tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49440969714662455832024-03-08T16:38:49.229-08:00FreeHurricaneRidgeFree Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-89733103007958115912014-01-10T13:38:00.001-08:002014-01-10T13:38:17.687-08:00Weather Permitting<a href="http://www.mount.ai/n/articles/weather-permitting">http://www.mount.ai/n/articles/weather-permitting</a><br />
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Colin Wiseman writes a compelling article on the struggles and potential for winter recreation at Hurricane Ridge.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-6547027485025744962013-02-11T14:46:00.005-08:002013-02-11T16:35:08.077-08:00ONP Wilderness Plan Scoping Posters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-23912797516854514762013-01-31T14:06:00.002-08:002013-01-31T14:06:34.571-08:00
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">Please find following my comments
with regard to the Olympic National Park Wilderness Stewardship Plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
National Park Service’s website points out in recounting the origins of the
National Park System that when Yosemite Valley was first set aside it was “for
public use, resort, and recreation”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Federal laws establishing the National Park System mandates that they be
“dedicated and set apart … as public pleasuring grounds”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A balancing of use by people and preservation
is mandated: to emphasize either to the exclusion of the other would run
contrary to the basic principles underlying the National Park System.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live with my family about a mile from the
Olympic National Park boundary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olympic
National Park was the major reason why we moved here 10 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its great natural beauty, diversity of
scenery and environments (mountains, rain forest, and shoreline), and the
accessibility of all of that to us, are what makes this area special to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mainly use Olympic National Park for
hiking, snowshoeing and snow boarding (on Hurricane Ridge).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been on pack trips with horses or
mules in other National Parks, and think that is an activity both appropriate
and worth preserving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the main issues in Olympic National
Park are preserving and improving public access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Park seems to be doing a good job with
preservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, with limited
budgets maintenance of, and repairs to, roads, trails, shelters and other
visitor facilities have sometimes taken longer than ideal or not occurred at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until the Park can adequately
maintain and preserve access to the area it already has it should not look to
acquiring additional land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>20 years from now I would ideally like to see in Olympic National Park:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>well maintained access roads, open year
round;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a full range of snow related activities on
Hurricane Ridge in the winter, with advance certainty of being open and
sufficient availability of cleared parking for all;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a well maintained and expanded dirt trail
network with safe bridges where necessary;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>additional access points into the Park for
hikers at various points around the Park’s perimeter;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a Park culture that is friendly to those who
want to use the Park for hiking, overnight camping, cross country skiing,
snowshoeing, downhill skiing and snowboarding (on Hurricane Ridge), or horse
packing trips (this includes availability of camp sites and reasonable and not
overly restrictive rules as to campfires and waste management); and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an expanded ranger led hike program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">I have found in other first tier
National Parks I have visited that half day or full day ranger led hikes into
the backcountry are a great way to allow first time visitors to safely and
responsibly explore the areas of the Park more than a mile or two away from the
visitor centers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In more than one
instance have those half day or full day ranger led hikes led to my returning
with my family to the Park for a full week or more of hiking and other
activities, where otherwise I would never have realized what the interior areas
of the Park have to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book; mso-fareast-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">I believe that the balance between
use and preservation in Olympic National Park already has been tilted somewhat
too much away from use and in favor of preservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to be cautious that the Wilderness
Stewardship Plan does not increase that imbalance by further, directly or
indirectly, decreasing or hindering public access to the Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">First,
this would be contrary to Federal law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">Second,
policies that could limit visitation would be bad public policy from the
National Park Service’s perspective, in that its continued existence and public
funding depend on public support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a
new generation were to grow up without an appreciation from frequent personal
use of what a unique national treasure our National Park system is, in a
generation or two the public support that makes possible the National Park
