septic system before hosting any more classes and camps.
How do you feel about this decision? Is the county protecting visitors from unsafe conditions, or is it overstepping its bounds? Should Conway be allowed to continue doing what he’s doing, as long as he lets all potential visitors know that his camp and classes don’t meet county standards, or is it up to the government to shut down anything they consider unsanitary? I’d love to hear from you about this.
What’s the point if he has to build it like he’s living in the city. Doing his way is living off the land like our predecessors actually did not having to build to some ridiculous code. There wasn’t one. Why is city and local govt. so damn stupid? (no answer for that question).
Eustace Conway is my favorite character in the Mountain Man series. This in my opinion is bogus government overreach. Eustace is an amazing man. They should be learning from him rather then impeding him.
It is always about “Money”. They want his land and they will go after it. They make the rules. Eventually they will get what they want. They are tyranical and will always be tyrannical. No one really owns their property. They just pay rent on it called taxes. Stop paying that rent and see how fast you loose what you thought you owned. This is a subject that should be taught in public school. Prepare students for the hard cold reality of this world. Unless someone with money comes to Eustises rescue, he will loose everything. He might ought to considering selling and moving own. Sooner or later Eustises health will fail him and he will have to come off the land. Then what. He stands a good chance of loosing his property. Better than holding onto it. Good luck E.
Its always about the money and if they can’t get that then control of the people comes into play. The county has a vested interest in Mr. Conways property, taxes. We will pay our county property rent, I mean uh’ taxes or see how long you “OWN” their, I mean uh’ your property!
The government is highly overstepping their bountries and needs to step back. We have a right to our freedoms on our own property and we don’t need any government robots telling us how to run our business.
Why now? After 30 years?? That man is the epitome of American Pride! He holds everything within himself and his life that once made America great!!
I’ve been watching him on mountain men. He’s one of my favorites. I figured the feds would shut him down for some stupid reason. Guess I was wrong, the local yokels got him instead.
I feel the government should butt out as long as Mr. Conway lets participants know what is not up to code and why and sign an agreement that they have know of this and cannot to sue. He is teaching much needed skills that will be invaluable should life as we know it to be now comes to a screeching halt . What happens when you have no electricity for an extended period of time and no hope of it returning ever for whatever the reason may be. WE will go back to basics and no one will be worrying about codes being adhered to. It will be every man for himself or in my case every woman. Hurrah for people like him with some foresight!!!!! This is from a old lady who has lived in a country that is quite primitive or was 50 years ago and was required to live a life style very different from what she was accustomed to in the USA.
IF EARLY SETTLERS HAD THE MINDS OF MANY POLITICIANS IN AMERICA TODAY, PRESENT CASE IN POINT, AMERICA WOULD NEVER HAVE DEVELOPED INTO WHAT IS TODAY. I FULLY RECOGNIZE IT IS BEING TORN DOWN BY COMPLETE AND UTTER IDIOTS.
They are definately overstepping their bounds, he is doing the very same thing that he military does. He is teaching survival that can be used in national emergencys, he is doing it at no charge. The problem is the local Government is wanting a way to make money from someone who is donating a public service.He has been doing this for 30yrs, why all of a sudden do they want impose all of these restrictions on him? They should be applauding himand making funds availab le for him to continue to operate. He is doing what the boy scouts do also. I see a bunch of idiots creating a situation when they could figure a lot of improvements to their county, and its people. They should all be voted out of office for trying to play big brother politics.
Eustace Conway is an American icon for showing us what it takes to live off the land like our forefathers did. Thanks eustace and Preston for all your info.
Eustace is a God Send to our younger people, many who have never been outside the “concrete jungle” He teaches VERY valuable skills that have been long forgotten by most (including not “up to code sanitation methods). If this is so bad then you will need to close down most public access camp grounds and most Boy/Girl Scout facilities across America.
Get a real life people…he is hurting NO ONE!!!! Let kids and adults alike learn what it was like 150 years ago (and might be that way again). This is a lesson in life and survival so desperately needed to be taught. Let him do his teaching and TV shows. I am sure that in North Carolina there are much more important things that the State Health Board could be doing to keep the public safe. If not, maybe there are too many employees in that department and the State could use the money saved in the reduction of force on some other worthwhile element of society.
Sorry if where to offend anyone who may be politically correct. I believe in what this man is doing as a good deed teaching others to live off the land some of us weren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths.and truth be known theirs probably some of them whom wouldn’t mind being taught the basics someday we may all be faced to do so to survive if an EMP were to be released above the United States and the electric grid collapsed. Leave him alone
This man is “doing business” according to the authorities. What he needs to do is have all his visitors sign a statement of personal participation much like a waver saying they are put of this man’s private community. It’s a club or organization simply helping him cover the costs with any funds they provide. It becomes a private organization thus exempt from many of the rules associated with a business. The items listed that the authorities object to are serious concerns if Sam a million people were doing them or of enough people doing them weren’t as professional as the man in question. There must be a way to preserve his teachings for the good of humanity otherwise we’re just marching down the path to the U.N. rule of One World Government.
Wasn’t Eustice Conway one of the men who was on the show Mountain Men,If that was him he was a very skilled man about many things and him teaching people about survival hurt no one,it helped a lot of people,Him being shut down is proof the Gov’t does not want us to learn a single thing they don’t want us to know so they are in full control of us like a herd of sheep and and they will send in the sheep dogs (FEMA) any time they want to so we can see what hell really is,The Gov’t is really out of control and we are at their mercy.Getting info, on how to prepare yourself and getting prepared is more important than a lot of people realise
Typical government overreach. They need to leave him alone. This is what government does to if they something they can’t control. They regulate it.
I think that the government should get involved with everything that we should have know freedoms. They should not even let me type this reply without being schooled on what to say. I believe that we have to much freedom and are allowed to make to many decisions because we don’t have common sense we have individual sense. Them sooner people realize that the government and the elite have our best intensions for us the better we will be. People need to quit worrying about what is happening and conform. Jeez people ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.
It’s lame morons,like yourself,who are clueless.
Who make this Great Country,dangerous.
It must suck to be you!
Lift the rock you sleep under,and take a good look!
I believe you are just an instigator of stirring up wrath, and not an intelligent one at all “I’mheretohelp”.
The government has overreached in every area of our lives, even spying into our homes. I think what Eustace Conway has been doing and wants to continue doing is a wonderful thing. Government needs to butt out!
“Imheretoheld” you forgot to sign your name. V. Putin?
I’mheretohelp’s reply was satirical. If you have trouble grasping what he said, you probably need to get some more sleep & give your brain a rest.
Are you serious? you need the government to tell you everything to do? Where is the freedom our forefathers fought for and our veterans??
People are not forced to learn Conway’s methods, Conway should not be stopped from teaching his methods. There are wise men and there are the rest of men.
I think they should leave this man alone, he’s teaching kids how to live off the grid, and in this day in age it’s not a bad thing to do, lay me in this country is just one EMP away from being back in the stone age, I am a 38 year old male and I personally would like to take his class, we should all know how to do the things that this man is teaching these kids because God forbid anything can happen and we might need survival skills such as those, but you know our government they will throw a wrench in anyones works
I sent a scathing email to this county employee. He responded that this matter was resolved 2 years ago. He didn’t give any details. Anyone know the latest?
Got a nice response from Mr. Furman. The state amended the building code to exempt this type of operation. However, there are numerous other government over-reach examples out there. We must be vigilant and not get complacent!
Thank you for calling
their hand, Melonie!
Mike C.
First break up families, then decide you don’t need all that space so they introduce these ‘cutsy’ little micro homes for people to ga ga over. Next they get all the rights on water and the Queen already has rights on air.
It’s comin’ down fast, folks. BamBam is going to U.N. to ask for foreign military to go though all homes to see if any weapons or ‘contraband’ is in them. Just like we had our Marines go thru Australia back in the ’90’s. How many foreign military would just LOVE to go through our things>?
Why don’t they keep the hell out of other people business.they can’t do the job in the county so tney go after someone who’s teaching kids what it like to live in the good old day’s.at least he not teaching then to shot people, do drugs, and rob people…leave this guy alone that all the goverment people do is hrass people that make a good teaching for young people…
This is a plan the government has for the whole country. Not just areas like this man lives in, but all vacant land anywhere. There trying to drive all people into living in a little box in a big city
I didn’t know there was a code for living. I think the gov. has more important items on their dockets to take care of. But no they have to harass a person that is not bothering any one . He is trying to make a living just like all us other god forsaken people in this world. I think in about 3 or 4 years their will be no freedom, it will be a type of communist rule, you watch. Their will be a code for every thing even when you can go pee, and how long you can pee. This is our god given right. This why we had our split from England, and then the Civil war. Are they trying to start another war, what are they going to call this one dua ?
Here we go again, the gov. getting it’s nose in things that they are not getting any money out of. This is why people are wanting to live off-grid. Some of us just want to be left alone, get it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are not bothering you so leave us be.
Why don’t we flood Mr. Furman with e-mails and phone calls protesting what the county is doing to Eustace? If people don’t want to come to Turtle Island because it is unsafe, don’t come. It is that simple. This is Mr. Furman’s contact information:
Employee Name: Joseph (Joe) Furman
Department: Planning and Inspections
Employee Title: Director
Department Phone: 828 265 8043
Employee Email: [email protected]
Department Fax: 828 265 8080
Email sent! Thankyou
Email sent. Thank you for the info!
There is one thing government will not tolerate: It is a FREE MAN
With government of any kind, it is about one thing: revenue. We recently built a shop building on our property (up to code and permitted) and, no sooner did it get underway that two people from the county assessor’s office showed up measuring, not only the new shop, but our home and simple shelters we built for livestock in the corral. You should have seen our new tax bill. We learned that Colorado taxes farm structures at the highest rate (why?). It is all about putting more money in the county coffers.
What he should do is place the land into corporation holding, and have it licensed as a business for historic purposes. I’m betting that the regulations are different for those. If they wanted to fine him, they would need to go through the corporation red tape. Especially if he incorporated the holding using an out of state or out of country holding company. Do it just like the big boys. Obviously check with a lawyer on the efficiency of this. And yes, I understand he should need to do that – but it would really piss of the regulators – which has some merit to it.
(shouldn’t) – Why can’t you edit your responses on here?
They should leave this man alone I live across the mountain in east TN. he is teaching the way of life of my ancestors this is something that is almost lost too the world ad he teaches it the only way you can by living it what is even worse is the real reason they hassle him they have wanted his land for a long time they know this is a way to squeeze him out thats what its really about when the way of life he teaches is gone its gone forever
Eustace Conway is an example of a rugged individual, who seeks no assistance from government, or anyone else. What he does on HIS LAND should be his business. He is not harming anyone, quite the contrary! Some do-gooder Liberal Socialist ideologue is not doubt behind the harassment this good man is receiving. Additionally, he TEACHES people skills that one day may very well save their lives. I don’t suppose the government is much interested in the good Eustace does. After all, the man has never been on Welfare, Food Stamps, Section 8 housing and all the rest of the government goodies. To the government, Eustace is out of control…and they can’t let THAT happen!
He has proven that he can live there safely in his OWN wilderness. Don’t you have anything better to do G-people? It’s none of your business.
Amazing what great lengths the government won’t go to protect the unborn!
When does this madness end. This man, who I am in complete agreement with on what he is doing, is not harming a soul and after thirty years of life as he lives it seems to me he is doing a great thing for the earth and this world. My prayers are with you dear brother.
Love and respect.
Mitakuye Oyasin-We are all related
Dr. William J. Martin jr.
I think this is where city or even state can and more likely will, go too far in their authority and contributes to creeping up inch by inch in enlarging Government and making decisions of their own authority. They always manage a way to find a means
to create extra revenue by Taxing or Fineing or Denying the person a legal means to make a living, especially when it causes a disruption of group learning in an extremely important way of life, that is at this time completely unknown to a vast amount of people in our country. When people purchase any portion of land. That land belongs to the purchaser and yes it is the Buyers responsibility to check any restrictions so that he will know what his limits are ! Government have their share of carpetbaggers always ready to put their hand into your pocket and they WILL take all they can get away with. In this case , I assume the land is totally the owners and after 30 years perhaps should be grandfathered in! The only thing of importance is cleanliness that assures no spread of Dangerous Desease tha could cause a plague and the need to tidy the grounds in a reasonable manner that won’t be a complete Eye sore to the neighborhood.. In the Case where the Muslems bought the land around the Pig Farmer in Texas who had been there all his life. The muslems now want recognition trying to buy the neighbors pig Farm. There always seem to be a person or party with a screw loose. Who sold these people that land anyhow?
