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angelaa
Oct 23, 2003, 7:19 PM
Post #1 of 2
(1438 views)
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Registered: May 21, 2003
Posts: 598
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TIME FOR CLIMBERS TO STEP UP!
Indian Creek Recreation Plan.
The BLM recently extended the “scoping” comment period until October 24 for the upcoming Indian Creek Corridor Recreation Plan because it received so few comments -- only about 30 total. More climbers park at the Supercrack parking lot in a single day during the climbing season than wrote to the BLM to comment on how the area should be managed. In fact the proposed ATV safari for the Monticello area received over five times as many comments as the Indian Creek Corridor Recreation Plan!
This is the opportunity for climbers to make known how they feel about Indian Creek and tell the BLM what issues should be considered in the Plan. See the attached pdf for more information about where to write and the general outline of the planning process for Indian Creek.
The new deadline for comments is October 24, so disregard the August 28 deadline noted in the BLM newsletter.
Climbers are increasingly seen as indifferent funhogs that just want free camping without the hassles of agency management. However, hundreds of climbers flock to Indian Creek every weekend during the spring and fall and impacts are increasingly apparent. The BLM's Monticello Field Office is willing to listen to climbers but we have to speak up and get involved. Either way a plan will be written, your input is important!
Issues at stake under the recreation plan include:
· Camping fees
· Camping restrictions (your favorite campsite could be closed or restricted)
· Trail access
· Climbing route closures to protect cultural and natural resources
· Conflicts with other use groups
· Human waste issues
Send your comments to:
Ralph Becker or Laura Hanson
Bear West/BLM
RE: Indian Creek Corridor Recreation Plan
145 South 400 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Rbecker@bearwest.com or
lhanson@bearwest.com
Phone: 801.355.8816
Fax: 801.355.2090
Access and Private Land.
Access to numerous cliffs at Indian Creek is not secure. Approaches to the following crags cross The Nature Conservancy’s private Dugout Ranch and have only remained open up until now because of the generosity of former owner and current lessee Heidi Redd:
Battle of the Bulge Buttress
Supercrack Buttress
Donnelly Canyon
Tricks Wall
Paragon Prow
New Wall
New Wave Wall
Scarface Wall
Love Wall
Power Wall
Over the years, Dugout Ranch owners have allowed climbers to cross their property to access the world class climbs found on Supercrack and Battle of the Bulge buttresses (the cliffs are on public land but the approach trails are on Dugout Ranch property). In particular, Heidi Redd has for decades been friendly to climbers. However, in recent years the number of climbers at Indian Creek has increased many times over and a few folks have been outright rude to Heidi and her cowboys. Moreover, dogs have run wild harassing her cows and horses. If we want to continue the privilege of access across the Dugout Ranch, owned by The Nature Conservancy since 1997, we need to monitor ourselves, take care of the land and be respectful to the BLM, local landowners, and other user groups.
To return the favor to Heidi, please consider the following:
Do not trespass to reach New Wall, New Wave Wall and Paragon Prow. This areas in particular infringe upon the privacy of the Ranch. Keep a low profile when parking below and hiking across to Scarface and nearby walls. Be respectful of Dugout Ranch employees, and keep pets under control when cattle are present. Strive to Leave No Trace during all your activities at Indian Creek, especially along the Bridger Jack road camping areas.
GET INVOLVED!!
WRITE THE BLM AND COMMENT ON THE UPCOMING PLAN!
copied from the AF web site
www.accessfund.org
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inflight
Oct 23, 2003, 7:48 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1438 views)
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Registered: Mar 28, 2002
Posts: 172
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I sent my comments. Thanks for the heads up.
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