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JASON HUMMEL “SKI MOUNTAINEERING AND PHOTOGRAPHY” Jason Hummel, a nationally published ski photographer, will share the stories behind the pictures of his mountaineering exploits Saturday, March 12 at 7 pm. The venue is BarN9ne located at 229 West First Street in downtown Port Angeles. Admission is $5 at the door. All ages are welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. Mr. Hummel’s photos have been featured in Backcountry Magazine, The Ski Journal, National Geographic Traveler, and other print and online media. “Jason is known for his bold ski lines from most of the peaks in the Pacific Northwest, his stunning photographs, and his entertaining stories about both,” says Greg Halberg, event organizer. “Anyone with an interest in outdoor photography or mountain adventures should not miss this show. His photos capture the essence of skiing in a true mountain environment.” Two brothers, numerous mountains, and an outdoor family led to Jason’s early introduction to the Mountains of Washington State. By 5 years old he was learning to telemark ski on the slopes of Mount Rainier. By his teens he was pioneering steep ski descents, extended ski traverses, and kayaking throughout his local mountains. All along, those early adventures as a kid from Glacier Peak to Mount Olympus inspired him to go further, push deeper, and see more. Today, you’ll find him with a huge backpack, heavy camera tied to his chest, and healthy penchant for abuse set next to his ever present smile. Notable among Jason’s many ski trips are a traverse of the Bailey Range in the Olympics, a winter ski traverse of the very remote and rugged Pickett Range in North Cascades National Park, and ski descents of Mount Olympus, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and Mount Shuksan. Jason also has experience kayaking local rivers. Check out additional stories and photos by Jason at www.cascadecrusades.org and www.alpinestateofmind.com Prints of his work will be available for purchase. A signed print will be raffled at the event. This is a “Second Saturday” presentation hosted by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. Last month’s show was standing room only, so an early arrival is recommended. BarN9ne has a full menu of food and drinks.

DANE BURKE: “FIFTY DAYS ALONE IN THE OLYMPICS” Dane Burke, a 27 year old Seattle man, will tell the story in words and pictures of his 50-day, 250 mile, solo journey through the Olympic Mountains. The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club is hosting the presentation Saturday, February 12 at BarN9ne 229 West First Street in downtown Port Angeles starting at 7 pm. Admission is $5 at the door. All ages are welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Winter Sports Club. Mr. Burke’s audacious route was primarily off-trail and above treeline. It included ascents of some of the range's tallest mountains and took him to locations that have only been visited by humans a handful of times. His route included summiting Mount Anderson, Mount Mystery, Mount Deception, and Mount Carrie, among others. He traversed magnificent destinations such as LaCrosse Basin, Marmot Pass, Deception Basin, Iceberg Lakes, Crystal Lakes, and the Bailey Range. Dane faced powerful storms and close encounters with bears, and had to make major changes to his route due to bad weather and impassable terrain. “It was, physically and psychologically, extremely difficult” Burke says; “an experience filled with suffering, uncertainty, and danger. Yet ultimately it was a huge success, a life-changing and deeply rewarding journey which I'm honored to share with you." Mr. Burke’s epic adventure is similar in nature to other renowned Olympic explorers, such as Billy Everett, the Humes brothers, the Gilmans, Dodwell and Rixon, Herb Crisler’s 30 day “Survival Trip” in 1930, well as the early explorations of the O’Neil and Press Expeditions. This is the third installment of the “Second Saturday” presentations hosted by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. Next month is nationally published ski photographer Jason Hummel.

I've heard rumors from a reliable source that the County has at least thought about creating a spur trail from the Adventure Route trailhead just of 112 that will maintain access to the climbing and fishing opportunities, as well as viewing the recreated falls. It would help if interested parties (ie climbers) would let the County Commissioners know that restoring access there would be appreciated.

“HISTORY OF SKIING IN THE OLYMPICS” PRESENTATION HOSTED BY THE HURRICANE RIDGE WINTER SPORTS CLUB Jacilee Wray, Olympic National Park anthropologist, will tell the story of early skiing in the Olympic Mountains with historical pictures and first hand accounts from Park archives. The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club is hosting the presentation Saturday, January 15 at BarN9ne 229 West First Street in downtown Port Angeles starting at 7 pm. Admission is $5 at the door. All ages are welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Winter Sports Club. The Olympics Mountains were a hot bed of skiing activity in the earliest years of skiing in North America. Similar to the present day, the impetus for skiing came from local enthusiasts who wanted a place to practice the emerging winter sport. Then as now, looking from the shores of the Strait to the snow capped mountains inspired people to get up to the snow. Deer Park in the 1930’s was perhaps the best developed and most popular ski area in the state. The area boasted a mile long rope tow, lodges, ski trails, jumping facilities, and more. The Bremerton Ski Cruisers and other groups developed ski lodges elsewhere in the Olympics. “I am excited to see the archival photos and hear Jacilee’s stories” said event organizer Greg Halberg. “I know she has spent a tremendous amount of time researching winter recreation including interviewing many of the principal characters. I hope anyone with an interest in local history or winter recreation will take advantage of this rare opportunity to open up the vault. We would especially like to invite anyone with memories of skiing in the early days before the new road to Hurricane Ridge was completed.” This is the second in a series of presentations by the ski club at BarN9ne coinciding with the second weekend downtown events. In February, Steph Abegg, whose parents honeymooned on a difficult trans Olympic trek through the Valhallas, over Olympus, and out the Bailey range, will talk and show photographs about following in her parents footsteps 30 years later. March will bring Jason Hummel, a national published backcountry ski photographer, to BarN9ne to speak about his ski mountaineering experiences and photographs. In May the ski club will host its own film festival featuring locally produced outdoor films. More information can be found at the ski club website www.hurricaneridge.com.

