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troymayr
Jun 1, 2006, 11:11 PM
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Today we were informed by the USFS that letters may be postmarked before 5 PM, June 6th 2007, this Wednesday.
Previously we were told that letter must be received by the due date.
So this gives you a little more time to make your voice heard!
Please mail your letter to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
As an absolute last resort, if you are unable to drop a letter in the mail, then you can send your comments via e-mail to:
<jonathanschwartz@fs.fed.us>
jonathanschwartz@fs.fed.us
Again, a hard copy letter is much preferred over e-mail.
Some general writing points (put it into your own words):
-State why climbing at Williamson is important to you, the beauty of the area etc.
-Climbers (you) respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb and are committed to access and conservation.
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Include your contact info (include name, address and email)
Thank you all for your attention, time and effort!
Troy Mayr
Williamson Rock is CLOSED TO CLIMBING!
Southern California's most popular Summer Sport Climbing Crag is Closed.
For those who have not yet heard...
The US Forest Service has issued a temporary closure of Williamson Rock to climbing. The closure is based on protecting the Mountain Yellow Legged Frog (MYLF) an endangered species, over which the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has jurisdiction. The Forest Service has been urged by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to close Williamson Rock and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail to avoid any impacts until a comprehensive plan has been established. Any plan will be pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Although the MYLF habitat lies in the general area of Williamson Rock, there is no evidence that climbing in has negatively affected the MYLF population.
Friends of Williamson Rock (FoWR), a 501(c)3 non-profit, was formed to act as a liaison with the Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, work toward the reopening of Williamson Rock to climbing and to manage any other related climber projects. FoWR has met with the Forest Service several times and opened a dialog with them. The Forest Service has suggested a path toward re-opening Williamson Rock to climbing. However, the mandated procedures are both lengthy and complicated and the soonest we can hope for re-opening would be Summer 2007.
FoWR wishes to stress that while Williamson Rock is closed, entering the area or climbing at Williamson Rock is a violation of Federal law, which could result in imprisonment, a $5,000 fine or both. Perhaps just as important, failure of climbers to respect the temporary closure could irreparable damage to current climber/agency relations and any hope of re-opening the area again. FoWR is working to increase awareness among climbers of the situation.
FoWR's most recent meeting with the Forest Service was on May 8, 2006. As a result of this meeting, FoWR is proceeding with a proposal which, it is hoped, will lead to the eventual lifting of the closure of this very popular sport climbing area. For more information and to join FoWR please goto:
http://williamsonrock.org/
Troy Mayr
FoWR
Here is the current (monday 5.14.07) relevant info.
NOW is the time to make your voice heard!
The USFS scoping letter has been released.
Here's a link to view to the USFS main page, see the right column under ‘News’. You can download the scoping letter from this webpage also.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/
Here's a link to view to the USFS news release.
http://www.fs.fed.us/...on-rock-access.shtml
You may also download the scoping letter (PDF) on the FoWR blog here.
http://williamsonrock.org/blog/
Positive comments from the climbing community are encouraged in the form of a written letter (preferred over e-mail).
Quantity is the key here, we need a lot of climbers to write in, so forward this to your climbing partners!
Some general writing points (keep it simple):
-The MYLF (Mountain Yellow Legged Frog) and climbing can co-exist.
-Climbers respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem (that’s why we organized FoWR).
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbing is a valid and historical use of the area.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Climbers support the “Proposed Action”.
Comments may be mailed to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
Letters are due no later than June 6, 2007
Thanks!
Troy Mayr
FoWR
Hi Friends of Williamson Rock,
I'm sure you're curious how our response was to the USFS Scoping Letter.
Here's a brief update.
The good news:
I spoke with our primary contact at the USFS and asked him how the climber response was going.
He said:
"I give up. There are 100's, they are pouring in like rain!"
So a huge thank you to all who took the time to write!!!
The other news:
The USFS did receive a letter that could have a negative affect for us (which we expected).
While the group who wrote doesn't appear to be against climbing in any way, they are adamant about
protecting endangered species above all else (recreation etc.).
In short they will push for a full E.I.S. as opposed to an E.A.
Here are the pertinent definitions.
EA: Environmental Assessment - Generally, an EA includes brief discussions of the following: the need for the proposal; alternatives (when there is an unresolved conflict concerning alternative uses of available resources); the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives; and a listing of agencies and persons consulted.
