RRC Archives

FOREST SERVICE UPDATE—“Gatekeepers” of our National Forest

Forest Plan Scheduled for Release April 20
The final version of the Forest Plan is at the printers and should be available to the public on April 20, according to Forest Service personnel.

Military Wall Update
Good news! The Stanton District will conduct an environmental assessment (EA) of Military Wall. According to the Forest Service’s Schedule of Proposed Actions, dated April 5, “The Forest Service is proposing to protect 2 heritage resource sites and rehabilitate highuse (sic) areas along the climbing area known as Military Wall.” A final decision is expected in July 2004 with implementation in August. What this means is, climbers will be able to send their written comments to the Forest Service about reopening Military Wall very soon. A final decision about climbing at Military Wall should take place this summer! The RRGCC will be monitoring this process very closely and keep everyone informed when and where to send their comments. Get that pen and paper ready…the Military Wall drama is almost over. Also, the fence around the archaeological site under Thirsting Skull at Military Wall has been moved down the hill to protect a larger area from foot traffic disturbance.

Forest Service Resuming Fencing and Signing Archaeological Sites
According to U.S. Forest Service Stanton District, backcountry rangers Rita Wehner and E.J. Bunzenduhl the fencing of archaeological sites (scheduled for closure from last year) has resumed this spring. You may remember these closures were for 14 limited sites along various cliff lines to be closed in the Red River Gorge Geologic Area to protect sensitive cultural resources. Most of the closures were aimed at providing additional protection from campfires in popular camping areas because of continued violations of the ban on camping near cliff lines. Visit www.rrgcc.org for a complete list. Please respect this closures, these closures are considered temporary, but necessary “triage measures” to protect these sites.

Daniel Boone NF Limits of Acceptable Change
Tim Eling will start public meetings on Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) for the Red River Gorge after the Forest Plan is released, April 20. We will keep everyone informed when and where the meetings will be.