Service’s preservation mission would whither away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">And
finally, Olympic National Park is extremely important to the economic wellbeing
of the surrounding communities, which in many respects is closely tied to Park
visitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The National Park Service
philosophy of civic engagement requires this important fact to be taken into
consideration when balancing use and preservation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;">Thank
you for your consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "NPSRawlinsonOT-Book","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: NPSRawlinsonOT-Book;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>Kaj
Ahlburg</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-62208370814035274522013-01-30T23:21:00.001-08:002013-01-30T23:21:03.650-08:00Olympic National Park is preparing a Wilderness Stewardship Plan (EIS). It is currently in the scoping process. Public input is being taken here: <a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=50933" target="_blank">http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=50933</a><br /><br />They are asking the following questions:<br /><br />What makes the wilderness area special to you and why?<br /> <br />When you visit the wilderness area, what activities and experiences are most important to you?<br /> <br />What do you think the issues are in the wilderness area?<br /> <br />Imagine you are visiting the wilderness area 20 years from now. What conditions, experiences, visitor services and facilities would you like to see?<br /><br />Additional comments can also be given.<br /><br />While not specifically addressing Winter Use, almost all of the backcountry skiing on the ridge is in designated wilderness, and is covered in snow more than half the year, so it seems that comments relating to skiing are fair game. This scoping period is probably the most important time. From this public comment, four alternatives will be created without much room for outside the box input.<br /><br />I particularly reach out to our Mt Rainier brother and sister users to take the time to make your voice heard. If we don't hang together, we will all hang separately. "If you don't like the current situation and don't say anything about it, you're contributing to the problem"-Cascade Climber <br /><br />ThanksFree Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-45978112193228908322013-01-24T09:03:00.003-08:002013-01-24T11:49:28.308-08:00History of Public Transportation at the Ridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3znJ16qaXYY/UQFpGFgWwgI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Ea94RRx4bPs/s1600/w+Willie+Nelson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3znJ16qaXYY/UQFpGFgWwgI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Ea94RRx4bPs/s640/w+Willie+Nelson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Willy Nelson's <a href="http://www.goallpoints.com/" target="_blank">Go All Points Tours</a> currently operates a shuttle service to the Ridge. Shuttle service is important to the overall operation of winter recreation for several reasons:<br />
<ul>
<li>Parking is limited and on most good weather weekends, particularly when the lifts are operating, the road closes due to parking.</li>
<li>Many people would prefer not to drive in the snow.</li>
<li>Tourists, particularly Canadians, can stay in downtown hotels with having to drive their own cars, or bring it accross on the ferry.</li>
<li>Reduces pollution and wear on the road.</li>
<li>Improves "Side Country" experience.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The General Management Plan Hurricane Ridge preferred alternative states "Alternative methods of transportation would be provided."<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, ONP officials have recently decided to kneecap the existing shuttle provider by not allowing the service to avoid the often more than hour long wait at the entrance station on busy weekends.<br />
<br />
Ideally, he should be able to stop at the entrance station and pick up a full bus load of people waiting in their cars to get in.<br />
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The alleged reasons for this decision is fairness to all, and the safety hazard of him driving up the wrong side of the road. Stopping downhill traffic temporarily using the park employee in the booth seems like a simple solution to the latter problem. Fairness is in the eye of the beholder, but rewarding those that use public transportation isn't exactly a new phenomenon.<br />
<br />
Public transportation has a checkered history at the Ridge.<br />
<br />
Clallam Transit operated one trip up and one down for $5 up to 1992. <br />
<br />
In 1993 the bus ran every half hour from 11 am to 3:30. <br />
<br />
1994 and 1995 reverted to one trip a day, now costing $8. <br />
<br />
In 1996 and 1997 Clallam Transit discontinued operation, but starting in February both years a shuttle ran every half hour. Terry Weed, Clallam Transit director stated uncertainty about road openings was a major reason for the lack of success.<br />
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In 1998 there was no bus service, and 1999 the Ridge closed most of the winter due to massive record snowfall. <br />
<br />
2000 had once daily service. <br />
<br />
In 2001 the Public Development Authority was created with Public Transportation a priority. For 2001 and 2002 the bus made two trips up and one trip down.<br />
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For 2003 and 2004 the PDA expanded bus service offering three propane buses operating every 45 minutes, with as many as 100 passengers per weekend. "It's a wonderful thing that the service is there. It helps reduce congestion at the parking lot. It's good for the Park. It's good for people who get stuck at the entrance station. It's a good deal all the way around," said Janis Burger Hurricnane Ridge naturalist. Barb Maynes, ONP spokesman: "It's very positive. It's really a great benefit."<br />