I think this is where city or even state can and more likely will, go too far in their authority and contributes to creeping up inch by inch in enlarging Government and making decisions of their own authority. They always manage a way to find a means
to create extra revenue by Taxing or Fineing or Denying the person a legal means to make a living, especially when it causes a disruption of group learning in an extremely important way of life, that is at this time completely unknown to a vast amount of people in our country. When people purchase any portion of land. That land belongs to the purchaser and yes it is the Buyers responsibility to check any restrictions so that he will know what his limits are ! Government have their share of carpetbaggers always ready to put their hand into your pocket and they WILL take all they can get away with. In this case , I assume the land is totally the owners and after 30 years perhaps should be grandfathered in! The only thing of importance is cleanliness that assures no spread of Dangerous Desease tha could cause a plague and the need to tidy the grounds in a reasonable manner that won’t be a complete Eye sore to the neighborhood.. In the Case where the Muslems bought the land around the Pig Farmer in Texas who had been there all his life. The muslems now want recognition trying to buy the neighbors pig Farm. There always seem to be a person or party with a screw loose. Who sold these people that land?
See previous comment. Duh. No one forces you to participate.
Eustace made a mistake when he bought the land. He needs a land patent or alloidial title. Then the county can’t do a damn thing on his land. And he could charge them with trespassing.
He is operating a business with the open exchange of money. That is how the planners got involved. They want their cut. Get a land patent and ask for donations instead. It is a camp, and tell them they are meddling with your religious beliefs!
Actually, I was saying incorporate – but your idea has some merit to it. The one thing though – in many states now it is illegal to capture rain water. I’m not sure what source he uses for his water, but that’s one way they get you, and at the state level. And waste disposal needs to be done via septic tank or pneumatic refuse collection – especially if the rock below him is porous, so as not to contaminate ground water. So going off the grid is not totally a 100% deal in itself, and in a way, we have learned from history what happens when you don’t do those things, people get sick. I wish him the best of luck, anytime you can give the middle finger to politicians, I’m in.
I have seen him on MT Men ,,the only think I would think they county could say any thing about is out house and food prep area and maybe put a limit on the number of people that can use his school due to the out house and food prep areas, But they don’t have a right on the buildings in a rural setting. If he was not teaching people anything the dip sh— County leaders would maybe leave him alone , Lesson here don’t let the Government know what you are doing
Planners frighten the normies. I plan. I hoard. I plant seeds. I can food. I’m a planner. As Frank said in one of his videos, heck if we’re wrong, at least we have food to eat. When government encounters quiet confidence in one’s own ability to survive, it rattles the government and they rattle the good guys. But what if the government gets overthrown? How many of those people will have food supplies and gardens and know enough to take care of themselves. So it’ll actually come out in the wash. Planners will survive. Twitchy little government folk won’t.
What is so ironic is I finally watched an episode of Mountain Men on Netflix and Got to know Eustace a little. Don’t hate me for saying this, but now I am looking forward to this “collapse” so that Eustace can tell the world “Enforce your regulations now”
the first mistake all the commenters are making is assuming that the land actually belongs to Eustace. He is just renting it from the government being, local, city and state.
Stop paying your taxes and they will come and take “your” land. Kick you off it, sell it and keep the proceeds. Don’t any of you ever forget that!
The government doesn’t want anyone to know how to survive on your own this guy teaches just that!! What he teaches is awesome. Leave him alone he’s doing this on his own land. This is an invasion of ones privacy and rights as long as the ones wanting to go to his classes sign some kind of waver then that should be all is needed for him to teach. They don’t want anyone to be happy. The whole system is about to collapse and people need to learn how to live/survive off the land the RIGHT WAY…
It is not so much that “should the gov’t. allow him” to continue his lifestyle, as it is ” should he allow the gov’t. to invade his privacy and give him orders about how to live on his own property!” Yeesh!
perhaps he can, as a non-profit, get a grant or raise funds to put in a septic system and modern bathroom towards the front of his property to satisfy the government and get signed releases from his students making them aware of the “dangers” of primitive living. We need to support this true pioneer and keep the skills he is teaching alive and passed on to anyone who wants to learn them. Book learning can only take one so far.
His is a truly beautiful face. Bureaucracy at work to eradicate beauty. This is infuriating. Jimmie Durante stated it clearly “Leave everyone else to hell alone.”
Let it be. He asks nothing, teaches, loves kids, nature and does it well. Therefor it is written in the bureaucratic code : If it does good, asks nothing, speaks truth, obliterate it. Sad.
If he’s already operating as none profit, can’t he have a film crew come in and record him doing what he does best? Then make up DVDs and decide from that point which way to go. As long as he’s not running any guests’ “warm bodies” through his off the grid, off the code premises, what business is it, of any of the bureaucrats or O.S.H.A. antagonists, what he does with himself on his own property.
Check the national news. I’ve even heard about communities closing sledding hills to kids this winter in order to protect them from hurting themselves. More likely protecting the communities from lawsuits of parents who dress their kids with complete pad sets and helmets just to go walking in the park. God Bless America, AND PLEASE HURRY!!!
That sledding thing? The people ignored it, not everyone – but a lot. They saw this as what it was, an encroachment on life and happiness. So they basically gave the finger to the local Government and did it anyway. American – there really are some parts you just gotta love.
An underlying problem is not related to health or to building integrity, nor is it related public safety in the greater sense. It is the false teachings and bad mindset that are inculcated in university and legal doctrine that the government entity may direct any human to obey its “rules” and take pride in so doing. The ultimate result is that the power structures so built on these premises fail utterly to keep liberty in their midst. Fail to support peace between right thinking men and women, Fail to allow for any supreme being replacing it with the derived faulty logic and laws built on it, instead of truth, justice, freedom, human kindness. Judges cannot truly rule on these premises born of false thinking, they must rule, instead, on whether the law is being followed, even if flawed. If judges cannot rule, and legal systems are built on unstable tenets then “We the People” have right on our side to make way for those who do not wish to conform. Leave this man alone. Leave his property and his possessions alone. Leave all who consent to come and go within his sphere alone. No document or surety is needed either for him, his life, his friends or acquaintances no matter how long or short the duration of their times together. If you feel the coal “government has the “right” to force him to do anything different then that same “government haas the right to dispatch any Sharia driven cultural differences undertaken by foreign or domestic sources and endeavors.
There should be something that can be done within the statute of the public health codes under the “Grandfather Clauses” written into all civil codes.
But the county should leave him alone unless there have be confirmefd illness caused by his neglectful actions causing personal injures or illnesses for which the person’s involved in activities at Turtle Island were not advised could happen in the process “classes”. Until then and with “due process” which we are all still guaranteed under the Constitution.
There should be something that can be done within the statute of the public health codes under the “Grandfather Clauses” written into all civil codes.
But the county should leave him alone unless there have be confirmed illness caused by his neglectful actions causing personal injures or illnesses for which the person’s involved in activities at Turtle Island were not advised could happen in the process “classes”.
If we cannot find a place or means for him to operate it is just a matter of time before all of us are effected in some way, shape or manner by such rigid mindlessness. If you remake his camp to county code, then where is the pioneer education? Most of us do not live long enough to truly understand freedom. It changes slowly. It is only when you compare the difference between many decades that you truly become alarmed. If you would like to learn more about times effects on American freedom read more about it, “Once Upon a Time We Were Free”
We should learn from Eustace. Since he is self diffident and does not use any county service, he and his property should be exempt fro taxes and left alone.
Leave him alone. the government doesn’t want anyone to know how to survive off the land. This is the American heritage we were born with and should be taught to everyone. Electricity and all the vanities we have now may not always be.
The government should mind their own business. This guy has been living like this for years and he’s not hurting anybody. He’s willing to share his knowledge with people who come to his camps and he shouldn’t be harassed for this.
its his land and has been living like this for years the government should worry more about important thing (don’t get me started on that topic) than about a man a good man from what I can tell from his show on tv the local government should mind there on business but that just my opion
That’s what “Hold Harmless” release certificates are for…leave the poor chap alone within the confines of his own property. If you want to participate and “learn” some valuable living skills, sign a release. Go for it.
Look folks, we all know that “Big Government” the federal guys have been forcing their rules and regs down everyones throat for years even local governments. The Obama administration has uped the level of government intrusion even more.
I personally think this man should be left to operate as he has been. The problems are; 1. He is not depending on any public utility, no payments and no taxes on those payments. 2. He is totally self reliant , no money spent, no taxes paid. 3. He is making some sort of income without depending on a traditional type of employment. In our government’s mind this can’t be, this guy exists, but no one can exist unless they pay us.Sure he pays property and income tax, but he has to buy, live, and earn like the mass population to be real, if he is not traditional he must be stopped. I say let him be. This is all about control, government control.
It is all part of agenda 21. The secret consfication of all private property and closing of all wilderness to the people. They, the globalists, are taking our country by stealth, just as they have occupied our government. We are doomed if we don’t wake up and demand that the government follow the constitution and the bill of rights. We have the rioght and the duty to throw out bad government and replace it with one that follows the constitution. People need to realize the power is with the citizens. There are 500 of them and 3.5 million of us. We don’t have to take this crap.
Simple fix — stop promoting his venue as a business. Instead, state clearly this is NOT a business, but a private residence where friends can come and learn how we do things. Then, have a tip jar at the end of the tour. I bet he’ll make more non-taxable income than before, AND avoid all the rules and regulations…
in the words of Eric Cartman ” YOU WILL COMPLY YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITY” Get over it freedom left the US when the feds started collecting taxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps Mr. Conway can continue to run his business as the primitive/survival training business that it is, as long as he clearly presents this fact to prospective clients in writing, and he has the clients who sign on to read such a statement, sign and date that they have been presented with this information and understand the risks to which they are subjecting themselves by using his facilities/services, and that they are willing to assume resposiblity for any casualties that they sustain by using his facilities/services.
Otherwise, I personally believe that his local govt has overstepped its bounds and shoulde leave Mr. Conway alone.
Leave the man alone he’s not hurting anybody and keep their noses out of his affairs has anybody been hurt or have their been any complaints ?
The government needs to butt out and leave him alone. When TSHTF the government bullies will be no where to be found if they even live long enough to go hide under a rock.
Ok People, let’s not get paranoid. Eustace Conway should be permitted to operate as he currently is based on the county assessing that no health or safety issues are determine by doing a proper assessment and process. The proof of any such factors must be made by the county, providing such evidence that such practices or operations are not detrimental to the public and surrounding community (ies). In addition, insurances must be provided not only to protect himself but the public that comes in contact with his operation. If the county does not provide evidence verifying adverse affects to the public, then he should be left alone to tend to his work. WE DO NOT NEED LAWS/REGULATIONS THAT HAVE NO NEGATIVE AFFECT ON THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT.
Haven’t you people learned your lesson by now? It’s time to give up on supporting this government’s laws rules, regulations, policies, edicts, mandates etc. It’s constitution has been trashed by that Bastard and also by amendment after amendment. Even if you vote the conservative ticket, some state court judge will override the people’s vote to satisfy the liberal Obomunist left. I’ve given up on calling myself a proud American, you should too. It’s a shit country now so Just arm yourselves to the hilt for the Liberty-Battle(s) ahead!
Considering that the Security and Exchange Commission, sat on its thumbs while Wall Street robbed millions of people of their homes, and considering that Big Pharma can put hundreds of basically untested drugs on the market all with cautionary statements 10 miles long, tt seems to me that the lower on the monetary food chain we are the more regulated things get.
I am all for this man doing his thing in the woods. However, I was wondering what party members of this local government are from. 10 to 1 they are part of the new tea-publicans who seem to like control as much as the folks they complain about. Some of you losers always have to ruin your comments by blaming everything on President Obama. It appears the KKK is alive and well. You make me ashamed to have been a life long member of the GOP.
You Sir are clueless!
James, you are not only clueless, you’re a fool to boot, and I’d bet my bottom dollar a liar as well. You don’t reason or write as a Conservative or a Republican and the slanders you threw out prove to me your foolish lack of understanding and reasoning capabilities.
Of ALL people, Conservatives believe in the individual’s rights and responsibilities, first to one’s self, then to others, then to the mutually accepted governmental authorities while still having the right to overthrow fascist, domineering collectives trying to usurp our Constitutionally recognized, God given rights. We have the opportunity this November to do just that by voting in Republicans across the board and sending doofus people like yourself into your panties in a wad crying fits.
