Alternative Reality

Let's pretend for a minute that instead of :

"Three members of the park’s nine-person road crew will change their duty schedules this week and work full-time on maintaining weekend access to Hurricane Ridge.

 

Of the remaining six crew members, one is a mechanic, charged with servicing and maintaining the park’s fleet of trucks and heavy equipment and three are tasked with keeping roads cleared and maintained along the park’s northern and eastern edges including Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, Elwha and Staircase. The remaining two road crew members are stationed in Quinault to keep the Quinault, Queets and Hoh Rain Forest roads clear and passable."

 

Lets imagine if they went with a program that the three guys for Hurricane Ridge plus the three guys for the northeast all worked together to do whatever was needed each day.  Keep in mind that Crater Lake keeps 30 miles of high elevation road open 24/7 with six guys. Mount Baker has seven guys for 24/7 coverage plus an smilar amount of low elevation work as ONP, and does it for about half the cost.  In Utah a six man crew keeps the Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon roads open as well as a stretch of Interstate 215.  That would be the equivalant of Sol Duc and Hurricane with Highway 101 in between as well.

 

This week, the three Hurricane Ridge guys supposedly worked all day on Friday to clear the 6-8 foot drifts that had built up during the week.  The road was closed all day Friday.  On Saturday, they sanded the road, finished what they didn't do on Friday and at any rate were done and headed back to headquarters by about 9:30.  On Sunday, there was no new precipitation, and the road opened at 7:15.  Maximum one guy in the sand truck.  Going into this week, there is no snow forecast until Thursday so the crew of six could then work on the other projects in the northeast portion of the park.

Some precise weather forecasting such as is available to the WSDOT from www.nw-weathernet.com would make it even more efficient.

 

This is a very typical scenario that would allow the HR road to open every day and whatever else the other three guys do also get done. 

 

Imagining the worst case scenario of a major windstorm that fells multiple trees across the other roads: 

 

At Lake Crescent Highway 101 is maintained by WSDOT and East Beach Road by the County.  Sol Duc Road has been closed in the winter, and the GMP says it will be open seasonally. 

 

The Olympic Hot Springs Road has been closed the last two years for dam removal, and regardless always closes when it is snow covered.  For the last two years the Whiskey Bend Road was closed due to a major washout fixed by an outside contractor, then a minor culvert replacement also fixed by an outside contractor. 

 

Staircase has been closed the past five years during the winter since the big hump fire.

 

So there doesn't seem to be any urgency in keeping those areas open. At the very worst, close the Hurricane Ridge Road a couple days during the week to get caught up.  It would be better than closing it all the time as is the case now.

 

 

So much for accountability.  I wrote a letter to the West Regional Director outlining specific details where the Hurricane Ridge decision is contrary to National Park Service policy.  I got back a generic press release, amazingly similar to the response to Summer's letter to the editor.

Here is my orignal letter:

Christine Lehnertz, Regional Director
National Park Service
333 Bush Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104-2828

Dear Ms. Lehnertz,

As Sarah Creachbaum becomes the new Superintendent of Olympic National Park, I would like to bring to your attention to an ongoing issue at ONP: winter access to Hurricane Ridge. 

It is troubling to the local community that there is a set of standards that seemingly apply only to Hurricane Ridge: For example: cost per visitor justification; safety; and road crew hours.  

Support for increased winter access to Hurricane Ridge permeates both the spirit and the letter of National Park policy as stated in NPS Management Policies, Director’s Orders, and the ONP superintendent’s compendium. The park has an obligation to provide opportunities for winter recreation and provide adequate funding to do so.

Excerpts from NPS policies contradict current Hurricane Ridge management, and support many of the suggested solutions to increased winter access.  NPS policy:

·         Clarifies that winter recreation is an appropriate use within Parks in general and Olympic in particular due to the mention of winter use in the founding documents, annexation of Deer Park, and the current GMP.  8.1.1, 8.2.2

·         Further emphasizes that park managers must provide visitors from all walks of life the opportunity for meaningful educational and recreational experiences-experiences that inspire and lead to visitor enjoyment and a greater sense of resource stewardship. (Introduction)

·         Establishes recreation as a park value that should not be impaired without careful consideration. 1.4.4, 1.4.6.  Four days a week road closure impairs that value.