Not sure if this should be posted here, main forum, Olympics, or freshies. At any rate, if you think increased winter access to Hurricane Ridge is a good idea, please consider chipping in some $$$. 750 people putting up $100 or some combination thereof gets it done. Part of the agreement with the park is that any increased use is non-local (why that matters is another story) so attracting some donors from off the peninsula helps the cause. The National Park Service has agreed to put $250,000 for each of the next three years towards keeping Hurricane Ridge Road open 7 days/week throughout the winter. Local residents are now kicking off a fund drive to raise $75,000 by August 15 to match this NPS commitment. http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100702/news/307029990/0/NEWS/group-kicks-off-effort-to-keep-hurricane-ridge-road-open From the Mayor of the City of Port Angeles on July 7 - "Winter Funding to Keep Hurricane Ridge Road Open All Week "For the past several years the community has been talking about the desire for winter access to Hurricane Ridge by keeping the road open all week during the winter. There is a window of opportunity that has been presented to the community to partner with the National Park Service. "According to Olympic National Park (ONP) staff the additional minimum amount needed per year to keep the road open seven days a week is $325,000. The Washington, DC office of the National Park Service has offered to cost-share with our community for a three-year trial period by providing $250,000 per year, with a required community commitment for the other $75,000 per year. The project to raise the funds is now up to the residents of the Olympic Peninsula. "To coordinate the effort the City of Port Angeles along with the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to try and make this happen. This is the classic "if everyone gives a little then the end result is significant" scenario. If every resident of Clallam County contributed as little as $1.25 per year we could make it happen. While it is unlikely we will be able to get everyone to participate, this still shows how doable this funding request really is. "Hurricane Ridge is a huge component to enticing visitation to the Olympic Peninsula and having this winter access would certainly be beneficial to both residents and visitors to the area. We only have until August 15 to raise the funds. The reason for this short window of time is due to the process of hiring and preparation needed by ONP. If we miss the goal we will then ramp up for 2012. "A separate account has been set up for these funds. Corporate sponsor opportunities are available and can be arranged with Russ Veenema. Checks should be made out to either Olympic National Park or The Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce and sent to the Port Angeles Chamber at 121 E. Railroad Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362. If you wish to pay with a credit card please call Russ, Vanessa or Lindsey at the Chamber office to process or come in to the Chamber Visitor Center. Should the goal not be reached, everyone will be contacted to confirm if they would like a refund or will allow the money to be used for the 2012 effort. "In addition, the City and Chamber are willing to make presentation to local organizations about this fundraising effort. Please contact Kent Myers, City Manager at 417-4501 or kmyers@cityofpa.us if you would like a presentation made to your organization. "Time is definitely of the essence so please help us with the terrific partnership opportunity. For additional information contact: Russ Veenema 452-2363, extension 13, or Teresa Pierce at 417-4630. "Sincerely, Daniel A. Di Guilio City of Port Angeles Mayor"

Thanks Fairweather. Are you talking about the Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA), or the Washington Trails Association (WTA)? As far as I know the WWA, to whom I was referring, are not familiar enough with the area to have an opinion on the Dose. They are primarily interested in maintaining snowmobile free winter areas in National Forests. Both Mark Menlove and Steve Ryder from the WWA who I spoke with were very supportive of our efforts regarding Hurricane Ridge winter access. I learned about the WWA as a part of the Outdoor Alliace, which includes the Access Fund, IMBA, paddler groups and others. In the larger context, we are trying to get similar outdoor recreation user groups (ie paddlers, climbers, skiers, bikers, equestrians, hikers, snowshoers, surfers etc on the Peninsula to work together to create trails, beach access, climbing areas, etc that matches the potential of the area. Which is quite excellent, despite the chossy rock. At this point we need all the help we can get so feel free to encourage others to respond as well. Thanks again for your support

I posted a long post in the access forum regarding winter access to Hurricane Ridge. The brief summary is please write a letter in support of 7 day a week access to Superintendent, Olympic National Park Re: Olympic National Park Final Management Plan 600 Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 or Sue_McGill@nps.gov Hurricane Ridge has the potential to be an incredible backcountry ski area, but it is only open on weekends, and even then it is extremely variable due to stormy weather, full parking, and other issues. We are working with the park to resolve these issues. One problem is that there hasn't been a public outcry for weekday access. Thanks.

