JasonG Posted January 15, 2010 Posted January 15, 2010 Thanks to all who came and spoke before the city council last fall. It really helped! In addition to mellowing other areas of the forest plan (climbing paths, scramble trails), they have really taken a big step back from the unreasonable insurance requirements for instructional groups. Should make things much better for climbing classes and regular climbers too. The reversal on insurance: Hello, One outcome from our Anacortes Community Forest Lands Comprehensive Plan update process was the review of our requirements for instructional climbing groups to use Mt. Erie. Based on the advice of our new City Attorney in consultation with legal counsel for the Washington Cities Insurance Authority, the city's risk management advisor, they have suggested the following: The City of Anacortes will no longer require instructional climbing groups on Mt. Erie to provide the City with a hold harmless agreement, proof of insurance, or participant waivers. All groups shall follow these rules: 1. Group size must not exceed 50 people per organization per day (this number includes instructors). 2. Groups should carpool when driving to the summit to allow for other recreational users to enjoy the mountain. 3. Please pack out all trash and use the restroom facility provided on the summit. 4. Notify Anacortes Parks and Recreation staff of the dates you wish to hold instructional courses on Mt. Erie well in advance (2 months notice is preferable for classes held during high use season.) This is not a reservation, nor does it guarantee exclusive use of an area. It does help us regulate and avoid crowding at any one site. Local residents and the city have worked to balance recreational use and conservation on Mt. Erie. Your cooperation and support to help us care for it is greatly appreciated. Please contact me with any questions. Thank you. Jonn Lunsford Anacortes Parks & Recreation Quote
genepires Posted January 16, 2010 Posted January 16, 2010 50 people! there isn't enough parking for 20 people up there. the plan seems reasonable though, unless I got 50 friends who want to climb. Quote
JasonG Posted January 17, 2010 Author Posted January 17, 2010 I agree that 50 is pretty silly, but as ole' Bush liked to say, "nobody expected catastrophic success". . . .Now all the climbing groups in WA can come on the same day as one big, happy family. Quote
DanO Posted January 17, 2010 Posted January 17, 2010 The City of Anacortes will no longer require instructional climbing groups on Mt. Erie to provide the City with a hold harmless agreement, proof of insurance, or participant waivers. Thanks from me at least, this seems like a great positive step for the climbing community. I climb and hike often on Mount Erie and want to contribute to taking care of the mountain while allowing access. I will tread lightly and pick up any trash that I may see, but to date I have seen none that I remember of. Good show. For the next generation of climbers let us enjoy the outdoors and be good citizens. Dan Quote
DanO Posted January 17, 2010 Posted January 17, 2010 The City of Anacortes will no longer require instructional climbing groups on Mt. Erie to provide the City with a hold harmless agreement, proof of insurance, or participant waivers. Thanks from me at least, this seems like a great positive step for the climbing community. I climb and hike often on Mount Erie and want to contribute to taking care of the mountain while allowing access. I will tread lightly and pick up any trash that I may see, but to date I have seen none that I remember of. Good show. For the next generation of climbers let us enjoy the outdoors and be good citizens. Dan Quote
genepires Posted January 17, 2010 Posted January 17, 2010 I think most people like new policy, or rather lack of policy. (Their rules are just common sense stuff that we should abide by anyway.) Even if it means that once in a while, it is packed with hordes of people. Luckily that happens when it is better to go elsewhere anyway. But then I live in monroe and if I lived in anacortes I may have a different opinion. Maybe not. I also thank the city of anacortes for a reasonable decision, which rarely happens anymore. Quote
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