·         Defines an unacceptable impact as one that diminishes opportunities for current or future generations to enjoy, learn about, or be inspired by park resources or values; and unreasonably interferes with an appropriate use.

·         Ensures that there are adequate funds and staff to conserve and protect the resources (including recreation) for which parks are responsible and provide for the enjoyment of the same.

·         The Park has an obligation to support the federal policy of actively promoting the health and personal fitness of the general public. 1.5

Restrictions on appropriate uses should be minimal:

·         Restrictions placed on recreational uses that have otherwise been found to be appropriate will be limited to the minimum necessary to protect park resources and values, and promote visitor safety and enjoyment. Any restriction of appropriate recreational use will be limited to what is necessary to protect park resources and values, to promote visitor safety and enjoyment, or to meet park management needs.  8.2.2

·         Any closures or restrictions-other than those imposed by law-must be consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and require a written determination by the superintendent that such measures are needed to protect public health and safety; and prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources or values.

·         Any restrictions imposed will be fully explained to visitors and the public.  Visitors will be given appropriate information on how to keep adverse impacts to a minimum and how to enjoy the safe and lawful use of the parks.

Arbitrarily closing 4 days a week regardless of weather does not meet the standard of closing for visitor safety.  Last year there were over 60 days that the road was closed during the 7 month winter period despite clear roads and no drifting or avalanche threat.

·         Park visitors must assume a substantial degree of risk and responsibility for their own safety when visiting areas that are managed and maintained as natural, cultural, or recreational environments. 8.2.5

·         NPS superintendents will use their discretion to determine the level of program resources and the types of programs needed to manage visitor risk within their park unit.  This will depend on the resources, values, park-specific mission, the feasibility of various program levels, activities offered at the park, the nature of the park visits, the degree of risks to visitors at the park, and the history of visitor injury in the park.   DO 50C 4.1

·         The Service will work cooperatively with other federal, tribal, state, and local agencies; organizations, and individuals to carry out the responsibility to provide a safe and healthful environment. 8.2.5

Off Peak use should be encouraged to alleviate congestion, which is a problem at Hurricane:

·         Encourage visitor use of lesser-known parks and underutilized areas; use during non-peak seasons, days of the week, and times of the day; and visitation to related sites beyond park boundaries, as appropriate, to enhance overall visitor experiences and protection of resources. Director’s Order #17 4.7

Partnerships with local entities are strongly encouraged:

·         Reinforces cooperation with federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as individuals and organizations, to provide visitor enjoyment, and address mutual interests in the quality of life for community residents. 1.10

·         In the spirit of partnership, the Service will also seek opportunities for cooperative management agreements with state or local agencies that will allow for more effective and efficient management of the parks. 1.10

In the ROD of the ONP GMP, the reasons given for the limited Hurricane Ridge schedule are “Operational and staffing requirements, along with unpredictable severe weather conditions, make a long-term commitment to consistently opening the road for seven day a week winter access infeasible.”

The Superintendent’s Compendium states “Due to public safety concerns, the Hurricane Ridge Road may be closed at the Heart O’ The Hills entrance based on environmental conditions.”  Monday through Thursday closure is not based on environmental conditions.

To summarize, the community has consistently expressed a desire for increased winter access to Hurricane Ridge.  A number of solutions have been proposed, with a range of costs, including cooperation with local and state governments.  A meaningful dialogue with interested stakeholders would be helpful.

Although I am writing only as a private citizen, broad community support for increased winter access is evident, particularly shown by raising over $150,000 in donations to ONP over the past two years to fund winter access. The two year trial resulted in a 35% increase in winter visits. The trial also resulted in an increase in visitor spending greater than the cost based on the MP3 model, used throughout the NPS system.

Sincerely,

 

Greg Halberg

The National Park Service recently announced that access to Paradise in Mount Rainier NP will be closed Tuesday's and Wednesday's this winter.  Again, no public input on this decision.  Here is what will happen.

Notice that in 1993, HR and MR are nearly the same.  The Ridge was open seven days a week.  In 2000 and 2001 HR was open again seven days a week after the record snows of 1999, when the HR road was closed most of the winter (Don't ask me why the HR 1999 numbers are so high even though the road was closed from mid January through late May, they are the Parks numbers, taken from the YTD numbers through April here).  It is a pretty safe bet that the MR numbers will follow a similar path.  The Hurricane Ridge closure also started as Tuesday and Wednesday in the 1995-1998 ish time.

