|
|
|
|
fredrogers
Nov 19, 2003, 10:30 PM
Post #1 of 3
(1535 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 20, 2003
Posts: 288
|
A sport climbing area got closed recently in my area. This area is on Forest Service land and there are about 50 routes there. The route developers there have had the foresight to build a lot of trails, wooden steps, and a few retaining walls on the steep hillside. The trails honestly look like they were more work than the route development. In the long run, I believe this area would become very popular with locals and a lot of erosion and trail braiding would have occurred without these trails.
The Forest Service recently found this area and they were quite surprised. They really didn't mind the bolting but they wish someone would have asked them first about such extensive trail work. So they have closed the area to climbing. I don't think the closure is permanent by any means. But I also don't think a reopening is high on their beauracratic "To Do" list.
I thought it was a bit strange for the Forest Service to close an area due to trailwork. I think if the trails had not been built then the Forest Service would have organized a trail day five years from now to build them. But then again, the trails amount to someone constructing something in the backwoods. Maybe the lesson here is for route developers to not be afraid to talk to land managers first before embarking on some major development.
|
|
|
|
|
charfire
Nov 20, 2003, 4:03 AM
Post #2 of 3
(1535 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 7, 2003
Posts: 5
|
Generally the USFS has to perform and EIS to build anything. Even a trail. And they probably aren't too excited about having to spend the money to perform one.
If there are enough users who want to use the site, write letters, make appointments with the district ranger, etc. Make it a high priority on their "to do" list.
|
|
|
|
|
coldclimb
Nov 20, 2003, 7:31 AM
Post #3 of 3
(1535 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 14, 2002
Posts: 6909
|
coldclimb moved this thread from General to Access Issues & Closures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