People, you KNOW that NOT voting or voting a protest vote for a third party is the exact same thing as voting for the Democrats. Even if you HAVE to hold your nose in voting for a RINO, vote for him. He or she will soon be replaced by a Conservative through the primary and their feet can be held close enough to the fire to be smoldering.
Lincoln put up with McClellan as long as he had to in order to accomplish his long term goals, then he 86ed the jerk. Same thing with squishy RINOs this November. While they might think they’re using you, you’re actually using THEM, for a just and noble cause.
Unlike the silly little troll James here.
If Obummer wasn’t personally and purposefully responsible for everything hitting the fan, NOBODY would be blaming him… but he PROMISED to do what he’s done so you James don’t have an iota of validity in complaining about Conservatives reminding everybody, including you, as to Obummer’s delivering on his campaign promises, even while lying about the details in order to sucker in fools like you. (Jim Jones would have LOVED giving you HIS Kool-Aid as well.)
The KKK has nothing to do with Constitutionally Conservatives or Republicans. If you had a legitimate education, you would realize that whether you admitted it or not. And if you had been a “life long member of the GOP”, you WOULD have received the education you’re so thoroughly lacking.
You sir, are a liar!
Appears that jealous, petty, bureaucrats also live in N.C.
I was a democratic voting idiot for over 50 years thinking it was the party of the people! Then, I started to investigate what in the heck was going on and realized I didn’t know jack- sh*t ! For your limited understanding, the KKK was a bunch of democrats doing all they could to keep poor , illeterate , black people under their control, even after the Republican Party was formed from the anti slavery movement, with Abraham Lincoln as it’s first president elect ! Now, the democrats have gotten more sophisticated with their methods of controlling poor blacks and whites as well by their methods of socialism to keep them in line by giving them what they didn’t earn to keep them dependent ! I’m ashamed to say that I have relatives that still embrace this very philosophy today! Bureaucrats are an extension of this same philosophy and in my estimation are one of the biggest roadblocks to freedom in this country ! As to your understanding of the “tea publicans” as you so well named us, we pretty much believe in live and let live so long as we don’t interfere with your right to do the same ! I beg you to get your head out of your rectum before you and your ilk completely destroy freedom and pursuit of happiness for everyone, yourself included!
I personally watch religiously Eustace Conway on TV and the EPA and the county need to leave him alone. He lives in the middle of nowhere and his only visitors are his neighbors who live miles away. And by the way, those who talk trash about the Tea party have never been to a meeting so they don’t know what they are talking about. The goal of the TP which I am proud to be a local member is to restore our Constitution which includes all of our freedoms which we are losing because of a corrupt government and people who are uninformed. Tea Partiers love our country and will fight for it. Stop trashing it and go to a meeting. Stop believing propaganda especially from a president who is trying to destroy our beloved country.
OMG, don’t you know that the KKK were Democrats??? Just ask the Grand Kleegle dead Senator Bird.
James; You are clearly ignorant of history, yet you sit in judgement of others! As a long-time historian (Phd.) I can tell you with absolute confidence that your “Democrat” world view is far askue! It is the Democrats how have always tried to control others, not Republicans, I.e. conservatives! Conservatives have always been against control and taxation! That has been true since the founding of this nation! Anyone with even a sintillion of knowledge and historical education know that emphatically! Democrats are the ones who invented taxation, as a means to control others and build for themselves a personal empire! It’s only the “illiterate morons, like you who do not know this! Reluctantly, because of lower literacy numbers, your ilk are increasing in. Umber!
I like Eustace, I say they should leave the guy alone, I watched him build his new lumber barn. It’s made from one one the hardest, stongest wood there is. Youn can hardley drive a nail in it for cryin out loud!
I’ve been in construction for over 37 yrs and Eustaces’ building probly exceeds Boones building codes ( with the exception of the foundation
Anyway I’m impressed with the building and enjoyed watching them build it
Problem is ‘BIG GOVERNMENT’ , we all need to take a stand against the current agenda in America to have way too much control over citizans
We should have the right to own our own property and do as we wish with it, as long as its not totally unreasonable
God bless you Eustace Conway!
It’s not about code, or safety, it’s about power. Who has it, or perceives they do, and who doesn’t. Someone got their sensibilities offended because they’ve lived pampered all their life, and can’t imagine the real world.
May Heaven and the Father above help them see how useless and selfish their life has become.
There is nothing wrong with the structures he works with, codes do not apply. This way of living does less harm to the environment than structures that meet the so called codes. Leave this man alone North Carolina.
I agree with all of the above. The government is getting entirely too much into people’s private lives. I think if is great that there is some place these things can be learned. I was raised without electricity, running water, etc, and know how to survive without these which we did during one hurricane for 16 days. People need to know how to survive during a disaster which I think there may be many more coming. I say let the man alone and more power to him. Like previously mentioned some one probably wants this to build condos, housing development, etc. and are trying to get him off the land. Wautauga county “MIND YUR OWN BUSINESS” and let people alone.
For some time and I am 79, I have longed for the good old days when we grew, preserved and ate our own food, as well as housed ourselves, build outdoor toilets, etc. Being this age, I cannot, but I encourage all those free-thinking individuals to secure and profit from their own land. Government has become a socialistic society where “share” your bounty and hard work with those who refuse to survive on their own.
Leave him alone!…Straighten out your house..He hasn’t hurt anyone-in fact, he’s probably educated a lot of people how to make do when things get rough, which would be less people depending upon government handouts…which bureaucrats should look at a s a plus… , but of course, we see how the tide is flowing.,..government wants dependency because it would be CONTROL!..
Government of Watauga county needs to understand this is a priceless resource, a true representation of how most Americans lived in the early days. Reminds me of the Spanish conquistadores trying to impose their way of life on the indigenous people. Watauga County needs to recognize that this is not a home, it is an outdoor museum.
Eustis Conway a true American the government and county should stay out of his life and business. I have watched your video’s Eustis Conway good job on them. That whats wrong with our nation the dam gov. want stay out of the peoples business. They want to control every dam thing we do. Your a great American Eustis and mountain man. Blessings, Prayers!
If you own a flintlock or other such device, shoot to kill because you fear for your life from these feds & were only protecting your land and your life.Dig holes with punji sticks on the bottom. After a few attempts, they’ll leave you alone. You swear they MUST be left over from the Civil War. They used those pits on us in Nam!
As my mother would say: “just mind your own business”.
Have a sign similar to those at an equine facility (Warning: Due to the inherent risk…..yada, yada) installed at the entrance and let “the people ” (not gov’t) make their own decision whether to enter or not.
I am positive that a survey of those who have obtained knowledge at Turtle Island would NOT include anyone dependent on monthly “entitlement” assistance !
Once again one compliant turns a otherwise perfectly safe environment such as Eustis Conway’s into an “unsafe” place. Did anyone in authority ever think to check and see if anybody has ever been “hurt” on that property during any of His activities? Just plain pathetic. When people look back at this era of the USA, if records exist, on how the so called government acted out it’s authority won’t we look pretty darn stupid. Come Lord Jesus Come!
Tell him to get a good lawyer. He could contact ACLJ and maybe they could get one for him..Pro Bono.
Tell the government where they can go!
The very short answer is: “Watauga County, North Carolina, go to Hell!”
As others have been saying, this is just another example of the government (at all levels) getting way too involved in people’s lives.
COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
Hey guys and girls, these officials are probably numbers
on Oblama’s “found them a job” list. When the next
disaster hits and you have to run for your life, be SURE
you look for the official FEMA approved port-a-pot. Or,
you might take some lessons from Eustance and ease
the pain of constipation.
WAKE UP AMERICA, its time to take our country back!!! get out and VOTE!!!! lets through out all of our bought & paid for theafing, crooked ,nazi, Doomacrats, this could be a good start.. just saying.
I see something sinister going on here. For years Preppers have been preparing for disaster—man-made or natural. While people once scoffed at them as paranoid, overt the last few years they have been getting more attentive audiences and requests for information. Preppers focus on preparing for survival for either a short term or long term emergency. Their preparation not only includes attention to stop gap measures until some semblance of order is restored. They also focus on preparation for wide destruction which will mean a return to the use of methods employed by our ancestors before modern technological conveniences. In other words, going WAY BACK TO BASICS. Tools for this type of survival sounds like what this gentlemen is teaching. It prepares a person for the independence and self-reliance that will be needed in such situations. We are currently dealing with a government that discourages self-reliance, independence, initiative, etc. at every turn. That is being done in order to foster dependence on government for vital needs. If that is being done while people still have options to government dependency how much more so would the effort exist where options are fewer. This man is not just practicing effective methods, he is TEACHING them which means more self-reliance and independence for people in emergency situations. As one contributor has noted there are others who live as he lives but how many have been publicized and how many are passing their knowledge on to others?
Good retort!
This gentleman should be allowed to live his way of life as long as he is happy and does not bother any other human being. Government should stay out of his life.
The developers want his land. It’s that simple. And they’ve bought off the county officials. The students at nearby Appalachian State University need to get together and FIGHT against this obviously crooked local government!
Well times are changing and it is all about money and greed. Government does not like people that are independent and not dependent . It is all about control!
How sad is this
Can anyone stop the relentless march of goverment doing what ever they like to whoever they want remember “evil can only prosper when good men do nothing”
I watch him on tv and am impressed that he uses his mind to make things that work for him. The government is overreaching and it should stop. Pray that God will save him. Boone North Carolina is where Billy graham lives.
The local government needs to leave Eustace alone. He is teaching valuable survival skills. Next time there is some type of disaster the people who attended his school will be the ones the government will not have to spend resources on helping. Sounds like this local government has a hidden ajenda.
Again, the so called authorities are sticking their noses where it does not belong. Leave the man alone. He has obviously been doing fine for thirty years.
I will only say I agree with all the previous comments. However, maybe we should go further. There are probably many people in this country who live as much as Eustace does but dare not be as public about it as he is. If one knows how to build a house or shed or any other building why do they have to have an architect draw up plans for thousands of dollars and all the other expenses the county tacks on so that NOW there’s no money left to build the BUILDING1 Etc.!!
Ditto!
And this government can’t find something more important to do? Post notices that it is a primitive camp and let people come and go as they choose.
ever heared of the homestead act? 7 yeras on land you keep up becomes yours. no one has the right to tell you what to do with your property. this is just another nazi effort of the obama govrmment. to steal peoles land from them. our natinal forest is owned by the federal government. it’s our land , not theres.
Just one more chapter in government take over or regulating every aspect of your life. They don’t want anyone to be self sufficient. Next they’ll be telling people in Alaska to get rid of their outhouses. This is no doubt encouraged by the obuma regieme.
It’s about big business and their desire to have more money!! This has already happened
in Canada, where we are currently suffering under a “corporate fascist government”. Can’t wait for the next election, have never been looking forward to one soooo much!!!!!
Likely a politicina or government official wants his land. They should go after the corporations that are intentionally polluting the land…but didn’t NC recently pass a law that it is illegal to report the corporations or something to that effect? Obviously corporations first, people of NC, last.
Leave the guy alone! They should focus more effort on the corporations that are intentionally polluting the land, instead of passing laws that state it is illegal to report such corporations for doing so. And agree…if you dig deeper, some politician or government official most likely wants his land.
Eustace Conway should be permitted to continue doing his camp and as you suggested just post notices to all groups or individuals coming to his camp that this is the wilderness and all the dangers associated with the wilderness are present. Watauga County needs to get out of his business and leave him alone. What a blessing to have someone like this teaching all of us how to survive in the wilderness.
they should leave him along. Outhouse has been / is being used in many places. If I cut and saw my own timber to build my home then there will be ” no “grade-mark” ” Plant my garden, eating food I grow, making my cloths with my materials and making my tools to work with. Since when has this been illegal ??
I am going through the same problems with ‘graded wood’ in NY state. I have 150 acres of woods and have built a sawmill but was told by the local code enforcement officer that I could only use ‘Stamped, Graded Lumber” from a commercial building supply. I went to the ‘top’ in Albany (capital) and found out that this only applies to softwoods – pine, conifers, etc, because this is what building suppliers sell. It does not apply to hardwoods, so I am using oak, maple, ash and cherry.
Now my conundrum is finding a NY licensed structural engineer to approve non-concrete/rebar foundation, like floating gravel/slab.
and you will have the most beautiful framing around
They need to mind there own business just as he has been doing for 30 YEARS. HES DOING NOTHING WRONG. If things ever do go bad on this earth I’d rather have him in my corner than a politician.
I wrote a letter of complaint to the building dept in Boone. I think that everyone should be proactive and complain at least.