Thank you if you arrived here from the Seattle Times.  And Thank-You to John Kinmonth.  Free Hurricane Ridge stands for three things:

The Ridge

1. The Hurricane Ridge Road can and should be open at least as far as the Switchback trailhead every day, 365 days a year.  ONP's excuses for why that cannot happen are simply not true.  Closures and late openings also diminish the quality of the experience.
2. The distruction of the Waterhole Hut was an illegal action by ONP staff.  The Hut should be replaced, and in fact more huts should be installed along the non-wilderness road corridors which are closed in winter.
3. The existing ski area has a minimal impact on the enviroment, yet plays a critical role in the community, particularly getting young future supporters of wild places away from their screens and into nature.  ONP is currently stonewalling improvements allowed in the General Mangement Plan.

Details in support of our claims are detailed in the pages on the right, and will continue to be updated.  See also www.facebook.com/FreeHurricaneRidge.

ONP learned thier lesson in 1991.  This time they just tore it down without telling anyone.

Waterhole Sign-in Log Books Highlights
Part 2: Books 4-5, 1982 to 1989
Selected historical notes and visitor comments compiled by Rod Farlee.

"Thanks for making this unique experience possible. Tony & gang 12-13-82"

"Wow! What a beautiful spot! To have a hut like this at the end of a yellow-blister-ski-in is a joy. That you Jack Hughes and the N.P.S. for a New Hampshireman this cabin is a beaut and what deep snow! Met two parties today coming in here - quite a popular place. Bill Bittle, Jan. 1, 1983"

"We just took a vote - 3 to 2 in favor of staying here until July. M A Leonard and party, Seattle, 1-2-83"

Steve Holm - 22 Jan '83
[note: Steve Holm in 1977 broke his femur and was treated and helo-evac'd at Waterhole by Dr. Sam Baker, volunteer John Wegmann, and ranger Jack Hughes.]

"Cabin clean and neat. Incredibly cozy. Dave Davies + Charlie Wiggins, Bainbridge Is. 2-26-83"

"This cabin is a superb idea. Linda Boring, 3/24/83"

"This cabin is wonderful. Thanks to all who keep it in such great shape. Christy Johnson, Seattle, March 27, 1983"

"Why aren't there more huts like this? Kelly Mason, Seattle"

"Thankful for such beautiful weather, bright moon, good friends & cozy cabin. Liese Clebsch & John Dean, 24 April 1983"

"This is a wonderful little hut. There should be more. Eric Schimscel, Port Angeles, May 1, '83"

"Nothing beats being warm and dry. Rachael Lavengood + Deb Willard, 12/18/83"

"Great little hut. We enjoyed the fire and the facilities. Kerry, Packer + Mary Holden 12/18/83"

"This is a great place to warm up and relax. Thanks guys. Rick Vanthoff, Joe Parr, Alan Hill, Gig Harbor, 1/1/84"

"Thanks for the hut. Make, David, Leann, Jerry, David, January 28, 1984"

"A warm stove to greet us! Thanks to Jack Hughes for keeping this up - Let us know when 'Hut 2' work begins! 2-18-84"

"Feb. 24, Ken Zeigler & Lance Coe spent the night via Grand Lake and then on to Deer Park. Will ski down Dr. Park Rd."

"I love this place! Pat Burkhardt 26 Feb '84"

"A dream come true! 3 days of snow and a stove to boot! Sean & Maria Sullivan, Berkeley Calif. 3-6-84"

"Great hospitality in this park. Thanks. 7 students from Anacortes High School, March 7 '84"

"We skied through wet concrete to arrive at this wonderful haven. Dave Freiband, Missoula MT, March 20"

"Wonderful home this hut has offered us. D. Freiband"

"Much appreciate the hospitality. Al McGuire, Seattle, 4/21/84"

"San Antonio, Texas 4/24/84"

"Cabin is warm and cozy. After spending a wet night on Hurricane Ridge w/a leaky tent, this is a paradise! Don & Lynda Mollick, Nov. 11 '84"

[Poem in Chinese and translation]
"Here by the campfire's flicker
deep in my blanket furled
I long for the peace of the pine-gloom
when world is speaking to world.
Sachio Ashida, 1/24/84"