<br />
In 2005 and 2006 the PDA folded and bus service reverted to two trips daily for $5.<br />
<br />
2007 the snow bus operation was doubtful, but finally implemented with a combination of city gas money and volunteer drivers for snow school lesson weekends only. The ONP superintendent states: "Ski bus is a great value and I urge all Hurricane Ridge visitors to consider using it. Not only will you avoid the challenge of driving on snow and ice, you'll eliminate the bother of looking for a parking space."<br />
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There was no bus service in 2008, 2009, and 2010.<br />
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For the 2011 and 2012 seven day access trail period Go All Points stepped up to operate the service twice daily for $15 per passenger with 5 day a week service.<br />
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An ONP transportation study in 2011 did not recommend winter public transportation to Hurricane Ridge, instead focusing on using existing public transportation connections during the summer months.<br />
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To summarize, ONP officials have repeatedly paid lip service in favor of public transportation, but have done nothing to help implement it. Disallowing the existing service to utilize one of its primary advantages (cutting in line past the line of cars waiting for parking) is short sighted at best.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-8394774717641194112013-01-21T14:33:00.001-08:002013-01-24T10:27:16.426-08:00Tubing at Hurricane Ridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyCIxrCc2A0/UP3DOGEPdZI/AAAAAAAAAMo/pWXOrLvhX5Y/s1600/wtubing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyCIxrCc2A0/UP3DOGEPdZI/AAAAAAAAAMo/pWXOrLvhX5Y/s640/wtubing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
"Snow Play" is an acceptable traditional use at Hurricane Ridge and most other National Parks.<br />
<br />
When the Ridge road was first opened, the snowplay area was in front of the lodge. The trouble with that area is that it is a convex slope and difficult to stop. There was also at least one severe injury incident at the Victoria Overlook on the north slope. <br />
<br />
As a result the snow play area was moved to Sunrise in 1988, according to the ONP winter press release. "Tubing will be allowed this season at two locations. The traditional site west of the lodge is conveniently located near the parking lot and the facilities offered at the lodge. A second area is located approximately one mile from the top along the Hurricane Ridge Road. Parking is limited and a safe run is provided, especially for large tubes. (As an aside, "Cross country skiing, sledding and sightseeing will be available weekdays when the ski area is not open." ahem)<br />
<br />
The tubing area was located exclusively at Sunrise until 2008. People parked on the shoulder of the road, as many as 100 cars were common. The sunrise area had several inherent problems, including being located in a known avalanche area. Unsupervised tubing is a fairly dangerous activity. As a result, a Ranger was required to patrol the area.<br />
<br />
In 2007 a major project to rehabilitate the Hurricane Ridge Road was completed. One consequence to the rehabilitation is that the radius of the curve at Sunrise was increased, which eliminated the shoulder of the road that provided parking for the tubing area.<br />
<br />
The EA for this project did not address the loss of the tubing area in any way or winter use for that matter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=329&projectID=10224&documentID=10512">http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=329&projectID=10224&documentID=10512</a><br />
<br />
(It was also written by an outside consultant, something the current administration says is not allowed for the ski area improvements. Using an outside consultant could speed up the lift replacement process much quicker than the ten years estimated for completion by ONP. ahem #2).<br />
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The following year, ONP made the decision to eliminate tubing at Sunrise. They did host a public meeting after the decision was made.<br />
<br />
The elimination of the Sunrise tubing area left the small children's area for those under age 8 located west of the lodge, where the tubers cross the busy snowshoe and xc trail to Hurricane Hill.<br />
<br />
In response to public demand for an all ages tubing area, the ski club proposed to create a bermed tubing area located to the west of the bunny slope. The ski club would provide tubes, ski patrol services, and administration. ONP rejected that idea on the basis that it was an expansion of the operating area (this is a little questionable) and disapproved of the unnatural manipulation of the snow. ONP also wanted the area to be free of charge. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, during the seven day trial period the ski club allowed tubing on the intermediate slope on weekdays provided grooming or other activities were not being conducted. ONP encouraged the ski area to create a tubing area within the existing boundaries of the ski area, which is already tiny by any measure.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, a natural wind drift forms in the lee of the trees on the east border of the intermediate. Using this natural feature as a base, and the skill of our groomer operator, the current tubing area came to fruition. The area is controlled by an operator, patrolled by ski patrol, and tubes are provided all for a reasonable cost. The new area is safer, and more fun than any of the previous iterations.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the demand for tubing stressed an already limited parking situation. Each of the weekend operating days since before Christmas the parking lot has filled, creating long lines at the Heart o' the Hills entrance station. Wait time of more than an hour are not uncommon. Many vehicles turn around, not willing to wait in line. Unknown numbers don't even attempt.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-15225589956856948172013-01-14T11:11:00.000-08:002013-01-14T11:11:20.271-08:00The cost for two additional seasonal resource protection personnel to provide seven day access is $47,770 plus $2,518 for vehicles. If the new standard for NPS decisions is based on number of visitors, it seems reasonable that funding for two seasonal employees could be diverted from summertime wilderness duty to winter at Hurricane.<br />
