If you like Trout Creek...

[mtep]

Trout Creek access update:

The BLM has issued the new scoping letter and is accepting public input and ideas on methods to manage conflicts between human user groups and nesting raptors. These comments will be reviewed before the E.A. is prepared, and another comment period will occur post-release. Constructive and site-specific suggestions are considered the most helpful. All comments could become public, including personal information. Emails will be accepted at : BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov

or can be mailed to: 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754

(Attn of: Trout Creek Project)

The comment period ends on March 30th.

 

There's an AF-style form letter in the works. Coming soon.

 

More at:www.facebook.com/#!/FriendsofTroutCreek

[crackers]

Here's your weekly Trout Creek Update.

 

As you should know, the BLM issued the scoping letter and comment is due by March 30th! We need you to get in touch with the BLM by email or letter and provide constructive, site-specific input and comment.

 

You can find out way more about Trout Creek, see the scoping letter and get some ideas on Facebook at Friends of Trout Creek, at the Crag Law Blog or even at the American Alpine Club Oregon Section Facebook Page.

 

• A pair of golden eagles have occupied the nest on the Main Wall and are currently incubating one or more eggs! This highlights the importance of the efforts we have undertaken thus far, and lends credence to the possibility of this seasonal closure becoming perennial once the E.A. is finished (tentatively scheduled for the end of April).
  
• The climbing community is committed to working with the BLM to protect this territory during golden eagle nesting season. This means continuing to honor the voluntary closure and contributing constructive ideas to help craft the best long term management plan for both eagles and climbers.
  
• We hope to use the successful Smith Rock golden eagle management plan as a model to create appropriate seasonal buffer zones around each nest that will be independently monitored and managed, potentially allowing for some of the territory (away from the occupied nest and outside of the buffer zone) to open for climbing in May once the eagles have chosen a nest.
  
• Strong emphasis must be placed on the value of this unique and near-perfect crack climbing destination to climbers, local businesses, and tourism/recreation.
  
• Responses to the scoping letter are due by March 30th, and we encourage your constructive input. Once the E.A. is finished, it will be released and another 30-day comment period will follow.
  

Huge thanks are due to all of you who care about Trout Creek and our climbing access enough to take the time to write an email or a letter. Let's work together on this, respect the closure and keep climbing access open.

[crackers]

It would be great if you guys could establish a rapport with the BLM and whomever their biology resource such that you'd be able to assist with the monitoring. Given the Goldens could possibly nest elsewhere in a multi-nest rotation in any given year, it will be important to address both monitoring for nest use each year and then, if it is used, to establish the scope of the closure for those years and monitor fledging for the open.

 

We agree completely, as does the BLM. We are working on building a strong relationship with the Prineville District Office of the BLM and have every intention of following up on this issue moving forward. The American Alpine Club Oregon Section, the Access Fund, and especially Friends of Trout Creek are all pitching in together to make this happen.