Any intrest or input?

Sound's like you utards should be able to grow some fat tomato's. lol

Good to know. But A bit far for me. I am in Maryland.

Honestly, I could really see myself opting in on one of these things. Far better to have a survivalist community, than an isolated little patch by yourself.

However, I would be downright paranoid and overcautious at first, and I would have one hell of a strict set of parameters for compatibility between me and those others with whom my own and my family's life might one day depend on.

If it was within a full tank of gas from where I live, that would be a good thing. I would also prefer not to have to traverse any metro areas between here and there... I may not get through depending on traffic, road blocks/checkpoints, dangerous social conditions. Unless the property had an airstrip and I had reliable access to a plane which could transport my family. (which I am planning on in the near future, a short-field utility plane for remote camping, wilderness pleasure flying, etc... probably not a fast commuter)

I would imagine each family/plot would need at least an acre for agriculture, enough grazing land for a minimum of two horses. They would all need access to year-round water NOT dependent on being trucked in... even a common well would be suitable as a bare-minimum for people to refill their personal water storage... with a windmill pumping it into a large enough reservoir tank.

Although it may initially seem backwards of me, I would avoid forests in the west. Those areas, because of their small size relative to the populations around them, would be dense with layperson hunters, looters, refugees and stragglers. The deserts are much less appealing to the unprepared, and so are a natural barrier of safety for anyone who has already created preparations out in the badlands. Not to mention that brush fires in the desert are much more controllable and survivable than a forest-fire. One watch tower is more than sufficient to survey the whole community, and one long range rifle is enough to reach out and influence any threats long before they get within ambush radius. I wonder how much of the enclave's energy would otherwise needs be diverted into defensive measures if the chosen location were a dense remote woods. Probably more than one man with one rifle and a good set of binoculars. Plus, if I'm going to play Mad Max, it would be silly to wear my black leather anywhere but a searing hot desert.

no I was wounded in "another country" spent a year in walter reed before they perm. ret. me in 00

very viable idea. However, once again I would emphasize that the population you allow on your turf is the most important parameter... The decision can weigh more heavily in your life and survival than the spouse you choose. Treat the application process with extreme care and gravity.

It's funny, I look through the list of people whom I would trust... really trust with such a pact... one friend comes to mind.... and one of my three brothers as a strong possibility, and none of the rest of my family would be of any advantage (although I would do what I could to help them out of course... but as pre-selected members of an enclave? No)

I would also draw up minimum parameters of what an applicant would be required to keep and maintain at the base... NOT at their home in a wagon, ready to bring to the base.

I don't think a year's supply of high-shelf life food per family member is too much to ask. I would also set minimum parameters on defensive measures, housing structures (temporary or permanent, doesn't matter as long as they are set up or stored on-site and in useable condition)... Survival courses endorsed by your organization I don't think is too much to ask either, to make sure everyone is up to par in their ability to cope with stress and to improvise, devise, arise....whatever that USMC motto is.

You know, I could see this kind of 'backup for society' arrangement hitting unprecedented levels in our culture over the next few years...

I could see them operating something like private country clubs... each with their member-funded on-site 24 hour security/maintenance, each with it's own HAM radio signature, a couple kilowats of naturally generated off-grid power at the guard tower/radio station/members checkpoint...

Kinda cool, actually.

thanks! I too am a mountain man, however I was left with alot of arthritus after the Army and cold wet weather KILLS! thats why I have to find a more tolerable climate, guess I am just a Puss!...lol that Colorado prop. was sweet!