EIS: Environmental Impact Assessment (Study) - A National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) document. An EIS, should include discussions of the purpose of and need for the action, alternatives, the affected environment, the environmental consequences of the proposed action, lists of preparers, agencies, organizations and persons to whom the statement is sent, an index, and an appendix (if any).
Next step:
The USFS I.D. Team will review the letters received and make a decision as to how to proceed.
We are off to a great start but as I have said before the process is cumbersome and slow, so I ask you to continue be patient.
Our track record with the USFS is stellar and your response was awesome this will help tremendously as we move forward.
We will let you know and other details as they become available to us.
Thanks again for your effort and support!
Troy Mayr
(This post was edited by troymayr on Jun 7, 2007, 5:27 PM)
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tripperjm
May 11, 2007, 6:35 PM
Post #2 of 39
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"Proposed Action. The Angeles National Forest is proposing to develop a trail that will protect the MYLF and it's critical habitat, while also providing access to Williamson Rock."
It's time to make our voices heard. The scoping process for accessing Williamson has begun. If you haven't already joined FoWR, now it the time. a bulk e-mail will be sent out in the next few days to inform and encourage members "to participate in the scoping process. Please provide written comments by June 6, 2007"
To: John F. Capell, District Ranger,
Attn. Project leader Jonathan Yonni Schwartz,
Natural Resource Officer
30800 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Saugus, California 91390
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alpinismo_flujo
May 11, 2007, 7:18 PM
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Hooray! Finally....
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trenchdigger
May 11, 2007, 7:53 PM
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Fantastic! Thanks for all the work you guys have put in on this. Hopefully this will all come to fruition.
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bent_gate
May 11, 2007, 9:58 PM
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And I'll do my part and try to help out the MILFs the next time I'm in LA!
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alpinismo_flujo
May 11, 2007, 10:42 PM
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What a giver...
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tripperjm
May 14, 2007, 4:59 PM
Post #8 of 39
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New info concerning the scoping process is posted on the FoWR web site. Again, now is the time to make your voice heard. Send a letter to the Forest Service in support of the proposial "to develop a trail that will protect the MYLF and it's critical habitat, while also providing access to Williamson Rock."
Access to crags is of concern to all climbers. The deadline for comments on this proposial is June 6, 2007. We expect opposition from some groups and individiuals, so every letter helps. Write one today.
and bent gate.... Thanks for the offer and the bump but a letter to the FS would help out a little more right now. So keep your grubby little hands off our women and write a letter.... thanks.
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fredbob
May 14, 2007, 11:50 PM
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BUMP.
News Release
USDA Forest Service
Angeles National Forest
Date: May 10, 2007 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
ANF-08-07 Arcadia, CA 91006
http://www.fs.fed.us/ r5/angeles
FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT
Contact:
Sherry Rollman
(626) 574-5208
Forest Service Proposes Williamson Rock Trail
ARCADIA, Calif. – The Forest Service is requesting public comments
on a proposal to construct a trail from the Angeles Crest Highway to
Williamson Rock, located in the upper reaches of Little Rock Creek
within the Angeles National Forest. The proposal would analyze
reopening the popular recreation site and rock climbing area to the
public, while protecting the mountain yellow-legged frog (MYLF) and
its critical habitat.
The Williamson Rock area has been temporarily closed since December
2005 to protect the frog, which is an endangered species listed
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Populations of the frog
are known to exist within the closure area. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service designated approximately 615 acres along Little
Rock Creek within the closure area as critical habitat for the MYLF
in October 2006.
Comments may be mailed to John F. Capell, District Ranger, Attn.
Jonathan Schwartz, Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District, 30800
Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, CA 91390, no later than June 6, 2007.
For more information, call 661-296-9710. The proposal can be viewed
on the internet at http//www.fs. fed.us/r5/ angeles.
The Williamson Rock area is a well-known recreation site used
predominately for rock climbing. It has been used by climbers since
the 1960's and is widely regarded as a unique rock climbing resource
for the entire Southern California region.
Also: Check Posts on Supertopo:
http://www.supertopo.com/...html?topic_id=365148
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troymayr
May 15, 2007, 12:10 AM
Post #10 of 39
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Registered: Dec 5, 2005
Posts: 13
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This post should be at the top of the list...
Here is the current (monday 5.14.07) relevant info.
NOW is the time to make your voice heard!
The USFS scoping letter has been released.
Here's a link to view to the USFS main page, see the right column under ‘News’. You can download the scoping letter from this webpage also.
