February Access Fund Virtual Times

[jon]

The Access Fund:YOUR CLIMBING FUTUREVirtual Times #14http://www.accessfund.org/February 2002

Submissions/comments for the Virtual Times are welcome via email to john@accessfund.orgTo view this e-news on our website click: http://www.accessfund.org/virtual_times/e-news16.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN THIS ISSUE:1. Access Fund Grant Supports Bouldering in Bishop, CA2. BLM Asks For Voluntary Closure of Western Chalk Bluff3. Bridalveil Falls, Colorado4. President Bush Authorizes Oil Exploration for Drilling in the Desert of Utah5. Indian Creek Update6. Jefferson County Open Space Developing Climbing Management Plans, CO

------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Access Fund Grant Supports Bouldering in Bishop, CA------------------------------------------------------------------------The Access Fund has provided a $9,750 grant to the Bishop, CA field office of the Bureau of Land Management to manage the tremendous growth of bouldering in this area and protect resources on the Volcanic Tablelands. Funds will be directed towards a number of projects, including campground maintenance, climber education, outreach, and cultural resource surveys. The grant is part of the Access Fund's nationwide Bouldering Campaign, which aims to:

-Raise awareness about bouldering among land managers and the public;-Promote care and respect for natural places visited by boulderers;-Mobilize the climbing community to act responsibly & work cooperatively with land managers;-Protect and rehabilitating bouldering resources;-Preserve bouldering access.

For more information, contact Shawn Tierney, access and acquisitions director, at shawn@accessfund.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------2. BLM Asks For Voluntary Closure of Western Chalk Bluff------------------------------------------------------------------------Steve Addington, Field Manager for the Bureau of Land Management in Bishop, CA, is asking the public to honor a voluntary seasonal closure of public lands along the western part of Chalk Bluff, north of Bishop, to protect raptor habitat.

The voluntary closure to foot, equestrian and vehicle traffic will be in effect from January 1 to July 31, 2002. The closure area is from the northern edge of Chalk Bluff Road to the northern boundaries of Sections 19, 20 and 21, and from the eastern edge of Section 21 (touching the uppermost tip of Happy Boulders canyon) west to the edge of the power line road above Pleasant Valley Reservoir. The closure applies to BLM-managed public lands and does not include the foot trail in the middle of Section 21. There will be signs posted in the area asking visitors to respect the closure, with additional notices at information kiosks and local businesses. Although it is expected that the closure will have a minimal effect on climbing due to limited bouldering in this area, the Access Fund urges all climbers to honor this closure as it will help preserve access in the future.

As a result of public input and environmental analysis, the BLM decided on a voluntary closure for the 2002 raptor-breeding season. The completed environmental analysis document is available at the Bishop library or from the BLM office in Bishop. BLM is continuing to study the situation and will begin a public planning effort to guide long-term management of the area. The process will be completed by September 30.For more information contact Doug Dodge, Joe Pollini or Joy Fatooh at the BLM's Bishop field office at 760-872-4881.

------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Bridalveil Falls, Colorado------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bridalveil Falls, one of the most sought-after ice climbs in this country has a new access problem. Idarado Mining Company, owner of the property where the falls is located, did not renew their year-to-year recreational access easement with the Town of Telluride. This means that the approach to the Falls is technically closed, at least for the Winter 2001-2002 season. The Access Fund is working with Regional Coordinator Steve Johnson and local climbers to explore all options for restoring access to this historic climb.

For more information, contact Shawn Tierney, access and acquisitions director, at shawn@accessfund.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------4. President Bush Authorizes Oil Exploration for Drilling in the Desert of Utah------------------------------------------------------------------------

President Bush recently authorized oil exploration and drilling between Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park in Utah. Some of this exploration will occur on land recently reviewed for expansion of Canyonlands National Park. The San Rafael Swell just south of Capitol Reef NP is also being considered for oil and gas drilling. Federal and state park officials, and even some oil companies, object to this policy. Please see the New York Times article below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/08/politics/08UTAH.html?ex=1014466451&ei=1&en=9b2f18bd3c0ca2fb

The Access Fund is concerned about the potential effects of oil and gas exploration on the climbing experience in Canyonlands, Indian Creek, and other lesser-known areas in this region. We do not believe the limited resources that could be extracted from these areas justify the disruption of the environment that inevitably accompanies drilling.

See http://www.congress.gov for contact information for your elected officials.

------------------------------------------------------------------------5. Indian Creek Update------------------------------------------------------------------------

On January 17 and 18, at the request of the Access Fund, an informal meeting was held at the BLM Monticello Field Office to discuss issues concerning the upcoming Recreation Plan for Indian Creek. Access Fund Policy Analyst Jason Keith, BLM recreation planners, and representatives from The Nature Conservancy and Rocky Mountain Field Institute attended this meeting. The new plan will likely include changes and improvements in camping locations, vehicular access, and perhaps limited route closures to rock art, ruins, and wildlife. By Fall of 2002 the BLM hopes to present a draft Indian Creek Recreation Plan EA for public review and comment. For more information visit our website http://www.accessfund.org/programs/programs_news_pr.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------6. Jefferson County Open Space Developing Climbing Management Plans, CO ------------------------------------------------------------------------Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) is currently in the process of developing or implementing management plans for lands, which feature outstanding and historic climbing opportunities, including Cathedral Spires Park and Clear Creek Canyon Park. JCOS recognizes the climbing the climbing values of these areas (includes Cynical Pinnacle and the Dome) and is soliciting input to help in the planning for these sites. Further information can be obtained from Colleen Gadd at JCOS by calling 303-271-5995.

JCOS is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, February 28 from 6:30-8:30pm to gather information and ideas about climbing in Clear Creek Canyon Park. The location will be in the Open Space building in Golden at 700 Jefferson County Parkway, in the Hearing Room. The Access Fund encourages climbers to attend this meeting.

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