<br />
The two additional seasonal rangers would allow the road to be open on days such as are forecast for the foreseeable future where no new snow is forecast. For example, in 2011-12 season there was no precipitation from November 30 to December 25, and again for a long stretch in Jan-Feb.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-22557569829648989822013-01-02T22:07:00.000-08:002013-01-02T22:07:11.321-08:00Another aspect that doesn't add up is the relationship between keeping the Hurricane Ridge Road open and deferred maintenance in the Park.<br />
<br />
Reed Robinson, the former chief of maintenance stated at a 2009 Port Angeles City Council meeting that even if ONP got a greater appropriation from Congress, the first priority for that money would be reducing deferred maintenance, not plowing the Hurricane Ridge road.<br />
<br />
However, in recent conversations Park officials have insisted that during the 50% of the days that no new plowing is needed on the Ridge road, the road crew is kept busy with other projects within the Park.<br />
<br />
It seems as if the four additional crew hired for the two year experiment therefore would have been able to knock out quite a few items on the maintenance punch list. At any rate it seems that having those additional staff should be a net benefit to the overall maintenance of the park, not something to be fought tooth and nail by park administration.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-54664121209720922702012-12-31T19:27:00.000-08:002012-12-31T19:27:02.088-08:00<span class="userContent">Here is the tally for the month of December for the access to Hurricane Ridge complementing other recreation:<br /> <br /> 5 days were open from 9 to dusk as scheduled.<br /> 3 out of 18 scheduled days were closed all day<br /> 6 out of 18 days opened late (not counting one day at 9:07) Average late opening was 10:30<br /> 4 out of 18 closed early due to weather<br /> 2 days of full parking<br /> 15 of 31 days were closed.<br /> </span><br />
<span class="userContent">The Park will say that the road was closed 17% (3/18) of the time, better than historical averages.</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment221170731350702_902124}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment221170731350702_902124}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment221170731350702_902124}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">By the standards of any other road system the road was open 95.5 hours out of 744 hours in the month, or 13%.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent">In January there are 13 scheduled open days.</span>Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-53890823194750587932012-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:002012-12-30T11:39:16.863-08:00<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent">Contrast this:</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent">I firmly believe the park will not be successful unless the communities around it are successful," new ONP superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said. "Make those relationships before you need those relationships." "When you work with anybody wh<span class="text_exposed_show">ose experiences are different than yours, it behooves you to shut up and listen for a while."<br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oregonlive.com%2Fpacific-northwest-news%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F12%2Folympic_national_parks_new_sup.html&h=XAQHS-Q2M&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span>With this:</span></div>
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<span class="userContent"></span> </div>
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<span class="userContent">“Given the current park budget and weekend popularity of Hurricane Ridge, providing visitor access on the three busiest days of the week makes good sense and complements the variety of other recreational opportunities that Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula offer.” -ONP response to “Why does it cost so much?”<br /> <br /> This decision was made by a handful of senior ONP staff, none of whom have<span class="text_exposed_show"> been at ONP for more than five years. In contrast, the City of Port Angeles, Clallam County Commissioners, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Port Angeles Business Association, Port Angeles Downtown Association, Sequim Chamber of Commerce, Peninsula Bed and Breakfast Association, as well as many individuals all are on record supporting EVERY DAY access to Hurricane Ridge, and believe strongly enough to donate money to make it happen. Who has more credibility in determining what “complements the variety of other recreational opportunities that the Olympic Peninsula offer?</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Another important distiction is that through a series of land use decisions including the 1984 creation of the Buckhorn Wilderness there is no other viable access to winter recreation on the Olympic Peninsula. The 1984 Buckhorn designation was created while the road to Hurricane Ridge was open seven days a week and there was no reason to think that would change. </span></span></div>
Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-81970711710153433572012-12-12T10:46:00.000-08:002012-12-15T08:49:51.418-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K55k0aR8eJ0/UMjLou84J-I/AAAAAAAAAK8/j3bU5rVFKm8/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K55k0aR8eJ0/UMjLou84J-I/AAAAAAAAAK8/j3bU5rVFKm8/s640/scan0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thank you for the chance to provide correct information about access to Hurricane Ridge.<br />