"We are claiming the all-time record for number of sleepers in the hut - 9! This hut was a relief to my eyes & weary bones to ski up to! Reachout Expeditions, Winter Staff Training, 12/2/84"

"Finding this cabin really made the night. Everyone warm and happy. Steve Merritt"

"Was happy to have the hut to stay in last night. Pretty cozy arrangements with all 9 of us on the floor. Glenn Powell"

"Sure do appreciate a place like this when arriving in the dark! Thanks Jack! Sure do love Olympic N. Park! Bill Schaarschmidt"

"Great time here at the hut! This is awesome country + great skiing. I praise God for this warm place in the midst of this winter wonderland. Bruce 'Bronco' Hige"

"What a wonderful warm, dry place. Cindy Merritt"

"I tip my hat to Jack & the others who help maintain this hut. Craig Olson, Dec. 16 '84"

"Great hut. Fantastic. Bob Weyl & family, Dec. 23"

"Dec. 23. Alan Zachwieja. Great hut! Just like the good old days in the friendly back country, with a little bit of dry firewood and kindling, a bit of food, a few necessities for that late arrival or the 'almost emergency'. Consideration for the next fellow. Wisdom of the wilderness. How can we convince them of how good it used to be... and is in some places... and can be? 'With love' he answered 'and peace within.'"

"A magic mecca in the woods - fine winter wonderland - so welcome. Thanks!! Kevin Saunders, Amanda Romig, Dec. 26 84"

"A nice spot to stop, this. Thanks to all for providing it. Ying Wu, Seattle, 12/26"

"The hut sure is as beautiful as it ever was! Kathleen Grimbley, Seattle"

"A real outstanding nook in the woods. Thanks and we have to come back next season. Don + Lynda Mollick and group 1-12-85"

"Can't we afford to construct a series of cabins? Nice destination vs. snow cave."

"Can we afford to build another? This one was built by citizens at no cost to the government! Another is planned. Jack Hughes, 16 Jan 85"

"Hut is very homey. Hank Shelgrove, Port Townsend Jan. 20, 1985"

"Oh what a shame to leave here. Brian, Ev, Jean + Steve, Victoria B.C."

"I think this cabin is the best thing in the world! I'm sure everyone agrees. BDK + 9 of us."

"This cabin is great! R - '84"

"Like totally twitchin' hut - Alyn -"

"I have been dreaming about this place for days. Chuck Hasty"

"We love this little hut! Patty G."

"We love this hut! It's nic to be warm. Cindy Johansen, 6 Reachout Girls from Anacortes, Feb. 27, 1985"

"The hut's great. Robin Dursch"

"This hut was a sight for sore eyes. Who ever built this hut is our friend forever. Anacortes Polar Bear Expedition 3/7/85"

"Ah, another glorious trip to the wonderful ski hut! Decided last night was our 5th time to the hut. How lucky we are! Pat Burkhardt + Annette Jenard 3/10/85"

"I've been waiting years for this. James Applegate 316/85"

"This hut is something I thought one only dreamed of. We've been scheming about such a trip since summer '83 in far-off Maine. We made it! Spent 3 fabulous days and nights here. Randi Freeman, David Freiband, Missoula MT, 3/19/85"

"Joy, Rapture, I give it 4 stars. Steve Fram, Michigan, 20 Mar '85"

"This is a beautiful place, cozy hut, great company, wonderful ranger. Thanks loads, Janet, Sue, Ann Arbor, MI. 20 Mar 95"

"This hut is clean and very cozy. Enjoying the feeling of snowbound security. L. Davis, H. Snelgrove, Nordland, March 29, '85"

"What a beautiful hut! Snowshoeing in, this hut was a wonderful (read 'warm') surprise. Doug Hamilton, Minnesota"

"The peace and stillness of the ski hut and the mountains in winter is a balm for the spirit - ahhh... Pat Burkhardt, Dec 27, 1985"

"This hut has been greatly appreciated by all. Friday Harbor Polar Bear Expedition of 6, Feb 3-7, 1986"

"Wonderful hut, all the comforts of home. Michelle + Mike Bray, March 22, 1986"

"From Grand Valley, up Badger valley, the snow hid the trail. Under cornice... postholing 3-4 feet through a lot of it... extremely dangerous and exhausting. Thank God for this cabin. Robert Paul, Glenn Johnson, Gavin Rowley, May 20-22, 1986"