Everyday it’s something else! These government workers probably couldn’t go a day without their cel phones or hack it out in the forest for a minute; have they ever took a leak in the wild? Leave Eustace alone!
I think code laws for land owners are unconstitutional. If you own your land you should be able to do pretty much anything you want. You should not have to get goverment permission (permits). We have been raised under this system that we need permits and the govrment tells us how to build (codes). It is not freeedom and competeley rediculous and when are people going to wake up and fight this tyrenny?
There is a saying that the preacher becomes worried when he discovers a saint in the congregation. This has been the way of the world since history was first recorded. To whom did Jesus have to explain himself the most during His walk while healing the sick and feeding the masses? The Pharisees, who believed that to be pleasing in the sight of God one had to abide by the Law, saw that their own livelihoods as leaders were being jeopardized by the loving teachings of Jesus. Eustace is becoming more and more popular on cable TV (I look forward to seeing him and other self-sufficient citizens on “Mountain Men” each week.) and the local PTB just want to exert their own authority and cut him down to size. It’s as old as time, but in the end the elite will be standing in line looking for a handout when the SHTF.
This is stupid. I lived and taught at a Wilderness school. This just some idiot not paying attention to what is going on. Maybe some politician wants his land.
We can be assured that it’s about money, can’t we? sigh.
seriously? People who attend these classes are looking for this type of experience, as long as they are aware of all conditions, then all government entities need to stay out of it. However they have taken most all of our freedoms. ignoring and changing the constitution as they see fit and continually butt in to our lives.
I think they should leave him alone. He has been there for 30 years. What is the problem NOW???
They should leave him alone and get themselves a life….
County is over stepping boundaries!
THIS MAN HAS LIVED THERE FOR 30 YEARS OR MORE AND DONE THIS FOR YEARS, WITHOUT ANYONE GETTING HURT, OTHER THAN A MASHED FINGER OR A SPLINTER IN THEIR FINGER. NONE OF THE PREVIOUS COUNTY ADMINISTRATERS SAID OR DID ANYTHING TO HIM, BECAUSE THEY WERE FROM THE OLD SCHOOL AND KNEW HOW TO LIVE AND LET OTHERS LIVE THE WAY THEY WANTED TO. NOW YOU HAVE A BUNCH OF CITY SLICKERS WHO HAVE A COLLEGE EDICATION AND THEY THINK THEY KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT FPR THEMSELVES. THEY WANT TO RUN EVERYONES BUSINESS BUT CANNOT RUN OR TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN. I BELIEVE JESUS TOLD US THAT WE NEEDED TO GET THE LOG OUT OF OUR OWN EYE BEFORE TRYING TO GET THE SPLINTER OUT OF ANOTHER PERSONS EYE. IN OTHER WORDS JESUS WAS TELLING US WE NEEDED TO GET OUR LIFE IN ORDER BEFORE TRYING TO GET OTHER FOLKS LIVES IN ORDER. MAYBE THIS SHOULD APPLY TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATERS? I PRAY GOD WILL BLESS HIM AND HELP HIM REMAIN ON HIS LAND. I WOULD BET SOMEONE IS WANTING THAT LAND AND IS PAYING SOMEONE UNDER THE TABLE TO HARASS HIM AND FIND WAYS TO GET HIM OFF HIS PROPERTY. WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK ABOUT THIS?
It is another case of bureaucrats in government with not enough to do and should be let go so they can find a job with constructive output.
what the people say means nothing to these Marxist Nazis who run our govntthey are in breach of the constitution, an therefore are not legal or binding, they operate only through brute force, hitler, stalin,mao ,Obama they are the same, tyrants against humanity.
I have had Russians there me there are more rule and laws in this country then in Russia. The people in Washington DC think they can buy everything they need and how are they going to pay for it , With Credit.
It is reasonable for the county to ask Conway to improve the urinal and outhouses and the quality of material used for his buildings. Actually, Conway avoids lawsuits due to collapsed structures on children, etc. if he complies with the county.
I PERSONALLY THINK> the government needs to back off an people like you who allow government to walk over americans need to go to a country that is run purlly by the government> LUMBER THAT IS NOT GRADED is SAYING THE NEAREST SAW MILL CONTROLED BY THE GOVERNMENT NEED/CAN BE USED>WE NEED LESS GOVERNMENT> LESS AGENDA 21>> LOOK IT UP>> THEY WANT TO KILL OFF 80 % OF THE HUMAN RACE AN PEOPLE LIKE YOU WILL HELP THEM >>>>
guy has been there 30 years. Obama comes in and his life is turned upside down. this is just an another example of goverment over reach and comunistic traites.
Love Mr. Conway on The Mountain Man show, we’ll all be living like him soon enough. Regarding Mr. Bundy’s ranch the BLM stole it from him in the first place. They are shooting the tortoises that they are supposedly protecting, said there are to many to manage. The real reason they left is the upcoming mid term elections. They didn’t want to give people a reason to vote everybody out of office.
We the people hav allowed the government to get away with to much , Letting them tell us what to do . We should remind all government officials of who they actually are supposed to be working for . WE THE PEOPLE ! If someone is not harming anyone and just diong there own thing they should be left alone to do as they see fit .
The government needs to step back and get out of his business! They apparently didn’t stop & think about what they are saying…in Alaska an indoor toilet is the exception to the rule…outhouses rule! And as for his outdoor kitchen and insects…how many thousands of us Americans will be cooking outside for the next few summer months? Bring on the flies and mosquitoes, I will be breaking sanitation rules and cooking out! Our government at all levels has gotten stupid and out of control. I applaud Eustace and others like him; I only wish I was that brave.
My sentiments exactly. GOVERNMENT OVERREACH!
I watch Eustace religiously. What with the imminent disaster in our near future, we all need to know these vital skills. If we can’t afford classes to learn them, then I know of no better instructor than Eustace!
Government keep your nose out of ‘we the people’s business.’ NEVER forget we put you where you’re at, WE pay your salaries and we can vote you elitist a$$e$ out.
just another way the gov’t tries to control peoples lives. they need to leave this guy alone,PERIOD. he is not doing a damn thing wrong, helps educate kids on primitive tools, takes care of himself, doesn’t RELY ON THE GOVT’ FOR FRIGGIN HANDOUTS, and they want to mess with him. those idiots need to leave him be, and go after someone who is really screwing the system, like THEMSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe the federal government and several states maintain historic sites that feature life in the old frontier. Perhaps we citizens should conduct an inspection of those facilities to see if they conform to regulations. IMHO, certain people should tend to their own houses first.
The “government can’t stand the fact that any one can make it with them ..time to dismember the government they are too big for their britches ..
It has the smell of Agenda 21 and a 90% reduction of population in the US
Why don’t they tell the truth. What they are really after is the land that he owns. This is just a way for them to break him. It’s the same thing that the government has always done. Stomp on the little man. I don’t understand why if he has been doing this for 30 years. Why now, why has it suddenly become a problem. Mr. Conway is on a TV show called mountain men. In this show land developers have been coming after his land. So now the government shuts him down. Sounds a bit funny to me. Remember the Bundy’s, The BLM, and Harry Reid.
He’s done it for 30 years…he’s grandfathered in.
The Amish can have structures without permits, have outhouses, and do the same things but they are not stopped. Let this man be.
Leave the guy alone…!!!!this is how I wish I could live but can’t due to the same reasons!!! I’m sick of this shit!!! Hey fuckers are my bullets flying at tyranny not up to code either!?1??? Fuck our government it’ll be illegal to even camp for a weekend next due to these very reasons!!! Assemble America!!! The enemy is not at our doors their in our house stealing what they please!!!
So if nothing is up to code and never was shouldn’t he be entitled to a tax refund from the county/state? I am sure they have been taxing him on the structures as well as the land. What about all the boards he sold from his saw mill, will the buyer(s) be required to replace those boards as well? That will piss-off another bunch of people.
I think our government should leave people the he!! alone! Stay out of our business. The man is on his own land and chooses to live this way. Leave him alone!
I think the point of the bathrooms/urinal is he is teaching classes. When you are handling the public, the government has regulations for their safety and cleanliness. This is just one point. If he was living their by himself, not holding classes also, it would be less likely the government would be inspecting his facilities. He probably also needed to be licensed or something for holding the classes.
Yes, The Native Peoples of this land were killed and decimated by the proper English speaking folk,the natives were called savages and herded into small groups the Cherokee the Iroquois the Arapaho the Apache the Sue the list goes on., those who resisted were killed, raped and pillaged by the superior and more civilized armys of this young nation.Why are you allowed to defend yourselfs,you are a criminal because you do not bow to our secret agendas, we bow to a false go called the all seeing eye, which is an old false god from egypt…….How much more do I need to say the truths are before us….yes we have become apathetic…..Better pay attention to the real God and only savior Jesus Christ if you want to see life and want to live truly free… read the scriptures they speak for themselves….Revelation….
He should offer to build a pergola out of cancer causing pressure treated materials that are legal for his gatherings and teaching. and leave the other what he has built intact as a museum open for tours. Call it,” The last Pioneer Museum”. If it was done by one of our country’s earlier settlers it would be “Historic”. So is this guy. He is historic by using tryied and proven methods.
How is it survival if you bring all the modern conveniences in to it? When I was in the infantry at a govt. Base we didn’t have all the toilets and a kitchen. We ate in the woods with insects. Should I be suing the army for making me live in deplorable conditions that aren’t up to par with codes. They would say no you can’t. I was being trained and taught to survive. He is doing nothing different than basic training for survival. All these people that are crying about it will be the first ones begging for our help when the United states govt turns on us and tries to take our guns regulate food cut off power etc. It’s coming it’s just a matter of time. Why else would we have nato troops in the states? He is doing a great service for that county and bringing in revenue. If they sign a waiver stating they understand the conditions of his camp and waive any legal repercussions then it should be no problem
Yes, we used to just call this “camping” and do it for escape from all the toxic, plastic regulated places! Survival skills and resourcefulness are important lessons for anyone. I hope Conway can overcome the officials and continue his life’s work. Codes are often just another money-grabbing local system, not justified!
You’re absolutely Right!!! They (city, County, gov”t) should leave the Mountainman alone. This Guy has all the natural Resources to Survive without modern technologist. He teaches how earlier settlers had to Survive using these proven methods That are being lost forever in the future cause Humans rely on the Modern Technologies of Today n future technologies.
Im too a Survivalist as Had Learned since as a Child from Webelows/BoyScouts/from My Parents through Navy/Army/Military Training (25yrs). I can Survive Practically anywhere in the World.
These People (So-Called city/county officials) want His Land and/or Safety Regulations for his Class/Group Teachings and all want to Tax him for His Natural teaching abilities for $$$$.
This is one more way for the Government to make people dependent on them for control. I feel that he should be able to teach surveil techniques.
The American people have let these idiots get away with this stuff for far to long. They keep putting them back in office year after year and then wonder and complain why nothing changes. Time to get off your lazy a…. and vote them out. You people in Boone should be out in the streets demonstrating for this man against those idiots every day until this ruling is overturned. The ball is now in your court. What will you do about it? They killed the Jews but you didn’t care cause you weren’t Jewish. They killed the Russians but you weren’t Russian. They killed many others but you weren’t part of them so you didn’t care. Now they are coming for you and all of us. Do you care now?
Charles,
Great comment — Apathy is going to be the un-doing of us All! Whether it is in Boone, NC or anywhere else in this wonderful country, which is deteriorating before our very eyes…
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE GOV. LEAVE THE MAN ALONE . PEOPLE PLEASE WAKE UP. FRIST IT WILL BE YOUR GUNS NEXT IT WILL EVERY THING YOU OWN. I CAN’T WAIT FOR GOD TO GET HERE & STRIGHTEN THIS MESS OUT.
Has anyone started a petition to the county government, the historical society or any power that can help? Does anyone have an update on this debacle? This is a wonderful teacher who should be supported not stripped of his rights on his own land.
This is another example of the government thinking. If one person gets away with it, then everyone thinks they can too. If the government steps in and shuts him down, no one else will try. We, the people have to tell the government to stay out of our personal lives. Period. Build our Armys, fix our roads, but stay out of our personal lives. If they don’t, it’s up to us to set em’ straight.
The DHHS in North Corolina says that it is ok and a matter of choice for someone to be “homeless” in NC whether or not they own property. If Watauga County feels the need to do something about people with undocumented buildings and sanitary services then they should first do something about the homeless situation. After all, what “to code” structures are the homeless living in, what kitchen facilitiees can the homeless use to prepare the majority of their meals that insects cant access, and what “sanitary sewer system” are the homeless using most of the time? In fact Watauga County should pay to sponsor their entire homeless population to go to Conway’s Turtle Island Preserve so that those homeless folks can increase their standard of living from what Watauga County is able to do for them!
