April 2000
Steamboat Springs Chapter Update
As the season winds down, the Friends of the Routt Backcountry (the Steamboat Chapter of the BSA) feel the season has been a successful one. Snowmobilers and skiers have worked together to put up signs, volunteer in the parking lot and discuss issues. Has everything been perfect? No, but it's a start.
The Routt Winter Task Force met on March 22, 2000, to discuss Rabbit Ears Pass, the North Routt, and Buffalo Pass. Problems with the work done on the Rabbit Ears Pass were discussed and solution suggested.
Ten people surveyed the Buffalo Pass area to identify areas suitable for motorized and non-motorized use. Four areas including Dry Lake Campground, South Fork Soda Creek, North Fork Soda Creek, and Buffalo Mountain have been proposed as non-motorized. These areas are easy to get to (near the road) and thus appropriate for non-motorized users. Now that the areas have been surveyed, the group will have a place to begin the discussion.
The North Routt is also looking at areas to designate as non-motorized. The talking points will include Dave Mark's commercial area, north of Creek 129 from Columbine down to Larson Creek, Troby Flats, Hahn's Peak, and Pearl Lake. The Steamboat Lake Snow Club (members include a State Parks representative, Dave Mark's Mountain Recreation Company, and some members of the North Routt Community) would like to work with the Routt Winter Task Force especially when the time comes to work directly with the Forest Service on the North Routt.
We believe this season has been a good one in terms of working together with the motorized community. We hope next season will be better in terms of compliance.