"Praise the Park Service for finally lifting the closure and opening the road to snow level, instead of having to walk six miles of bare pavement, as has been the case for most of the past five weeks. dave mckee, 7 Dec 1986"

"This little hut is a life-saver! Enjoy. Eric McDonald, Jan 22, 1987"

"Hope all enjoy the hut because there's not too many around, Carmen Olivarez 1-22-87"

"All eleven of us are in the hut. Very comfortable + warm in the hut. January 24, 1987"

"We hold the record - 10 packed into the hut - this sure beats tents! Barbara"

"We had to walk 12.9 miles from Heart O'the Hills because the road was closed. Anacortes Polar Bear Expedition of 8, Feb '87"

"19 Oct 87 - Hut work party - group will earn a weekend trip here this winter by splitting and stacking wood for winter. Jack Hughes"

"J H opening hut for the season. Plows working on 10 ft drifts! Jack Hughes, 17 Dec 1987"

"Congratulations on building a great HUT! Phil, Sheila, Peter Costain, Carmel, CA 12/29/87"

Coupeville Polar Bear Expedition of 7, 1-27-88.

Anacortes Polar Bear Expedition, 2-24-88.

"What an awesome place you people have built here. Bill Ell 3-12-88"

"This hut is tres cool. What a project. S. Case, 3/12/88"

"Marvelous abode in the mountains. Our marriage thanks the builders of this hut that we didn't have to build a snow cave. Sabor & Susan Benda, Montana, 5/3/88"

"Thanks everyone for taking such good care of the hut. This was, I believe, its 20th year and your good care of it may allow it another 20! For those who don't know or have forgotten, the hut was designed, built and placed here thru the efforts of people like John Swedstedt, Nils Lingvall, John Siemens, Bob Allman, Ed Hopfner, O. Kintner, Eric Burr + of course Jack Hughes. 5-7-88 Kelsey Redlin + Bill Kintner"

"4 Oct 1989 - Jack Hughes + Janet Kailin Rangers - hauling in new stove"

"6 Jan 1990 - Jack Hughes, ranger, new stove pipe + roof jack - donated"

"6 Jan 90 - Colby age 5, Jordan age 8, Jim, John Siemens"

"We've got 16 in the cabin. Nice place to share. Joe + Carter Breslin, Port Townsend, 1-13-90"

Log ends 6-13-90. Logs 1990-2012 were not deposited in Park archives.

Photo from Winter 2012 Patagonia Catalog

FOIA response from ONP

So, they are saying that they don't need to follow DO 8.2 which states:

·         Restrictions placed on recreational uses that have otherwise been found to be appropriate will be limited to the minimum necessary to protect park resources and values, and promote visitor safety and enjoyment. Any restriction of appropriate recreational use will be limited to what is necessary to protect park resources and values, to promote visitor safety and enjoyment, or to meet park management needs.  8.2.2

·         Any closures or restrictions-other than those imposed by law-must be consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and require a written determination by the superintendent that such measures are needed to protect public health and safety; and prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources or values.

·         Any restrictions imposed will be fully explained to visitors and the public.  Visitors will be given appropriate information on how to keep adverse impacts to a minimum and how to enjoy the safe and lawful use of the parks.

·         Reinforces cooperation with federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as individuals and organizations, to provide visitor enjoyment, and address mutual interests in the quality of life for community residents. 1.10

·         In the spirit of partnership, the Service will also seek opportunities for cooperative management agreements with state or local agencies that will allow for more effective and efficient management of the parks. 1.10

ONP has stated that the public comments during the General Management Plan process did not address weekday access. 

 

Nearly all the comments were in favor of increased winter access and increased winter use.  No comments recommended decreased access, except to the downhill ski area.   

Some relevant public comments:

“I believe every effort should be made to keep all existing roads open and maintained for public access… The Hurricane Ridge road alone should have year-round access, including every effort to keep it open during the winter months”

“A couple of issues that need to be addressed are better access to Hurricane Ridge and Deer Park during the winter months…road crews work on an as needed basis earlier in the week to stay ahead…”

 

“Having Hurricane Ridge open more often and more consistently would be a big plus to our business community”- Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, representing over 500 local businesses.

 

The few negative comments were mostly opposed to the ski area, which would not operate during the week, allowing more opportunity for those that prefer more solitude.