January 2003
Vail Pass Task Force Update
At the Fall 2002 meetings (August and October) items discussed included how well recreational users were abiding by separation of use, effective use of signage, fees, and potential map changes.
According to the Forest Service, it seems that with each passing year, more recreationists are abiding by the rules and staying within boundaries. Although several tickets were written during the last season, it is hoped that continued education will help keep users in appropriate areas and therefore improve the experience for all users. Most of the users surveyed are appreciative of the separation though not everyone likes to pay the fee. The BSA received approximately 10 reports of motorized use in non-motorized areas, and these reports were used by the Forest Service to help them pinpoint areas to better monitor enforcement.
This year, the BSA has received several complaints of snowmobiles along the Commando Run. The Forest Service has added a fence, signs, and several patrols to this area. Two tickets have recently been given to snowmobilers found to have passed the signs. We have also received detailed reports of snowmobiles in the Black Lakes Ridge area. Additional signs and patrols have been added to this area during the first weeks in January. It is hoped that these measures will eliminate the poaching. Other areas of discussion include the area around Janet's Cabin, Searle Pass, and Machine Gun Ridge.
On the bright side, the area behind the Shrine Mountain Huts is seeing better compliance this year according to Chuck Ogilby, owner of those huts.
At the October 2002 meeting, after significant review of the budget and discussion, it was determined that the area was running at a deficit. Fee changes for the 2002-2003 season include a change to $5 for every day (up from $2 Monday - Thursday) and $35 for season passes (up from $25). The BSA voted against the daily change but was outvoted by all other members of the task force.
This year the non-motorized community will receive increased ground enforcement in the Searle Pass to Machine gun ridge, and at the access points to the Commando run, along with an elevated level of patrolling overall. A significant portion of the $90,000 budget (95% of all fees stay to administer the Vail Pass Recreation Area) goes to enforcement of the non-motorized areas. A good grooming program for the motorized people will help keep them on the designated trails and reduce the temptation to poach the non-motorized areas. Another discussion on fees and the budget will occur at the next meeting (January 21, 2002).
By the end of last season, all of the areas in the Vail Pass Management area were mapped using GPS. A new map will come out next season (2003/4) with full accuracy.
Vail Pass Task Force Meetings will be held on January 21 and April 22. The public is welcome to attend and provide input. Suggestions may also be submitted through the "BERD" or by contacting us via e-mail.