Find a lawyer that is all of the American people, civil rights, etc. A lot of these type of guys will help for FREE just to “stick it to the man” for overstepping their bounds. They get the exposure to advance in their field, while proving they know what they are doing.
I Love this! Right on! Let Watauga County put its money where its mouth is…. I think that’s what I want to say. Stop whining about stupid, control stuff and take care of a real problem – the homeless…. “Oh, can’t do that…. then we’d have no control… over anything!”
Provide the man a zoning variance! It’s done for other out of the ordinary venues like Zoos, Gun Ranges, Amusement Parks etc!
GREAT Point! they could also make the agencies prove their stance. Example: Make the health dept “prove” his outhouses are unsanitary or causing health issues somewhere off of his property. My guess is that they can’t. A good septic installer will know the laws of the county and how to navigate them. Most lawmakers, governing bodies, and citizens do not know what the actual laws are. Governing bodies or agencies tend to spew what ever dribble “they seem fit”. take some time to actually read the laws.
Another great point! Does Watauga Cty monitor the impact of wildlife feces left everywhere that people might come in contact with while enjoying the woods/forsests, etc.?? Don’t think so….
Time for the government to step aside. The people that are on his land should sign a waiver prior to arriving. They should be stopped from interfearing in one mans freedom. These tactics are getting us all closer to the end.
I too think it’s wrong for the government to interfere with this man who is not bothering anyone but is teaching valuable skills to those who are interested. We need more like him. Much like this gentleman I was raised in the country where we learned to hunt, fish, and raise our own food, basically take care of our selves without anyone’s help.
Someone with a lot of money wants this property for some kind of development. This is the ONLY reason this man is being harrased
Our goverment has to have all the control over us for they think we are so stupid we can do anything on our own .Some where the by the people for the people got lost in the translation.We are going to have to stand up for our selves and against the so called goverment.They have had control to long now.
Sorry buddy, I can agree with you in principle but it’s not about whether we are stupid or not. ( yes, they do think we are stupid and the fact that they have made this much progress proves they’re right) UN Mission statements toward peace talk about sustainable development for the planet being only 2 billion people. We got 7 now. If you were them, what would you do? They honestly believe they’re doing right. The US is not sovereign anymore. The citizenry allowed it and continues to allow it, even while they complain about it. There is nothing you can effectively do about it. What do I think? I think it’s between God & the Wild Beast. I’m gonna just pray. Remember “that which has been made crooked cannot be made straight”
Yes pray. But please don’t stop there. The only evil needs to succeed is for good men to do nothing. Speak the truth, expose the lies, shine your light and teach your children to do the same
and lock and load. Those unwilling to kill and die for their rights, freedoms and property will surely and deservedly lose them. It’s better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. Semper Fi!
I watch Eunice. Wonderful man. He lives peaceful. Only way to live. Got this Okie’s envy.
It’s looking more like Nazi Germany than a free America. Just what we need, more bureaucrats telling us how to live our lives.
Comal county tx. Is getting just as bad. I was told by the health Dep. That my aerobics system will have to be replaced in ten years when all adjacent properties have grandfather old style septic systems. Also the occupation limit is 6 for three structures and the game Warden appears to question my tenants on a regular basis resulting in people skipping out of the lease agreement to. Leave. The Core of Engineers. Completed an erroison control project adjacent out back and classified a flowing spring fed creek. As a. Drainage ditch. They. Removed a green belt road screen. Cut out a protected cyprus. Sapling and destroyed afish hatchery that was. For mosquito control as well. As destroying a cross over and contributing to much errossion. A mud hole remains w hollow promises of a replanting and a. You can restore it by hand if it meets guidlines assurance. Now i also have an unwanted public exposure and get solicited frequently. Late 40ish College student Disabled Veteran fed up w/ Gov. Concern for my well being.
I think it is a shame that a person can not build and live on land they own , without someone coming in and telling them how to do it. Many of us can not build by their standards because of lack of funds.
Just another item that shows that our government is not our government, it is heading toward a dictatorship. When will the general public wake up?
Send Watauga County officials a petition. Dear Watauga County officials, get off this mans back or next election you will out, then you will be answering to on of us or one of the many names not disclosed for security reasons. We are not a small group. We are tired of you little gods dictating every little aspect of our lives. Back off or bring it on.
Would this be a little to strong to send to the comissioners or should we just stand up and fight, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry – March 23, 1775
And post a sign I found at a country store, “Want to meet GOD, enter these premises without permission.”
Tried to insert a photo of sign but could not, sorry.
Send Watauga County officials a petition,”Dear Watauga County officials, get off this mans back or next election you will out then you will be answering to one of us or one of the many names not disclosed for security reasons. We are not a small group. We are tired of you little gods dictating every little aspect of our lives. Back off or bring it on.”
Would this be a little to strong to send to the commissioners or is it time to stand up and fight, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry – March 23, 1775
saw something peripheral to this blog about “how to get elected officials to hear your needs” Could we muster these techniques to get the Watauga County Commissioners to pass an special ordinance allowing Conway, or anyone, to teach pioneer crafts??
Wondered what happen to him. Enjoyed his TV show. This is the way we are going to have to live. If U can’t make it, or grow it, your not going to have it. I am in the process of building pen, for chickens. It’s coming people. Those same fools that are doing this man that way, are going to be begging him for help. Obama’s goal is to deliberately destroy the US as we know it. Anything this sick person can do to make the people pay just a little, this sick person love’s it. After all, all 3 of his names are muslim, why care about America. The way to bring us to our knees, bankrupt us, destroy the dollar, make us weak, so we can no longer fight. This person has almost done it. Wake Up AMERICA, THINK, OPEN YOUR EYES. Things are going to get nasty. Love what U got, while U got it. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
I’ve seen ghettos and private homes worse off. Maybe they should clean things up in those areas before busting on this guy. P.S. I bet some liberal pansy wnt there and complained.
For the love of God, let the man teach people how life used to be, and how they will have to live if something isant done with these dumb ass democrats!!
Awe for Gods sake, what’s next, the thought police? I watch this man all the time. And for his survival skills, awesome. He’s able to do what most, if not all of us cannot do. He’s the last of the pioneers. Have the bureaucrats find another hobby!!
When you deal with the public unfortunately and fortunately codes and regulations become a factor. I’m sure with the proper research and permits filed a solution can be found for him to continue with possible grant money if labeled properly . get community service groups involved, no one like to hassle community service groups. good luck
Mike you are completely missing it man. He doesn’t want any grants, and sure as hell doesn’t want a bunch of do gooders interfering with what’s working and been working for 30 yrs.
All he should do is apply to the National Historical Society to have his buildings established as national landmarks. County officials can’t force him to tear down registered buildings. Even if it is denied, it will take time, and the county must stay their timeline until it has been finalized.
Next he should request that all Watauga County buildings be inspected to determine if they meet the same codes. I’ll bet they don’t meet seismic or wind codes they are putting on him.
Best Defense is a good Offense.
The government needs to butt the he– out
! As long as the people coming there know what’s going on, that’s good enough. Tell the govt. to go fight real crime, close some crack houses ,etc,. and leave regular people alone!!
….. and so many of todays complainers were then oh so happy to support the governments war on cigarrettes. in reality, i was just the experiment. the rest of you have always been the real target. the government just wanted to see if it could get us to turn on each other. and still today the masses show they are prepared to continue turning on their fellow american, stripping him of the right to be free just because they were told he is bad and needs to be stopped ….. and quite regularly your unpatriotic behaviours are justified by invoking “the children.”
I know what he is doing is the right thing to do.The county does not have the right to impose ther codes on a person that owns the property he has been for thirty years. As a man of god, and God owns all.Learn what Government is=mind control.
Wayne, you are so correct! Also if you were stationed at Niagara Falls, AFB back in the 60’s please email me at> [email protected] as a few of you old AF friends are looking for you! I have a Ranch need Big Bend National Park, Terlingua, since 1972 and about 5 years ago the small town of Alpine, TX. decided that we needed law enforcement, and soon to put zoning laws on us. However we are still free to build or pitch a tent as to live in. I do see it will be only a matter of time when the Liberals start telling us how they want us to live. I feel that they are jealous about the people living on their land with paying very reduced taxes.
As with most bureaucracies, there are ways around a lot of the county’s code violations. For instance, the no grade stamp lumber can usually be sidestepped by having an Architect or Engineer come out inspect the place and write a letter (with his stamp/seal) stating that he has inspected and found that while the lumber isn’t grade stamped that it is suitable and up to standards for living and working. Additionally, look into having the land and area sited as historical preservation. In most cases, historical preservation allows a site and it’s buildings to be of an historical era(s) and not subject to modern building codes. I hope this can help, all of my best wishes.
Enough is enough. The government is over stepping its boundaries. I call it the age of evil. And the government is on top of the list.
The Government should allow the buildings to stay and maybe add a new septic system. Also, maybe the Government needs to take a hard look at their own properties and take care of those that don’t meet code.
What this man is doing is showing people how to live the way our for fathers did before us. Something we all need to know a little about. Our government steps in a little too much as is. Where are we? CHINA. If the man is not hurting anyone. I say let him keep doing what he is doing.
Some one that attended one or more of his training sessions has ratted out to the regime.
If one doing his own thing on his own property is to be shut down–this should become nationwide knowledge.—-Jim
been saying government has too much control for a long time when i found out you had to have a permit to have a yard sale i about flipped out and its going to do nothing but get worse .i think we are getting close to the 666 times that the bible speaks of myself ..
This would be a PERFECT place for Boy Scouts to go… unless they have become too sissy.
Actually, compost toilets are MUCH more sanitary than septic systems, since septic systems pollute the environment. Compost from compost toilets are bio friendly once broken down and feeds the earth the nutrients that plants thrive on. Septic systems remain a contaminant to the environment. I say hook everything up to electricity, plumbing, etc. but DON’T USE IT. Plumb a toilet in your structure, but use a compost toilet that you keep hidden from the eyes of the stupid authorities. Then, proceed to teach these ignorant bas-re-tards about ecology.
Its because he is white. They give everything free to the its illegals and let them get by with everything. They want tax money from it.
ITS THE MANS PROPERTY .ARE THEY GOING HOUSE TO HOUSE AND INSPECTING? WE ARE BEING OCER GOVERNED AND I DONT LIKE IT .IN MY STATE WE HACE THE RIGHT TO CARRRY CONCELED. DONT KNOW WHATS HAPPENING BUT EVERYBODY IS ARMING. SPECALLY WOMEN TAKING GUN SAFTY CLASSES AND SHOOTING WE SEEM TO BE GETTING READY FOR SOMETHING
Does not appear to be racial at all to me. What it appears to me is that any one who tries and succeeds to be legally self sufficient, whether it is in the wilderness or in business, the government will put a stop to it with fees, regulations, or taxes.
Leave this man alone , He is teaching our heritage and a lost way of life. with the government controlling every aspect of life we may need these skills when the destroy our country for greed.
I understand the spirit behind the county’s building code, Laws. However this man should be allowed to sign a legal document stating his structure are primitive. He should also be allowed to post signs stating these conditions for visitors. And if he wishes to teach others how to do this they should be allowed to sign documentation stating they understand the structures they will be entering are not of current code but are of ancient origin in design and materials. We are adults and or children with adults who would like to educate their children In old ways should still have the freedom to decide for themselves. All these code were adopted to keep corporations and contractors from cutting corners and taking advantage of the general public. However we still can decide if something is built well for our selves. It doesn’t take an engineer to know how well something is built. It takes a lot of common sense a knowledge of building structures and strengths of materials. Plain and simple. This is another case of just taking thing to FAR!
I admire Eustace Conway I’ve enjoyed watching him on TV and wish I had lived my life more like he has. this way of life is what America was built on and to loose the teachings of someone like Eustace would be a shame, young people need to learn how to be self reliant, how to build a life with the knowledge that made our country. we need to support all that people like Eustace Conway are doing! this all leads to the greed of bureaucrats not getting their permit fees inspection fees taxes and force controlling all that we do. if we are to permit the government destroy this way of life our heritage will be lost forever
I think the county of Wautaga has to much tax money, and not enough work for the county officials
In listening to the Wall Street Journal article, they say the County is considering an exception to the rule for him but that will take time. You would think they build in exceptions for just this kind of thing. From listening to this, it is obvious that this law is just wrong for his case.
