August 2002
Vail Pass Task Force Update
The Vail Pass Task Force meets bimonthly. At the May 2002 meeting items discussed included how well recreational users were abiding by separation of use, effective use of signage, a summary of use and fees, and potential map changes.
Last year, approximately 16,000 recreationists used the Vail Pass/Camp Hale area. Of those users who reported mode of transport, 64% were motorized and 36% non-motorized. Twenty-four percent of the non-motorized users were hut users. Although there were no avalanche injuries during the season, there was a fatality on Machine Gun Ridge due to white out conditions.
Problems still exist in the Black Lakes Area, Lime Creek Road, the corridor between Ptarmigan and Searle Passes, and the area behind the Shrine Mountain Huts. There were also some incursions to the Commando Run by snowmobiles. Task Force Members and ranger recommendations will make decisions on map and sign changes. A mediator may be called in to facilitate these discussions. If you have any suggestions, do not hesitate to e-mail me, and I will pass the information to the Task Force.
A new map is in the works. Daily fees will not change for the 2002-2003 season. The next meeting is August 27, 2002, at 9am in Minturn. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.