The Forest Service Management Plan for the Daniel Boone National Forest was released today. Copies will be mailed out over the next few days, or you can view the document on-linea t the following address.
http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/boo ... ewplan.htm
DBNF Management Plan Released
DBNF Management Plan Released
I see they are still lopping off mountains in Eastern Kentucky. Electricity isn't cheap.
Using Reader's search function (ctl+f) and entering "climbing", I come up with a bunch of refereneces. Some seem to say that (duh) you can't bolt in Clifty Wilderness. One weird reference is on page 2-15, which is the "FORESTWIDE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES" section:
There are two other refrences in the sections for "WILD RIVER" and "MARSH CREEK WILD RIVER" segments that seem to state that climbing is allowed, but in areas that don't disturb the 'river experience'.
The "RECREATIONAL RIVER SEGMENT" and the "RED RIVER GORGE GEOLOGICAL AREA" sections seem to be more positive about climbing. The goals for the area (on page 3-60, and similarly on page 3-68 ) include:
There are several uses of the following language:
There's even a picture of climbing on page 3-80. This implies to me that the FS realizes that climbing is a major part of the 'experience' at the Red.
(Sarcastic comment: What's with the references to "fixed...camming devices"? And who has been leaving fixed "straps" behind?)
The Coalition has an initial statement at:
http://www.rrgcc.org/index.php?action=v ... cle_id=148
So, these things sound reasonbly good to me. But here's my question to the policy wonks and wonkettes: Does anyone know wether this means that the FS will actually authorize developement of 'new' areas anytime soon (e.g. in the next year)?
It seems a bit undesireable that we are being lumpped in with trail trashing, "heavy duty" activites like riding and jeeping!GOAL 7.3 Provide additional rock climbing, equestrian, and OHV trail riding opportunities.
There are two other refrences in the sections for "WILD RIVER" and "MARSH CREEK WILD RIVER" segments that seem to state that climbing is allowed, but in areas that don't disturb the 'river experience'.
The "RECREATIONAL RIVER SEGMENT" and the "RED RIVER GORGE GEOLOGICAL AREA" sections seem to be more positive about climbing. The goals for the area (on page 3-60, and similarly on page 3-68 ) include:
Sounds pretty good to me. I like the word "enhance" there!3.C.3-Goal 4. Maintain and enhance the recreational opportunities associated with the area, particularly dispersed recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, scenic viewing, hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing.
There are several uses of the following language:
I'm having a hard time imagining how the FS can "exceed" the ROS when they aren't doing a damn thing about aproving routes.3.E-REC-5. Areas will be managed to meet or exceed Recreation Opportunity Spectrum experiencess of semi-primitive non-motorized, semi-primitive motorized, and roaded natural.
There's even a picture of climbing on page 3-80. This implies to me that the FS realizes that climbing is a major part of the 'experience' at the Red.
(Sarcastic comment: What's with the references to "fixed...camming devices"? And who has been leaving fixed "straps" behind?)
The Coalition has an initial statement at:
http://www.rrgcc.org/index.php?action=v ... cle_id=148
So, these things sound reasonbly good to me. But here's my question to the policy wonks and wonkettes: Does anyone know wether this means that the FS will actually authorize developement of 'new' areas anytime soon (e.g. in the next year)?
Bacon is meat candy.
I think that the "Limits of Acceptable Change" process may serve as a tool for the FS in how, when and if they will approve any new route or area development. I don't know this for a fact, just a guess. This process will be starting soon and climbers should participate. I attended a lecture with the KY. Nat. History Society that was given by a FS staff biologist pertaining to cliffline species and managment. It was good to hear the FS's persepective from this individual. Sounds like the FS recoginzes that the RRG is a major international draw but they have a responsiblity to address the impacts and degradation of some areas. Sport climbing was perceived to have greater impacts than trad
"real life bleeding fingers..."
On the RRGCC site, the comment was made that it will not be new routes that will be approved but only new areas. This could be a plus for established areas becuase you don't need to wait for approval for one route that would be surrounded by already approved routes.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthen's me.
I looked over about half of the CD the FS mailed out. It appears they are working to keep up with addition demand for climbing,but new routes still need approval by the FS. they are much more informed about the differences between bouldering and roped climbing,gear and different anchor sysems. I suspect this is due to efforts by the RRGCC. Good Job! I tried to cut and paste some stuff but couldnt in Adobe.
Maybe the FS will consider new route submissions. That would be cool.Hopefully the coalition isnt too bogged down with the SR to get it happening.
Maybe the FS will consider new route submissions. That would be cool.Hopefully the coalition isnt too bogged down with the SR to get it happening.
"Everyone should have a plan for the zombie apocolipse" Courtney
Damn. That is so cool. I remember going to those meeteings with shannon to let my voice be heard- talking directly to the head forest guy (I think his name is don), and I said 'I find it frustrating to think of going out, doing a new route, and going home is considered development.' and something about two types of land use. I also like that 'development' is now well defined.
Skeptics, WAKE UP. your actions can make a positive impact.
Skeptics, WAKE UP. your actions can make a positive impact.
"Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water."