December, 2004
Patagonia Grant Supports Wolf Creek Project
Patagonia has awarded the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance $2,700 to continue work on Wolf Creek Pass, an area in which we've been working since 2001. The purpose of our work is to mitigate conflict between motorized and nonmotorized use of the pass in the winter by separating the use. After three years of meeting with the motorized and non-motorized users of the area, we have convinced some motorized enthusiasts of the need for separation. Our goal at Wolf Creek Pass is designed to separate the area into motorized and non-motorized zones such that each group will be allowed to enjoy the area without worrying about adversely impacting the other group. We plan to continue our work with the Forest Service, local human-powered users, and local motorized enthusiasts to come up with a plan and an educational program to implement the separation. This project is unrelated to the proposed development at Wolf Creek Ski Area. Texas billionaire, BJ "Red" McCombs, hopes to build a village at the ski area with approximately 2100 housing units and 222,000 square feet of commercial space. However, if this development is approved and constructed, the additional users of the area will impact the work we are doing on Wolf Creek Pass. Concerns about this project include environmental impacts and financial impact on surrounding communities.