<br />
From the November press release:“Keeping Hurricane Ridge Road open daily through the winter is a very different task than providing daily access to the park's low elevation roads, and is significantly more costly and difficult,” Suess said. However, this new explanation indicates that they spend just as much money for these other places, probably more. The road crew costs for three guys working 40 hours per week would be the same. The law enforcement costs are greater because each place has its own staff. Lake Crescent/Sol Duc has three, Elwha two or more, and Staircase two. The additional costs for sand is slightly more but relatively insignificant. Fuel may be more, but doubtful due to the cost just to get to Sol Duc and Staircase. Fuel also is a relatively small portion of the cost.<br />
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1. "The full time crew's normal work day is 5 am to 3:30 pm." The road does not open until the crew is essentially done for the day. The exception is that occasionally, the plow/sand truck will make a second pass in the afternoon. Compare that to any other winter road operation, where the crews plow as needed during storms while the road remains open to public vehicles.<br />
<br />
During the seven day trail period, on average it took three hours to clear the road each day, which would be 21 hours in an average week. Even the extreme weeks were less than 40 hours per week.<br />
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2. "Three employees maintain Camp David Jr and East Beach, Olympic HS and Whiskey Bend, and Sol Duc." CDJ and EB roads are shared with the county. I am pretty familiar with East Beach Road, and I would be surprised if the Park spends ten days a year on it. The County plows it when it snows. PUD clears trees after windstorms. Olympic HS road closes at variable gates depending on snowfall. It is not plowed. I have never seen Whiskey Bend plowed. Sol Duc is closed to the public whenever it snows. If they clear one lane, why not both and keep it open? Also the GMP states that Sol Duc should close in the winter.<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[9].[1][2][1]{comment213059502161825_373812}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[9].[1][2][1]{comment213059502161825_373812}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[9].[1][2][1]{comment213059502161825_373812}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">In 2012 there were 7,337 Jan-March vehicles on Hurricane Ridge. The other areas that the park is busy maintianing were 52 at Staircase; 4,661 at Elwha; 750 at Sol Duc; and 5,874 at East Beach. Yet,</span></span></span><br />
"We cannot justify taxpayer money to maintain weekday winter access to Hurricane Ridge Road for a relatively small number of people.”<br />
3. "In keeping with National Park Service standards for safety..." What are those standards? Why are they different for Hurricane Ridge than Lake Crescent, for example? Why are they different than ONF and/or other National Forest and Park areas that do maintain access?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJGj7yTLjvs/UMka98i1MPI/AAAAAAAAALw/FI_5r3cWWrQ/s1600/wplow+at+stevens3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJGj7yTLjvs/UMka98i1MPI/AAAAAAAAALw/FI_5r3cWWrQ/s640/wplow+at+stevens3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normal operations at Stevens Pass 12/7/12</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-BXd_gLJDw/UMkbKRGqdQI/AAAAAAAAAMA/VWurl50MJH0/s1600/wplow+at+stevens2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-BXd_gLJDw/UMkbKRGqdQI/AAAAAAAAAMA/VWurl50MJH0/s640/wplow+at+stevens2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Plow at Stevens</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVMHk2bFeQg/UMkbOmX3DKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/f51SXMgJGVY/s1600/wplow+at+stevens.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVMHk2bFeQg/UMkbOmX3DKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/f51SXMgJGVY/s640/wplow+at+stevens.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotary Plow at Stevens 12/7/12</td></tr>
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Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-10514727743384549152012-11-25T20:31:00.000-08:002012-12-31T19:30:08.049-08:00Alternative RealityLet's pretend for a minute that instead of :<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">"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.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
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."</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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.<br />
<br />
Some precise weather forecasting such as is available to the WSDOT from <a href="http://www.nw-weathernet.com/">www.nw-weathernet.com</a> would make it even more efficient.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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. </div>
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<div>
Imagining the worst case scenario of a major windstorm that fells multiple trees across the other roads: </div>
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<div>
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. </div>
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<div>
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. </div>
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</div>
<div>
Staircase has been closed the past five years during the winter since the big hump fire.</div>
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</div>
<br />
<div>
So there doesn't seem to be any <span style="background-color: white;">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.</span></div>