<http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/>
Here's a link to view to the USFS news release.
<http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2007/news-2007-05-10-comments-on-williamson-rock-access.shtml>
You may also download the scoping letter (PDF) on the FoWR blog here.
<http://williamsonrock.org/blog/>
Positive comments from the climbing community are encouraged in the form of a written letter (preferred over e-mail).
Quantity is the key here, we need a lot of climbers to write in, so forward this to your climbing partners!
Some general writing points (keep it simple):
-The MYLF (Mountain Yellow Legged Frog) and climbing can co-exist.
-Climbers respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem (that’s why we organized FoWR).
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbing is a valid and historical use of the area.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Climbers support the “Proposed Action”.
Comments may be mailed to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
Letters are due no later than June 6, 2007
Thanks!
Troy Mayr
FoWR
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tripperjm
May 22, 2007, 5:23 PM
Post #11 of 39
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Comments, with regards to the proposed action by the Forest Service concerning access to Williamson Rock are due by June 6 2007. Thats 14 days, from today, to have letters on Mr John F. Capell's desk. We (climbers) don't always get a say, when it comes to access issues. A lot of time and work has been spent by a few individuals to move this issue forward. Depending on how this "scoping" stage goes, it may be our only chance to have a say. Now is the time to speak.
If you haven't already done so, write a letter. If you would like more information concerning the Forest Service proposal or help/ideas on what to say in your letter, go to the FoWR website. The FS press release as well as a few sample letters are posted.
Access to climbing areas, even if it is not your local crag, should be of concern to all climbers. Someday it may be your crag. So write a letter today and remember postage went up and US mail takes a few days to get there. Lets not screw this one up.
I noticed that there were more than 800 views of this thread. Over the years, I have seen hundreds of different climbers at Williamson Rock. We as a community should be able to put (I don't know) 500 letters of support for the proposed access trail to Williamson Rock on his desk by the deadline.
So who has sent a letter? Post up, confirming your sent letter to bump this thread and get the information out. Cause otherwise, I'll have to keep bumping it with stupid stories about Williamson and you don't want me to have to do that.
Thanks,
jack marshall
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tripperjm
May 23, 2007, 2:29 PM
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I mean bump....
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alpinismo_flujo
May 23, 2007, 2:59 PM
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Troy and Jack -
Thanks so much for all you guys have done to advance sport climbing.
My letter went out last week. 
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artm
May 23, 2007, 9:12 PM
Post #14 of 39
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tripperjm wrote: Comments, with regards to the proposed action by the Forest Service concerning access to Williamson Rock are due by June 6 2007. Thats 14 days, from today, to have letters on Mr John F. Capell's desk. We (climbers) don't always get a say, when it comes to access issues. A lot of time and work has been spent by a few individuals to move this issue forward. Depending on how this "scoping" stage goes, it may be our only chance to have a say. Now is the time to speak. If you haven't already done so, write a letter. If you would like more information concerning the Forest Service proposal or help/ideas on what to say in your letter, go to the FoWR website. The FS press release as well as a few sample letters are posted. Access to climbing areas, even if it is not your local crag, should be of concern to all climbers. Someday it may be your crag. So write a letter today and remember postage went up and US mail takes a few days to get there. Lets not screw this one up. I noticed that there were more than 800 views of this thread. Over the years, I have seen hundreds of different climbers at Williamson Rock. We as a community should be able to put (I don't know) 500 letters of support for the proposed access trail to Williamson Rock on his desk by the deadline. So who has sent a letter? Post up, confirming your sent letter to bump this thread and get the information out. Cause otherwise, I'll have to keep bumping it with stupid stories about Williamson and you don't want me to have to do that. Thanks, jack marshall
(This post was edited by artm on May 23, 2007, 9:12 PM)
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tripperjm
May 23, 2007, 10:08 PM
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climbsomething on the Mushroom Boulder, Williamson Rock..... I mean bump.
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tripperjm
May 24, 2007, 1:22 PM
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Thanks for the letter alpinismo_flujo.
I know writing a letter to the Forest Service in support of the proposed access trail to Williamson is not as fun or glamorous as torching some beginner because he doesn't know which draws to buy... however without access to climbing areas, who cares which draws you own if they are just hanging in your closet with nowhere to use them.
Tom Linder on the Direct start to the Carpe Garden.
