December 2004
Changes at Vail Pass -
Volunteering Available
Last March, the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance collected comments on proposed changes to the Vail Pass Winter Recreation area. Thanks to you, we were able to prevent a change that would have bisected a non-motorized area with a motorized route. So, don't give up on commenting--it does pay to be persistent!
Changes to the map include:
- The Hanks Gulch timber sale roads were open to motorized use;
- the Commando play areas north of Lime Creek road and east of Lime Creek were open to motorized use up to logical physical and natural barriers below the ridgeline, and the boundary for snowmobile use was moved to Lime Creek Road thereby keeping motorized traffic away from the Commando Run;
- the Resolution play area would be included as a motorized play area and managed by natural physical barriers;
- the Wilder play area east of the through Route (#2) would now be multiple-use; the area from South Ptarmigan Ridge to Resolution road would be multiple-use; and
- a motorized route defined from Shrine Ridge to Wilder Gulch based on natural features would be available.
This year, there will be snowmobile access for hybrid use near Black Lakes; but the machines must stay on designated routes.
The daily fee at Vail Pass has increased to $6.00 per day. This is to cover the budget which the task force has tried to keep in check. Other funding sources are being sought to keep this rate steady.
This year, an Ambassador Program designed to educate users of the area and keep fees low is being implemented. This pilot program seeks volunteers to be visible in high traffic areas to better serve the public with information about the area and to help with backcountry monitoring and enforcement.
Volunteers are needed Saturdays and Sundays Nov 26-April 10. You will need your own gear and a lunch. In exchange for at least 20 hours of service, volunteers eceive a free season pass. You also get a Forest Service baseball cap, nameplate and maps. Please contact us if you are interested.