The solution to this problem these days is to start a tweet or whatever starts it and let it go viral so a million viewers attack this injustice. I don’t know how to do that but that seems to work nowadays.
When are our government going to stop trying control out lives? What’s next close Williamsburg? Mr. Conway is living how our pioneer ancestors lived, demonstrating aspects of our past, just trying to survive against nature and the idiots in the outside world. An educational treasure. Good luck against the governmental busy bodies who can’t left people be free to follow their dreams.
Sick and tired of rules and regulations from any level of government. It may be time for all of us to gun up and go help Eustace protect what America should be about, FREEDOM!
If we could get enough people to commit, I would be the first one on the bus. This is just wrong.
Amen! I couldn’t agree more.
To Many have become like sheep only following the wrong shepherd.
We have the right to live but as You stated.the Government don/t see it right We 0wn with 3 brothers and one sister We have this nice cave plenty of ammo they will have to drag us out..hans tuff old Man We will pray for You and do what you have to To keep Your Land asit stands Wendell p0 Box 216
I am amazed at how much control government agencies at every level want to take over our lives. The report is a person’s opinion based on that person’s knowledge of sanitation etc… Truth be known, the impact of Eustaces privy’s is far less likely to harm the public than most public sewer and water systems. We visit public restrooms every day that are far more unsanitary than these toilets and what about restaurant kitchens? Seriously how could Mr Conway’s outdoor kitchen be any worse than these horrid germ infested places? It isn’t! How dare the county ask him to alter his way of life? Fight this and win!!
This doesn’t seem much different than the government overstepping ANYTHING it wants to by implementing ‘Executive Orders”. Shouldn’t we all be able to make decisions for ourselves, without the government trying to ‘protect’ us. All these bureaucrats who are behind this wouldn’t be alive today if THEIR ancestors didn’t live the way Mr. Conway is living. We have TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT pushing their way into our lives. And they continue to make more and more laws…. Check out the small aboriginal tribes in other countries that have never seen a flushing toilet, or wood that was approved for building, and see if they are suffering any. Geez, BACK OFF government… give us our lives and choices back to control our own destiny!
It’s to bad that as, Free Born American’s, we don’t rally together and come against these bureaucratic pencil pushers. They are hell bent on taking our freedoms that our Founding Fathers intended for us. If nothing else, as voting American’s, why aren’t we voting those do-nothing politicians that could make a difference out of office? Let’s get off our back sides and VOTE! We can send a message to politicians, we’ve had enough!
Check out some of the fed.gov’s primitive camp sites at their national parks.Saw dust privy not a bad idea, all bio degradable”.What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”
Tell Mr. Conway to fight back-our government cannot dictate our life styles and it really is only about the money grabbers and government people trying to justify their jobs. Let,s fire them all and let the real Americans run this country..Tell them it is time to get back to God and country…not power and money….I pray for a successful battle for you. From an American Patriot who prays for a our sick anddying nation.
With those guidelines one could only assume that many government owned “historic” sites are in non-compliance. Cade’s cove in the smoky mountain national park and other similar sites in national forest. ; the Cradle of Forestry location has many such non-complaint structures including cabins, blacksmith shop etc. why would we be surprised?
He should tell them TO GET THERE YANKEE ASSES OFF HIS PROPERTY!
I agree with almost everything people are saying, but it took you fewer words, bravo!
Yep. Maybe they haven’t heard that property ownership is nine tenths of the law. Backward thugs.
gov is over stepping , stepping on American freedom rights, if this man is living on his land with no neighbors that you can see, then he should be allowed in live as he pleases as for open kitchen, my grandmother would have it no other way, feeding 12 head every day for 37 years 3 meals a day no running water no electric lights and had 2 out houses
geraldc
Love his show. Found it highly instructive and believe it is typical of government to way overstep its bounds. Tell the county to pound sand and keep off your land. When TSHTF will these county types even be able to live. Probably use the police to steal from everyone else. These so called “elites” need to back off and leave people alone. We fought one revolution and perhaps another is needed.
Revolution is all they understand. Bas-re-tards!
We live in Utah, my wife’s sister lives in NC. and has been to the preserve, she says it reminds her of the stories we tell her about our hunting trips here in UT. I say bravo to Conway and to tell the county to pound sand, he should continue on, perhaps if he just accepted donations rather than charging a set fee he can skirt the regs. He is not doing anything different than many boy scout camps in our region, there are people using structures all over UT. that do not have permits, we have many small sawmills producing rough cut lumber without grade markings here and people build whatever they want with it. As far a toilets, why is it legal to use a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat and not his outhouse, there are places here in the Dixie Natl. Forest where we hunt that you will see a wooden box with a toilet seat on it that people use when camping there, forest officials don’t seem to mind because they don’t tear them down. Sounds to me like Mr. Conway has some jealous tree huggers on his back because he is living their dream but because they can’t they want to stop him.
I think what is happening hera in the first place. I really like his show and feel it is reminding us of where all our ancestors from and what they overcame. I would love to see what would happen to certain people in our country were suddenly plunked into an environment like his and how they would survive. Since this is a choice and a lifestyle he has chosen, and he isn’t building for other people and not designing housing tracts and shopping malls, I say leave him alone and let him be. Someone living in the back woods is not nearly as dangerous to America as the majority of those in a certain white house in Wash. D.C.
I can’t believe this. I have been watching Eustice on mountain men since it started
And am soo intrigued by everything he does I’m at the point where I want to pack up
An get out of here as well. Eustice is an INSPIRATION and the governmant
Has NO RIGHT! To do this to him. He is paying the “land tax” that he has been fighting
For and to teach the younger generation about how we use to live
(Government included) is amazing. Our government is SOOOO corrupt and is
So far into its own LIES it even teaches it’s lies in the history books that are in
The schools. EUSTICE HANG IN THERE!!!! Remember the saying give them enough
Rope and they will hang themselves …. I will keep you in my prayers. I’m glad I was able to
See who you are on tv … But DAMN this tv because look what it brought to
Turtle island. GOD BLESS YOU!! And don’t give up ! The Native American fought long
And hard and I know you have the same determination. Please
Send me some info. And I will be happy to do what I can to help
Sincerely ,
Cynthia Price
This is asinine! Mr. Conway, should be allowed to do whatever he wants on his own land. The county/goverment are putting undue pressure on him! I love watching his show and him teaching others how to live off the land, is an absolute blessing. So few people even know how to do so in this day and age. We The People, are ticked off enough already, without this kind of stuff happening! God Bless Eustace, keep up your great work!!
If I were Conway I would write a letter to the President. This is far more important than Justin Beaver. After that Call to action with action news or Walt hunter to get his story out.
Ask your fellow humans for support.
I can amagine this is not his way but this ma.n is helping outhers. He shouldn’t be a target for this.
If Mr. Conway cannot provide primitive sites for his classes, why does North Carolina offer primitive campsites?
They need to leave this Man alone. Free country. We can choose how we live, without the presssures of noisy goverment. Live free.
All of us Americans should be able to to do what we want on our own land. Personally I think it’s great what you’re doing. As far as visitors, they can sign a waver when entering your land.
Trouble is, we all can post as many “Remarks” as we want and nothing at all will reach the offices of these pencil pushing bureaucratic trouser trout. What “Needs” to happen is drag these parasites into court and challenge their bureaucratic BS standards. Government has fully overstepped it’s authority and reasonable governance. If people don’t start taking the fight back to them proactively, NOTHING will ever get accomplished and this kind of crap will always crop up. There’s always some little city or government paid pri*k that wants nothing better than to screw with someone that is trying to live their life apart of the ever-expanding intrusive government. Call these little parasitic bastards out and expose the over-stepping governmental intrusion on our Constitutional guaranteed rights. THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE FIRST! Opinions are like butt holes, everybody’s got one. The only thing that will ever change this kind of intrusive crap is rebutting it and fighting it legally and don’t give up until you win. If this mindset isn’t adopted, we WILL lose our rights. That’s the main problem with our nation right now and we’re damn close to losing it!
Where they have us over the barrel is that most folk can’t afford costly legal fees to protest in court. If Mr. Conway wants to pursue legal recourse, I’ll be the first to chip in. Anybody else with me? A LOT of pockets can beat a few bureaucraps. Let the donations begin! Anyone with any idea how to contact Mr. Conway (I’ve actually never heard of him.) about setting up a fund for legal fees?
One more example of a bureaucrat being overwhelmed by his own importance and authority and choosing to “protect the masses” from unsafe conditions. How many cases of malaria or any other illness attributed to lack of sanitation has been reported? Zero??? It sounds to me like this sanitation problem is the result of a local power problem. Tell them unless there is evidence of a sanitation problem that endangers the people attending the classes and camps there isn’t a reason to take this action. More over zealous government bureaucrats, just what we need.
Unsanitary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What about all the BS there giving him. To much Big Brother.
It’s actually NOT unsanitary if you’re talking about the toilets. Septic tanks are unsanitary and not environmentally friendly. Compost toilets break down into composting soil that feeds plants the nutrients they need, whereas septic tanks remain a hazard for many, many years.
Well, even State Parks have what are co.sidered primitve camp sites.
They even have cabins with running water,(waterwell/source),electricity he could supply solar lighting/power. Just check out State Parks for comparable standards.
State Park public restrooms/ shower facilties do have septic tanks.
Just a few thoughts. I’m not sure but it doesn’t sound like he lives within City Limits so how does City Code effect his location.
Legal advice sounds like he needs to check that out.
Freedom is worth fighting for.
The county should leave the man alone. Grade marked lumber? What a crock. My dad’s house was built in NC using full size 2x’s in floor and walls without graded lumber and had a better built home than using the garbage they call lumber these days. As to the septic system, what the guy is using is completely safe. Probably safer than a regular system. Geez, government!
It continues to frustrate me that those who have elected positions seem to think that their new position somehow makes them the keeper of all people’s. To somehow be able to mandate their perspective of how life needs to be done. This man seems to be doing his own thing which seems to be attractive to others. With all the complications and regulations in our lives his draw seems to be one of simplicity. We, as a people, are rethinking and reshaping what we thought life was suppose to be like and returning to our roots in so many ways. I hope that the Watuaga county officials will understand that what they are proposing will have a negative affect on their tourism.
I think what the county is doing does not represent the way the for-fathers intended about government in general. Since he owns the land, he has the right to do with it as he pleases as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others concerning their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Last year, my son bought a small farm where the barn was built around 1795. It is located in a township that respects the rights of the owner and the barn is being rebuilt to the original intent including chickens and the possibility of other farm animals. The neighbors think the place has improved and support the efforts. I wonder what this man’s neighbors think?
I believe that Mr. Conway epitomizes the true American spirit of independence. The government has grown out of control and we have lost most of our liberties to live free lives without government interference. I believe that making a concession to the government bureaucrats regarding the notification should keep them off his back.
it’ the work or outlaws
At one time, some of our parents, grandparents, and our forefathers did not have any of the modern conveniences that our counties, states and federal government require. I myself grew up in the fasted growing county in Alabama. Yet, I am 43 and did not have indoor plumbing until I was in the 6th grade. We lived in a cabin, made from the logs off of our land that my father, mother and us three children cut down with an axe and stripped the bark off of with a kitchen knife. We hunted, fished, and farmed for our food. We used herbal remedies for illness and injuries. We used wood to heat our home and to cook on. Our income was generated from digging and selling herbs and my father working on cars. It may seemed rough to others, but I guarantee that we had stronger immune systems, better values and a stronger work ethic than our peers. We never lacked for our basic needs, food, friends, family or love. Money may have been tight, but “things” did not rule our lives. We weren’t tied to the dollar or to the clock.
I love watching Mr. Conway’s journey on television. It takes me back to my childhood and the values and ways that I still teach to my children today. It’s sad that our officials want to interfere. I understand the building codes and requirements from a safety standpoint, but personally believe that if we make a “free choice” to go somewhere it should be “our risk” if anything happens. If I go camping, fishing, and rock climbing, there are no laws that nature has to protect me. There are no safety nets, no requirements that snakes stay 15 feet from me, and that all rocks have to be smooth with no jagged edges. It’s a risk that I take. If I wanted to go to Mr. Conway’s for a course in homesteading (which I would gladly help him teach if he needed) It would be my risk. I should expect no more than the great outdoors and be appreciative of anything more. Maybe we should make it a requirement for all elected officials to stay with Mr. Conway for a month to get a better understanding of what basic needs are! They may be a little less frivolous with our tax dollars and more understanding to our freedom.
