Inyo (not sure why they're referring to SEKI for Taboose Pass Inyo trailhead permits) still won't allow extra permits for this volunteer search, reason being, "wilderness character being disturbed." Wilderness character protection is important for sure, but it needs common sense applied for special situations like this temporary search effort and for special high impact zones like Whitney. In this case, it's probably just an excuse to avoid any liability, but even so, "wilderness character" is misused either way.
This has been an interesting thread over on High Sierra Topix.
Here's a parallel thread with Ken and another guy heatedly debated the value of a volunteer effort vs trained SAR personnel. The SAR guy made some good points, but he was dismissive of volunteer help and came across somewhat arrogant in my reading of it. I understand how volunteers can be difficult to manage, but they would be just looking, not taking rescue action. Ironically, SAR will not be launching a major effort to find Larry due to funding cuts, so it's either a volunteer effort or pretty much nothing. Meanwhile, his 89-yr old mother waits and wonders what is wrong with these people trying to stop volunteers from looking for her son. They're looking for support writing to Congress to draw attention to the matter.
Edited to add the appeal to congress and clarity.