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Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-34824862786394509442012-11-21T12:38:00.002-08:002012-11-21T12:38:43.945-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXhBt3CTdQQ/UK06vKApQ9I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/WmIfpV4a7yw/s1600/w+regional+response.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXhBt3CTdQQ/UK06vKApQ9I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/WmIfpV4a7yw/s640/w+regional+response.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is my orignal letter:</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christine
Lehnertz, Regional Director<br />
National Park Service<br />
333 Bush Street, Suite 500<br />
San Francisco, CA 94104-2828<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dear
Ms. Lehnertz,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span class="storytext1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Excerpts from NPS policies contradict
current Hurricane Ridge management, and support many of the suggested solutions
to increased winter access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NPS policy: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Clarifies that winter recreation is an
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">appropriate use</b> 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8.1.1, 8.2.2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Further emphasizes that park managers <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">must</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">provide</b> visitors from all walks of life the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">opportunity</b> for meaningful educational and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">recreational experiences</b>-experiences that inspire and lead to
visitor enjoyment and a greater sense of resource stewardship. (Introduction)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Establishes recreation as a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">park value</b> that should not be impaired
without careful consideration. 1.4.4, 1.4.6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Four days a week road closure impairs that value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Defines an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unacceptable impact</b> as one that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">diminishes</b> opportunities for current or future generations to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">enjoy, learn about, or be inspired</b> by
park resources or values; and unreasonably <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">interferes</b>
with an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">appropriate use</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ensures</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> that
there are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">adequate funds and staff</b>
to conserve and protect the resources (including recreation) for which parks
are responsible and provide for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">enjoyment</b>
of the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Park has an obligation to support
the federal policy of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">actively promoting</b>
the health and personal <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fitness</b> of
the general public. 1.5<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Restrictions on appropriate uses
should be minimal:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Restrictions</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> placed on recreational uses that have otherwise been found to be
appropriate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will be limited </b>to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">minimum necessary</b> 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8.2.2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">closures or restrictions</b>-other than those imposed by law-must be
consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and require a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">written determination</b> by the
superintendent that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">such measures are
needed</b> to protect public health and safety; and prevent unacceptable impacts
to park resources or values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Any restrictions imposed will be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fully explained </b>to visitors and the
public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Arbitrarily closing 4 days a week
regardless of weather does not meet the standard of closing for visitor
safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Park visitors must assume a
substantial degree of risk and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">responsibility
for their own safety </b>when visiting areas that are managed and maintained as
natural, cultural, or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">recreational</b>
environments. 8.2.5 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">NPS superintendents will use their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">discretion</b> to determine the level of
program resources and the types of programs needed to manage visitor risk
within their park unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DO 50C 4.1</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Service <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will work cooperatively</b> 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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Off Peak use should be encouraged to
alleviate congestion, which is a problem at Hurricane:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Encourage visitor use of lesser-known
parks and underutilized areas; use during non-peak seasons, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">days of the week</b>, 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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Partnerships with local entities are