BILL:
A-men brother!
I don’t think this is the proper use of tax dollars in this county. Surely they could find a better use of their time and our resources than attacking a harmless man in the woods who wants to keep to him self and teach anyone who’s interested..
Just because someone in a cozy government job doesn’t understand why someone would choose to live their life different then they’ve choosen doesn’t give them the right to try to tell anyone else how to live. Not if they are not hurting anyone else.
This is just another example of our out of step, ever over reaching government and I think that county needs a audit of their budget and of their time. Because it sounds like they have too much of both….
It is my fervent hope that Eustace’s neighbors will stand up with him and petition the county to reconsider! My thought is that if he’d NOT done the TV show, thus drawing attention to himself and the area that local officials found unflattering, he wouldn’t be in this pickle. He can still live as he feels fit, he just can’t host paying campers without meeting certain health codes. He might have to resort to day classes only! Or write a book and use those proceeds to keep the taxman from his doorstep …. I’d buy a copy! God Bless Eustace … and carry on!
I believe the county is definitely over stepping its’ bounds.
Unfortunately when this happens and they get a little controlling power, it is like an addiction and they always want more.
We see this going all the way up to our highest offices.
I personally watch Eustace weekly on satellite tv. He is great, as some of the other characters on the same show. The officials are overstepping their bounds. Seems like his septic and other things would be grandfathered in, in regards to newer regs and such. What a bunch of a-holes. Bet that some government has wasted untold thousands of taxpayers money, etc., but they have to show a necessity to keep their job.
800,000 federal employees are considered non-essential. What does this tell of about the over reach of government. The man lives on his own property not in a congested area. Leave him alone. We may need his ideas one of these days the way things are going in this country.
This is crap! Leave the man alone! But the government does not want people to know how to survive without them!
Just another example of govt. interfering where it does not belong. The use of “health” conditions is usually an excuse of last resort and really points out the lack of basis the county, city, state ,or federal govt. has for interfering with enterprises on private property. In this case more than 13,000 people have visited the site and no epidemics or any kind have been reported according to the article. This is purely an attack on private property rights. as much as the attack on the oil companies for fracking or sideways drilling is. Private property is private property despite what the left has to say. I point to lemonade stands and cookie stands on the front yards of Americans being shut down for “lack of permits and other various reasons such as “health” conditions.I am sure that children try to “poison” their patrons when they sell cookies or lemonade. After all that’s good for business, Right? Of course not and yet adult bureaucrats pull the health trick every day. The3 real issue is either money or control. Most often it is control over what happens on private property. Each such attack is on the rights of the owners to gain more control. After all “power begets power”, the name of the game.
They should leave him ALONE what has the county ever done successfully for as many years that lasted and HELPED educate children and adults to live on their own with out hand outs. Bet they still take his tax checks.
I haven’t scrolled down to read the other comments, so I apologize if I’m reiterating something someone else has already stated, but – my background is in engineering. There are strict codes that are supposed to be adhered to if you’re providing a service to a customer/the public. I assure you, I am in NO WAY defending what they’re doing. I’ve been watching this man and others as they’ve been followed on the TV show Mountain Man. I love this mindset, and old American style of living. I myself live on a farm and my family and I do many things, old-school. My personal opinion – knowing he most likely cannot afford the task of rebuilding everything according to structural codes, he would be forced to shut down providing the service.
They cannot tell you what sort of a structure you have to have if it’s your own personal dwelling that you built by hand that far out in the woods, i.e, a rustic dwelling, but once you open it to public access, particularly one for kids, they can bring down code enforcement left and right and with it the rulings, charges and fines.
I would tend to think that by doing so they put him in a position of shutting him down and forcing him to relocate by losing the land to property tax debt. Then real estate investors can pick it up. The idea sickens me, but it seems like the logical path they would be taking. The county would make more money off that being vacation rentals or a developed area than one man living his life as he desires in what is supposed to be a “free” nation.
It’s free – so long as you strictly adhere to popular opinion.
I would think a county in North Carolina would have some sort of clause for properties or dwellings to be grandfathered in or registered as rustic structures adherent to Americana history. There has to be a loophole or work around for him some how. I would hope so anyway.
Thanks for the site and info your provide! It’s truly appreciated.
The county should butt out and leave him alone. It has been allowed for 30 years and it is only the tyrannical outlook of the current government that spurred on this travesty. Why else would the buildings be declared unsafe now? Why else were the sanitary facilities accepted previously? The county will have to prohibit all camp fires from being used as cooking facilities if his kitchen is “not protected from insects and animals.”
If the people of this country would wake up, and remember their constitution classes from high school, they should be able to recall, it tells you that if you’re not being represented the way the constitution says, it’s your DUTY as a citizen of the USA to overthrow the said government… I find it ironic that the majority of people in this country do not remember this, or are too complacent to do anything about it. The so called president of this country has had ties to the muslim world for many many years, he only pretended to cut the ties with them when he first ran for the office in 2008 he now holds. I for one have no faith in this 2 party system that has been shoved down our throats for longer than I’ve been alive, it’s time for the people to stand up for what they believe in and take back the control of this country.
Amen Brother
i agree
Bureaucrats cannot presume the man is guilty before he is so proven. Where is their proof?
The County should stay out of conway’s personal business, the county officals are violating their oath of office and should be sued in there personal capacity violating oath of Office, violating 1st amendent, County officals can not show one amendment or articles of the constitution that he is violating. they can not show him the law he broke.. all their laws are corporate policies and nothing more to govern corporate employees. an Conway is not a party to it.
I’ve been on multi million $ projects where there were simple little $1000 additions made and county in specters (government) hold up the job because they didn’t have the chance to charge them a $15-$25 fee to approve those changes. Maybe they (the producers of his TV show ‘Mountain Men’ need to cough up some bribe money!
More government crap – they must have too much time on their hands. Why don’t they take care of some REAL issues – this nation is in a mess and the gov. wants to harrass Eustace! The whole thing is insane and totally wrong.
This man has a wonderful life!!! I wish I had been able to grow up this way. There is nothing wrong with the way he has chosen to live. He should be allowed to live there. He can teach everyone outside of the buildings. His outhouses and urinals are cleaner than the port a pots at any facility or public outing. As long as it isn’t any where near the water it is safe. The animal dung isn’t put in any special place. Does he charge for his classes? The Amish get to live as they want.They have outhouses and don’t have electricity. I believe there is a time coming when we will need to live like this once again. the bills for water, sewer, and electricity continue to grow. I dream of living in a small town or having land of my own where I can get back to how my grandparents lived and my parents grew up. It was harder but so much more rewarding.
They should leave him along. An take their head full of crap and stick it in the mud.
It’s always about CONTROL, true independence from their system is a serious threat to THEM. We are all to be quiet and productive robots of the State, we are not to think, we are not to be independent, we are to be total slaves. This is ‘our’ country.
ITS A SIN AND A SHAME THAT GOV. DOESN’T SEE THE VALUE OF THIS, OR MAYBE THEY DO. THEY DON’T WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW HOW TO SURVIVE WITHOUT GOV. I SAY LEARN ALL YOU CAN BEFORE IT’S TO LATE. LET THE MAN ALONE.
ITS A SIN AND A SHAME THAT GOV. DOESN’T SEE THE VALUE OF THIS, OR MAYBE THEY DO. THEY DON’T WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW HOW TO SURVIVE WITHOUT GOV. I SAY LEARN ALL YOU CAN BEFORE IT’S TO LATE. LET THE MAN ALONE.
They will protect you from yourself even if it kills you. He is teaching living off the land as our forefathers had to do to survive. As long as the people know that the camp doesn’t meet county standards and sign off he should be allowed to continue.
Lets trough this out to see how it flies. Who wants the 1000 acres of land he owns and for what reason? Could it be that this area was declared one of the best areas to retire to with a low cost of living. LAND GRAB FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSE.
WHO IN THE COUNTY KNOWS SOMEONE WHO WILL MAKE A FINANCIAL GAIN.
They will protect you from yourself even if it kills you. He is teaching living off the land as our forefathers had to do to survive. As long as the people know that the camp doesn’t meet county standards and sign off he should be allowed to continue.
Lets trough this out to see how it flies. Who wants the 1000 acres of land he owns and for what reason? Could it be that this area was declared one of the best areas to retire to with a low cost of living. LAND GRAB FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSE.
WHO IN THE COUNTY KNOWS SOMEONE WHO WILL MAKE A FINANCIAL GAIN.
It’s time We The People exercised our RIGHT to overthrow this tyrannical government!
It’s time We The People exercised our RIGHT to overthrow this tyrannical government!
restroom facilities should be better of course, and the kitchen should at least be in a screened in building as far as the rest, leave it alone, that is the idea of this place,
restroom facilities should be better of course, and the kitchen should at least be in a screened in building as far as the rest, leave it alone, that is the idea of this place,
I have been watching him on Mountain men and was just telling some friends yesterday about how I admired his skill with primitive tools. It is amazing to me that at one time almost everyone who did not live in town had these skills. of course Maybe the county is jealous because he actually gets things done no time for writing 78 page reports on other peoples business.
My guess is that a land developer, one with lots of money and “Friends in High Places”, wants that land and water rights. On the show he is seen dealing with “developers” clear cutting forest on his boundaries and destroying the peaceful environment. So, Money and gov’t work hand in hand to destroy a man’s dreams…Welcome the Obamanation.
The intent of the Constitution, which is the basis of our local governments as well, is simply this: we have the right to pursue our own happiness as long as that pursuit does not infringe upon the rights of another. So who decides what is an infringement upon another?
When there are conflicts we, as a community, vote on the matter. It is the majority voice that determines what rules or laws are put in place to avoid further conflict in the matter. Law, regulations, ordinances are supposed to be created by the voice of the majority. Our forefathers wisely determined that, rather than a certain few creating the law, it was more likely that good law, free of corruption, would be created from a majority consensus.
Obviously it’s not always practical to have whole communities (or an entire nation) come together and vote on every conflict in question, so a system of government was established where elected individuals “representing the majority” would make the decisions and create the law. But the people always had the power, through a majority vote, to hire and fire elected individuals. All governments are base off of this simple premise. I think sometimes we get too caught up in political labeling and firing zingers at the people we don’t agree with to the point we forget the overall concept that it is “we the people” that’s in charge and more importantly… responsible.
Unfortunately, what we have today are elected officials who do not truly represent the majority voice anymore. Often, our elected officials feel they have the right to create laws, regulations, and ordinances without regard to what the majority in a community wants; right or wrong.
Unfortunately, they are able to get away with this because of the huge problem we have in this country of public apathy. It appears to me that, we the people, in general don’t seem to understand that we truly are the ones who have the power, not the elected official, and that it is our responsibility to elect good public representatives. Because of this public apathy individuals continue to be voted into positions of power who are not worthy of the position, regardless of there political affiliations. And what’s worse, now we see a continuous onslaught of laws being written primarily focused on taking away our liberties and that the right to remove them from office. This is really bad.
Obviously there is a need for regulation in order to protect the innocent and unsuspecting from the actions of another. In this case the public was invited by Mr. Eustace Conway’s onto his property. As such, I think everyone would agree, he has a responsibility to ensure public safety. It’s not a matter of whether or not he is doing a good thing, it’s a matter of his responsibility to the rights of others to be protected from harm.
So the question is… do the county ordinances, put in place by elected representatives and created to protect the public, overstep there intent to the point it infringes upon Mr. Conway’s right to his pursuit of happiness. The answer is… it depends on what the majority of the community wants. If the majority of the community wants these ordinances in place, there is not an infringement of his rights.
However, I would follow-up with this question, do we truly know what the majority of the community wants? Before we can judge whether or not Mr. Conway is being mistreated we need to know how the majority of the community feels about it! I suspect that the majority of the community is not being well represented, and that is the real problem here.
Having rights does not mean you have the right to do anything you want. The right to the pursuit of happiness carry’s with it the responsibility not to infringe upon the right of others in their pursuit of happiness. Rules, ordinances, and laws are created to establish clear boundaries so that we can get along with each other in a society or community. These rules are determined by the majority consensus.
To often our knee-jerk reaction to a situation like this one, where it appears someone is being mistreated by local ordinances, is to go out and hire an attorney and cry “my rights are being infringed upon”. Certainly there is a place when one should hire an attorney, but the extent of our rights to engage with other individuals in a community are governed by boundaries; the laws we allow to be put in place. An attorneys job is to interpret the laws in your behalf as they already exist, not to change or write new law. Too often it is the attorney who stands to gain, and not the client in situations like this. It is most likely that the county, according to the law already in place, has the right to require certain things of Mr. Conway based on the laws that exist.