I posted a long post in the access forum regarding winter access to Hurricane Ridge. The brief summary is please write a letter in support of 7 day a week access to Superintendent, Olympic National Park Re: Olympic National Park Final Management Plan 600 Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 or Sue_McGill@nps.gov Hurricane Ridge has the potential to be an incredible backcountry ski area, but it is only open on weekends, and even then it is extremely variable due to stormy weather, full parking, and other issues. We are working with the park to resolve these issues. One problem is that there hasn't been a public outcry for weekday access. Thanks.

On Thursday March 27, 2008 the Olympic Mountains are sheathed in several feet of new snow, the snow level nearly down to sea level, with a brilliant blue sky as a background, so it is time for a Hurricane Ridge access update. Several important events have occurred recently. 1. The Final Management Plan for Olympic National Park was issued on March 13. On the positive side plan calls for the ski area to retain the right to improve lifts without expanding the area, and providing alternative transportation. On the negative side, weekend only access was codified for the first time. Although the public comment period is over, any comment received before the 30 day no action period will be made part of the permanent record. Therefore it is critical to write a letter in support of seven day a week winter access before the 30 day no action period ends on April 11. The address is Superintendent, Olympic National Park Re: Olympic National Park Final Management Plan 600 Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98363 It may be useful to copy the Regional Director Jon Jarvis, Regional Director National Park Service Re: Olympic National Park Final Management Plan One Jackson Center 1111 Jackson Street Suite 700 Oakland, CA 94607 Numbers matter, so individuals as well as groups should respond. Mr. Jarvis recently testified to congress regarding Yosemite transportation: "The (Interior) Department strongly supports enhancing partnerships and increasing communication between gateway communities and Yosemite National Park. These efforts are consistent with the Administration’s “new environmentalism,” an initiative that will help build a healthier environment, dynamic economies, and sustainable communities. At the center of the Department’s plan to implement this new environmentalism are what Secretary Norton has termed the “Four C’s” — Communication, Consultation, and Cooperation, all in the service of Conservation. The Four C’s recognize that both gateway communities and federal lands can benefit from creative partnerships. " In my letter I said The words “on weekends” should be stricken from Paragraph 1 so it reads “Road access to Hurricane Ridge and Heart of the Hills would continue to be provided year round. The winter operating schedule would be used to allow road access for private vehicles (late fall to early spring depending on weather conditions).” This would allow the option of more days of operation if feasible at some point during the life of the document. The reason given for leaving weekend only access in all four options is that no comments were received in the scoping process or comment period in favor of seven day a week access. So we need to ask! 2. A group consisting of Betsy Wharton, PA City Council; Gary Holmquist, HRWSC; Michael Gruskin, WA Winter Recreation Program; Edna Petersen, PABA; and Greg Halberg, FONP; had a productive meeting with acting Superintendent Sue McGill and Park staff on March 17. We agreed that we can find ways to cooperate on better communication regarding road status, and alternative transportation ideas. We also committed to further conversation regarding other issues. 3. Sue McGill spoke with the Port Angeles Business Association (PABA) regarding Park access. She indicated that storm damage across the Park has made this an especially difficult year. Despite stormy weather, the road has been open 68% of scheduled days. Unfortunately, that means that open days decreased from 12 scheduled days per month to 8 open days per month. Eight days per month is not enough opportunities to attract customers. 4. The Winter Wildlands Alliance (a national nonprofit organization promoting and preserving winter wildlands and a quality human-powered snowsports experience on public lands) may provide assistance. WWA with the Forest Service has identified physical characteristics that make forest lands suitable for Nordic and Backcounrty Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing: • Free from snowmobiles • One to three miles from road for day use. • Two to six miles for overnight use. • Slopes that face all directions. • Predominantly free from avalanche hazard. • Steep slopes for Backcountry skiers. • Gentle terrain for crosscountry and snowshoe. • Able to accommodate grooming machines for track skiers. Hurricane Ridge is a near perfect match, as long as the road isn’t blocked at Heart O’ the Hills. 5. Some economic justification for keeping the road open: • A 2000 park study found that park visitors average spend an average of $89 per person per visit. Visitors that spend the night spend more. The study concluded that “If increased economic impact is a goal, management strategies that motivate park visitors to stay overnight in the area or to extend lengths of stay should be encouraged.” • Hurricane Ridge receives only 40% as many visits in winter as Paradise in Mount Rainier NP. During the summer that number goes up to 90%. Paradise is open 7 days a week in the winter. Hurricane Ridge receives more visits than Paradise on a per open day basis. • If Hurricane Ridge were to receive as many visits as Paradise it would be a $4,000,000 boost this year to the local economy based on $89 per visit. • Current winter hotel occupancy in Port Angeles is about 35%. Summer occupancy is about 85%. • According to Park officials at our meeting current cost as of mid March of Hurricane Ridge Operations for this winter season is $79,945. • The source for most of this data is on the Friends of the Park website www.friendsonp.org or MRNP and ONP websites. How can you help? Write a letter in support of increased access. Talk to other people that you know are interested in winter recreation or winter economics. Over the past year I have spoken with hundreds of people about this issue. Nearly all of them have said the same things- A) Yes, Hurricane Ridge should be open more often, and B) The Park will never do it. I think we can find ways to make it happen.