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tripperjm
May 24, 2007, 5:45 PM
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snoangel on the Stream Wall.
bump
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tripperjm
May 25, 2007, 2:53 AM
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rradam on Guilty Of Being White.
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tripperjm
May 25, 2007, 7:07 AM
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Davi on Park Avenue.
bump
(This post was edited by tripperjm on May 25, 2007, 7:09 AM)
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tripperjm
May 25, 2007, 11:17 PM
Post #20 of 39
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Time is getting short, write those letters.
Lynn (grigriese) on Dream Speed.
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tripperjm
May 29, 2007, 5:14 PM
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Just saw this over at ST.
"Re: Willaimson Rock Closure / Take Action NOW! May 29, 2007, 09:21am PST
Author:
Batrock
Trad climber
From: Burbank
These are the days that piss me off. It's overcast here in Burbank right now but up in the Angeles high country it's crystal clear and beautiful. These are the kind of days I really enjoyed Williamson. Driving out of the gloom of the basin into the bright sunshine for a day of climbing. Right now the Scotch Broom is in full bloom and you can smell it as you drive up Hwy 2 on the way to "The Rock"as my dad referred to it back in the 1960's when he first started climbing at Williamson. Then stopping at Newcombs Ranch for a tall cup of coffee for the drive home.
Lets get those letters in."
My guess is that if you are going to send a letter, you probibly need to get it in the mail box by Friday or it won't be on the desk by the deadline.
Have your say and send a letter today.
Aaron on the Wicked Garden Direct.
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tripperjm
May 29, 2007, 7:19 PM
Post #22 of 39
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updated info:
"They have received around 60 letters so far."
"This is disappointing, not the strong response we are hoping for.
Assuming all of us have sent in our letters, it is even less
impressive.
I hope the saying, 'if it wasn't for the last minute a lot of things
would never get done' is true in this situation...
If your spouses / significant others are climbers they should write
too!"
"...several of the letters were 'very impressive
and well written', also noting that many of them were not.
Good news is that they haven't received any letters in strong
opposition.
So, if you haven't written your letter yet do it asap!
Again remind your climbing partners that now is the time.
Deadline is June 6th."
Address your letter to:
To: John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn: Project leader Jonathan Yonni Schwartz,
Natural Resource Officer
30800 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Saugus, CA 91390
Gitta on The Shaman.
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climbsomething
May 29, 2007, 7:27 PM
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artm wrote: tripperjm wrote: Comments, with regards to the proposed action by the Forest Service concerning access to Williamson Rock are due by June 6 2007. Thats 14 days, from today, to have letters on Mr John F. Capell's desk. We (climbers) don't always get a say, when it comes to access issues. A lot of time and work has been spent by a few individuals to move this issue forward. Depending on how this "scoping" stage goes, it may be our only chance to have a say. Now is the time to speak. If you haven't already done so, write a letter. If you would like more information concerning the Forest Service proposal or help/ideas on what to say in your letter, go to the FoWR website. The FS press release as well as a few sample letters are posted. Access to climbing areas, even if it is not your local crag, should be of concern to all climbers. Someday it may be your crag. So write a letter today and remember postage went up and US mail takes a few days to get there. Lets not screw this one up. I noticed that there were more than 800 views of this thread. Over the years, I have seen hundreds of different climbers at Williamson Rock. We as a community should be able to put (I don't know) 500 letters of support for the proposed access trail to Williamson Rock on his desk by the deadline. So who has sent a letter? Post up, confirming your sent letter to bump this thread and get the information out. Cause otherwise, I'll have to keep bumping it with stupid stories about Williamson and you don't want me to have to do that. Thanks, jack marshall I can't take listening to any more of Jack's stories, please please please write a letter
Hi Jack 
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bandycoot
May 31, 2007, 8:17 PM
Post #24 of 39
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Registered: Nov 25, 2002
Posts: 2028
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Letter written, I will send it tonight! It took all of 5 minutes, tops. The USFS is proposing to OPEN the area and needs affirmation from the public to make this change. WRITE IN! Bumpity bump bump!
http://williamsonrock.org/blog/
(This post was edited by bandycoot on May 31, 2007, 8:17 PM)
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alpinismo_flujo
May 31, 2007, 8:53 PM
Post #25 of 39
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Posts: 603
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60 letters....WTF? People spend more time here bashing each other when that effort could be spent writing a simple letter?
C'mon people I read your writings everyday...I know you are literate. Do it, Do it now...
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