Whether the law is good or bad is determined by the majority voice of the community. If you believe there is bad law on the books that unfairly infringes upon ones rights, it is the responsibility of the community to change the law through those we elect by majority vote. An attorney cannot do that for you, except maybe to further the cause and help influence an election.
Here is the real truth of the matter, by electing certain pubic officials, you know… the ones who created the laws, it is “we the people” who in essence has agreed to the ordinances which require that these structures be brought up to code to ensure public safety. So, if you don’t like the rules as they are, then fire the guy that created the rules, and elect someone that will create laws that are more appropriate. If you are not willing to make that effort, then what right do you have to complain. If you find you are in the minority, then you’ll need to go out and find a majority that agrees with you, that’s how the Constitution works. Bottom line, complaint without action is the same thing as dreams without action… worthless and often annoying.
As the old adage goes, when you point a finger at someone there are at least three fingers pointing back at you. Remember, we voted these people in, and we can vote them out.
The new freedom!
They don’t want anybody living in the woods , much less teaching others! They want to heard everyone into ghetto cities like what was done to the Jews and control our every breath!
All the government goons took an oath the the US Constitution before God and it never goes away. They are now almost all OATHBREAKERS and criminals, and need to go to jail.
Good on you Susan. I was just thinking a little bit of book work would send these guys running for the hills. I had to do some of that once in Utah when the county thought it owned the land instead of me and few other folks. Get into their wallets and they will look for easier prey. Thank for offering to help him.
Cool. This is right on the money and good advice to anyone having trouble with city or county stooges with too much time on their hands.
The county should allow him to post signs declaring that the area doesnt meet code; and that people enter at their own risk.
If this country had been governed by beurocrats at its inception…we would have never grown past plymouth rock. I am sure the villages and camps we lived in on arrival to this country did not have in-door plumbing or electricity.
We have lost our Soul; our sense of Destiny…and allowed paper pushing mid level managers to Dictate the quality of our Lives.
My Mother and Father in law were traveling from Montana to Nevada and had to stop at a rest area out side of Winnemucca NV. When they stopped they needed to use the rest area. The condition of the rest area was beyond use.. They said it was so disgusting and unsanitary how could any state department let it get to this condition. Now back to the story at hand, once again the big hand of Government forcing the free public to see it their way or else! Why doesn’t the Gov clean up it’s own SHIT first and then try to set policy for the rest of us! You know that will never happen because most of the people in state jobs don’t care about anything, just their respective pay and pensions. Out of my cold hands!!!!!
Boiseboy
The govermement has got to big for its britches. They think they can just order us around whenever they feel like it. They just need to butt out.
It’s no one fault but OURS. We have allowed ourselves to be distraction by Technology, Entertainment and our own self interests. If we turn our backs on our neighbors we will fall as soon as they do. United we stand and under this gov’t,,,we surely will FALL.
You talk politics or what some gov’t official is doing to someone else and people’s eyes glaze over or the change the subject. That is how this happened, we no longer stand together except for certain “Groups” that only do it out of Greed (AKA handouts), control (voting numbers) or dominance. Most are hyphenated.
Oh yeah, he should let people know about the lackies who dont have enolugh to do except find fault with this poor guy who is just trying to macccccccccke ends meet. Just a simple sign that says “the county doesn’t think my place is worthy of a visit from y’all, so ifn yall wnt what I got to to share then come on…
Some of these city ordinances are absolutely nothing but the officials reaching their hands into your wallet! I watch a lot of home improvement shows on Saturday (my stress relief), that is until a home in Boston was having plumbing problems. Come to find out, roots from a tree in the front yard was the culprit. The couple had to pay $5,000 to have the tree removed (due to it being part of the neighborhood beautification program), and then had to pay $1,500. to replant another tree on the other side of the sidewalk leading to the house! $6,500. paid to the city of Boston simply to cut down a tree and plant one on the other side of the sidewalk. That did not include cutting the tree down, removing it from the property, or the price of a new tree (I think it was around $500. because it had to be at least 20′ tall. I was thinking to myself, why do the people of Boston put up with this nonsense? I would be campaigning to get every City Council Member removed from office!!! The only reason these people have so much power is because we have not been paying attention or thinking we are too busy to go to city council meetings!
Nothing wrong with this country——-except the city! oh yeah ,and, county ,and, state ,and, federal powers gone haywire.
Is there a contact address for Eustace? My name is Sue. I am a civil rights international lawyer.. I have answers he will be able to use. I left my address in the previous comment but can also be reached [email protected].
Eustace is one of the stars of the show Mountain Men on the history channel. It is a great show!
Conway is most likely dealing with a govern-mental corporatation, that’s right just like the irs they will have a dun&bradstreet listing and naics or other number listed somewhere. While freedom of speech allows many good things, it is the bad things we must educate each other about.
A corporation is a business. The only power or jurisdiction they have only exists within that corporation and never extends outside or further than its own employees while they are on the clock. If someone, albeit a member of a government corporation demands you to obey them, whether in the form of a statute etc. if you go along with it there is your silent agreement of compliance. Compliance with anything you don’t think is ethical or makes sense should be ignored, or counteroffered with your terms of agreement in writing, submitted as an affidavit of truth, Official public notices are made record via legal section in a newspaper. Feel free to write me at Constitutionally Correct POB 662279 Lihue Hawaii 96766 if I can be of assistance
Sadly, there is a thing called ETJ, Extra Jurisdictional Territory, that can reach out as far as 5-10 miles from an incorp. city limits. This can tell people living OUTSIDE he city limits how to build, what to build and where to build. It was thought up not only to control more people but to help gov’t “friends” to leverage landowners into sell under the disguise of setting standards of construction so the city won’t have to deal with it if they Annex it. (I think if he could get enough signature he can get his land and projects Grandfathered but it will be a fight). And, WE allowed it to happen by not paying attention to what is going on around us (politically that is),,,and allowing ourselves to be distracted by the Media, Gadgets and selfishness. We are losing and we only have ourselves to blame. Wake Up People!!!
This agency should prey this man is still alive when all Hell breaks loose.
This is the government over-stepping it’s boundaries and denying citizens their rights for freedom and to pursue happiness.
Government must not be getting enough money from him! Or they must make an example. It is 1000 acres and if anybody want to be there they, then they, the individual, should make that decision. Not the government!
This whole theory starts young….telling kids to be sure to let us know if anyone is doing anything wrong. Tattle tale tattle tale! I was taught to take care of myself and hurt no one! So let Eustace alone! His land must have become very valuable to someone! Doing what he has/is doing is a lifelong dream of mine! To live off the land and be self sufficient and off the grid!
Leave him alone! And let it be!!!
YOUR EXACTLY RIGHT ! REBECCA MEYERS . THEY WANT HIS LAND PERIOD ! ITS WORTH ALOT BECAUSE LAND IS SO SCARCE IN BOONE, NC. ALL THE OFFICIALS WANT IS TO DEVELOPE IT AND MAKE BOAT LOADS OF MONEY. SHAME ON THEM ! LEAVE EUSTACE CONWAY ALONE !
The county needs to stay out of his business the customers know what they are getting into. Just another case of loss of freedom and governmental over reaching. I guess they will outlaw rocks next because you could trip over them or hit somebody.
I watch this show, also, and agree that the government goes too far.
I have seen the show “Mountain Men” which includes Mr Eustace Conway. His life style and ingenuity should be held up as a living example of the stock our Parents and Grand Parents came from. An example to be emulated. I hope either the county authorities come to their senses or enough people email or call them to change their minds. Or maybe we can get enough people to donate money so Mr Conway can meet the counties ordnanaces.
I had the same problem until I bought a composting toilet, that shut them up in Michigan, another dictatorship called a state!
Our government is to by the People and for the People. We where founded as a Republic. Not as a dictatorship.
I say tear down the structures. Built some even more primitive lean-to’s , fill the sawdust latrines and hang a few rolls of paper around the trees and bushes. Close up the kitchen and build a fire ring. Maybe that will make the county officials happy. Good Luck.
When I was in the Boy Scouts we did real life wilderness survival I taught wilderness survival for the Fish & Game Hunter safety program. Not always pleasant but you learn a lot. A cat hole substituted for a toilet or latrine. Foraged food was cooked on a real fire started with flint and steel. Sleeping was easy after a day trying to survive and build your own shelter. Map and compass was a hoot, most people could not locate on a map where they were or which way was north. As a former Scoutmaster I passed on these skills and a whole lot more learned the hard way. If you think that life will always be easy as most children and young adults are taught in school, think again. Most of the young people except those whom have been taught the skills to survive by either the Scouts or Military could not survive a real disaster just look around at the number of people who die in disaster like Katrina. They all wait by the side of the road for someone to come and save them instead of helping themselves.
I think the government should keep their noses out of Mr. Conway’s business. It sounds as if he is living better than the homeless who defecate in the alleys, etc. We are being bullied by the government and the more we let it happen the more it will step on our freedoms. I believe Conway should be able to continue with his wilderness classes and just add the disclaimer about the facilities being a bit unorthodox.
I Think someone should start a fund to help Eustace keep his land and continue teaching others. America needs many more people just like him, esp. given the very trying times we are living in. We need to stand together and help each other out!
Unfortunately this has been happening around the country for some time. Programs offering “Wilderness Skills” have been forced to “modernize” their base areas by bureaucrats whose idea of “roughing it” is staying in a hotel with no pool, or a weekend in a motorhome. For the most part, I think it is locals with good intentions, but no understanding. In many places, Code Enforcement is fueled by complaints, using nuisance laws; even for food related businesses. This makes one wonder. Sometimes it seems like they just feel the need to justify the staffing in their office.
Turtle Island should be allowed to continue operating, with a disclaimer about the “rustic” nature of the facilities.
They need to leave conway alone! The county only wants to line their pockets with permit fees and futher exercise control over those of us that can teach future generations how to live off the land and to prevent us from doing it ourselves thereby keeping us dependant on “goverment” resources.It’s just another example of “bullying” by “Big Brother”!
Out in “bush” Alaska we have no taxes out here, no codes, no state tax, 200 miles from any road system, food out your front door moose, bear, caribou, salmon etc. Just plane old FREEDOM. We’re building down river and thought maybe someone out there might be interested in taking a look at our setup. We have 3 homes, 12 outbuildings, greenhouse, garden, 2200″ airstrip etc…Thank you.
Another case of the government overstepping their bounds. Conway ownes the land and if he uses the wood on the property to build structures, as long as they can be considered safe to enter and use he should be left alone to provide his services and educational training. Americans need to wake up, stand up for ourselves and each other and stop the State and Federal governments from forcing their way into our lives.
That’s funny. My home PASSED inspection, despite having joists cut by plumber (left like that despite court order to fix) floor cut by roofer, left open despite having 3 children living here; still open. and wiring left ‘hot’ but electrician told review board I was too picky.
Leave him alone, he has done nothing wrong. The Politicians don’t want anyone to know that you can sill survive outside the current governmental system, without electricity, running water or indoor plumbing. I survived outside these most of my young life, until my teenage years when my parents decided it was time for us to join the current adulterated local population. Time wise, that was back in the early “1970’s. Of late, I have been considering returning to our old ways of self survival, living off the land, streams, and mountains. It’s not quite as hard as most people would think, so long as you know how, what, when, where and why to do it, for that which I do know ….
On the surface,it appears to be government”overreach”.Article stated it was a not-for-profit operation,did he carry insurance that would cover all the liabilities that could/would occur,if so ,that would involve”tons”of paper work and wouldn’t that”negate”the not-for-profit status. Are there permit(s)available for a real old style Danl’Boone campground,with the inclusion of well”maintained”‘port-a-potty(ies),(comproming would rest aquarely on the shoulders of the owner/operater),,you. are dealing with a government(s) entity(ies).There would be taxes to be collected/paid a CPA to be hired,,etc.Changing regulation(s)would probably not happen,,citing liabilities,,government intervention,almost always puts an end to personal preferences,,but Good Luck!!!
I am not stunned by how the government wants to make slaves out of all its inhabitants. I commend this fellow. The men in my family taught us to live off the land and I hope to get to the point where i can mirrior this gentleman. There arent many Ralph Waldo Emersons or Henry David Thoroughs any more. I stand in his aid to rally against such notions that he has not met some capitalistic “compliance.” Its a shame that we work hard to create a decent living for ourselves only to fall under this type of dictatorship. We got here from living off the land, natural resources are FREE, and if we choose to harness them then by God thats our right.