February 2001
Steamboat Springs Chapter Update
The Steamboat Springs Chapter of the BSA, known as Friends of the Routt Backcountry, is busy attending numerous Routt Winter Task Force meetings. They are discussing the group's efforts on Rabbit Ears Pass, the result of last winter's surveys, and ideas on how to tackle the increasing number of users on Buffalo Pass.
For those of you who are new to this newsletter, the Routt Winter Recreation Coalition (RWRC), is a citizens' group comprised of representatives from various winter recreational activities including: backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, hybrid users (motorized assisted skiing and snowboarding) and snowcat operators. This group, with advisory help from the U.S. Forest Service, is utilizing a collaborative process to discuss user conflicts and management alternatives at both Rabbit Ears and Buffalo Passes.
RWRC has been meeting this winter regarding user conflict issues at Buffalo Pass. It is a complex area with a wide variety of backcountry uses. The group is looking at a variety of management alternatives that address the "expected experience" of all users. Utilizing separation-of-use concepts, the non-motorized users seek reliable quiet areas while the motorized users look for loop trails and snow play areas. Hybrid users would like to see designated motorized routes that access non-motorized slopes. This is a tough slate of issues and will require patience and persistence as we proceed.
Utilizing the existing "suggested use" management that is in place at Rabbit Ears Pass, we have seen the benefits of education as fewer motorized tracks are seen in some non-motorized areas. It is a slow, steady process that often takes years before the message is heard and understood. By splitting the cost for signs and maps between Friends of the Routt Backcountry and the motorized groups, there is increased signage and a trailhead host program that provides education and data collection and there are no daily fees for users. The motorized users have been supportive of the boundaries and are working hard to get the message out to their users. Their effort is appreciated and the effects are noted on the ground. Although compliance problems still exist, the message is beginning to be understood.
Buffalo Pass has presented more of a challenge. Snowmobilers are resisting further boundary restrictions while non-motorized users feel as though they are losing quiet places to ski. According to Kim Vogel, district ranger for the Steamboat area, "There is a problem on Buff Pass, and it's up to this group (the task force) to solve the problem." She said that user surveys and suggested use areas are part of the solution. She expects the task force to come to a consensus as to where to draw lines on the map for different uses. She emphatically stated that the U.S. Forest Service will take over and designate motorized and non-motorized areas if the group fails. If the USFS does the work, it is likely that daily parking fees will be instated. According to Leslie Lovejoy, of the Friends of the Routt Backcountry, the task force is making progress on determining how to fairly to separate use.