strongly encouraged:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reinforces <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cooperation</b> with federal, state, local and tribal governments, as
well as individuals and organizations, to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">provide
visitor enjoyment</b>, and address mutual interests in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">quality of life</b> for community residents. 1.10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the spirit of partnership, the
Service <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will</b> also seek opportunities
for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cooperative management agreements </b>with
state or local agencies that will allow for more effective and efficient
management of the parks. 1.10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Superintendent’s Compendium states
“Due to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">public safety </b>concerns, the
Hurricane Ridge Road may be closed at the Heart O’ The Hills entrance based on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">environmental conditions</b>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday through Thursday closure is not based
on environmental conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To summarize, the community has
consistently expressed a desire for increased winter access to Hurricane
Ridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of solutions have been
proposed, with a range of costs, including cooperation with local and state
governments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A meaningful dialogue with
interested stakeholders would be helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Greg Halberg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-52036436240657340512012-11-21T10:44:00.001-08:002012-11-25T09:09:54.862-08:00The 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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTv2CQBG5mY/UK0e2FMm_II/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xnuQ8Wv63O4/s1600/w+OLYM+v+MORA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTv2CQBG5mY/UK0e2FMm_II/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xnuQ8Wv63O4/s640/w+OLYM+v+MORA.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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 <a href="http://www.nature.nps.gov/assets/redirects/statsRedirect.cfm" target="_blank">here</a>). 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.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-68791187289652806762012-11-15T21:41:00.003-08:002012-11-15T21:51:34.033-08:00Thank you if you arrived here from the <a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/outdoors/2019683654_odmomandpopxml.html?cmpid=2628" target="_blank">Seattle Times</a>. And Thank-You to John Kinmonth. Free Hurricane Ridge stands for three things:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrnAAGxpVMA/UKXR8KyY9UI/AAAAAAAAAJo/SRN-MT2Fes4/s1600/DSC01888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrnAAGxpVMA/UKXR8KyY9UI/AAAAAAAAAJo/SRN-MT2Fes4/s640/DSC01888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ol>
Details in support of our claims are detailed in the pages on the right, and will continue to be updated. See also <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FreeHurricaneRidge">www.facebook.com/FreeHurricaneRidge</a>.<br />
<ol>
</ol>
Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-42314929901855826322012-11-13T14:40:00.001-08:002012-11-13T14:40:34.828-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-No_9Nx2ZY6I/UKLMKfMNU5I/AAAAAAAAAJU/TvdHgaIIT4I/s1600/w+PDN+1991+Jan+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-No_9Nx2ZY6I/UKLMKfMNU5I/AAAAAAAAAJU/TvdHgaIIT4I/s640/w+PDN+1991+Jan+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
ONP learned thier lesson in 1991. This time they just tore it down without telling anyone.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-42323952238582726762012-11-13T14:29:00.001-08:002012-11-13T14:29:18.986-08:00<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Waterhole Sign-in Log Books Highlights<br />Part 2: Books 4-5, 1982 to 1989<br />Selected historical notes and visitor comments compiled by Rod Farlee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Thanks for making this unique experience possible. Tony & gang 12-13-82"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We just took a vote - 3 to 2 in favor of staying here until July. M A Leonard and party, Seattle, 1-2-83"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Steve Holm - 22 Jan '83 <br />[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.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Cabin clean and neat. Incredibly cozy. Dave Davies + Charlie Wiggins, Bainbridge Is. 2-26-83"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This cabin is a superb idea. Linda Boring, 3/24/83"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This cabin is wonderful. Thanks to all who keep it in such great shape. Christy Johnson, Seattle, March 27, 1983"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Why aren't there more huts like this? Kelly Mason, Seattle"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Thankful for such beautiful weather, bright moon, good friends & cozy cabin. Liese Clebsch & John Dean, 24 April 1983"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This is a wonderful little hut. There should be more. Eric Schimscel, Port Angeles, May 1, '83"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Nothing beats being warm and dry. Rachael Lavengood + Deb Willard, 12/18/83"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Great little hut. We enjoyed the fire and the facilities. Kerry, Packer + Mary Holden 12/18/83"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This is a great place to warm up and relax. Thanks guys. Rick Vanthoff, Joe Parr, Alan Hill, Gig Harbor, 1/1/84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Thanks for the hut. Make, David, Leann, Jerry, David, January 28, 1984"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Feb. 24, Ken Zeigler & Lance Coe spent the night via Grand Lake and then on to Deer Park. Will ski down Dr. Park Rd."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I love this place! Pat Burkhardt 26 Feb '84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"A dream come true! 3 days of snow and a stove to boot! Sean & Maria Sullivan, Berkeley Calif. 3-6-84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Great hospitality in this park. Thanks. 7 students from Anacortes High School, March 7 '84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We skied through wet concrete to arrive at this wonderful haven. Dave Freiband, Missoula MT, March 20"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Wonderful home this hut has offered us. D. Freiband"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Much appreciate the hospitality. Al McGuire, Seattle, 4/21/84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"San Antonio, Texas 4/24/84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">[Poem in Chinese and translation]<br />"Here by the campfire's flicker<br />deep in my blanket furled<br />I long for the peace of the pine-gloom<br />when world is speaking to world.<br />Sachio Ashida, 1/24/84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Finding this cabin really made the night. Everyone warm and happy. Steve Merritt"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Was happy to have the hut to stay in last night. Pretty cozy arrangements with all 9 of us on the floor. Glenn Powell"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Sure do appreciate a place like this when arriving in the dark! Thanks Jack! Sure do love Olympic N. Park! Bill Schaarschmidt"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"What a wonderful warm, dry place. Cindy Merritt"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I tip my hat to Jack & the others who help maintain this hut. Craig Olson, Dec. 16 '84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Great hut. Fantastic. Bob Weyl & family, Dec. 23"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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.'"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"A magic mecca in the woods - fine winter wonderland - so welcome. Thanks!! Kevin Saunders, Amanda Romig, Dec. 26 84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"A nice spot to stop, this. Thanks to all for providing it. Ying Wu, Seattle, 12/26"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"The hut sure is as beautiful as it ever was! Kathleen Grimbley, Seattle"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"A real outstanding nook in the woods. Thanks and we have to come back next season. Don + Lynda Mollick and group 1-12-85"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Can't we afford to construct a series of cabins? Nice destination vs. snow cave."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Hut is very homey. Hank Shelgrove, Port Townsend Jan. 20, 1985"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Oh what a shame to leave here. Brian, Ev, Jean + Steve, Victoria B.C."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I think this cabin is the best thing in the world! I'm sure everyone agrees. BDK + 9 of us."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This cabin is great! R - '84"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Like totally twitchin' hut - Alyn -"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I have been dreaming about this place for days. Chuck Hasty"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We love this little hut! Patty G."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We love this hut! It's nic to be warm. Cindy Johansen, 6 Reachout Girls from Anacortes, Feb. 27, 1985"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"The hut's great. Robin Dursch"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This hut was a sight for sore eyes. Who ever built this hut is our friend forever. Anacortes Polar Bear Expedition 3/7/85"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I've been waiting years for this. James Applegate 316/85"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Joy, Rapture, I give it 4 stars. Steve Fram, Michigan, 20 Mar '85"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This is a beautiful place, cozy hut, great company, wonderful ranger. Thanks loads, Janet, Sue, Ann Arbor, MI. 20 Mar 95"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This hut is clean and very cozy. Enjoying the feeling of snowbound security. L. Davis, H. Snelgrove, Nordland, March 29, '85"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"What a beautiful hut! Snowshoeing in, this hut was a wonderful (read 'warm') surprise. Doug Hamilton, Minnesota"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This hut has been greatly appreciated by all. Friday Harbor Polar Bear Expedition of 6, Feb 3-7, 1986"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Wonderful hut, all the comforts of home. Michelle + Mike Bray, March 22, 1986"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This little hut is a life-saver! Enjoy. Eric McDonald, Jan 22, 1987"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Hope all enjoy the hut because there's not too many around, Carmen Olivarez 1-22-87"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"All eleven of us are in the hut. Very comfortable + warm in the hut. January 24, 1987"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We hold the record - 10 packed into the hut - this sure beats tents! Barbara"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"19 Oct 87 - Hut work party - group will earn a weekend trip here this winter by splitting and stacking wood for winter. Jack Hughes"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"J H opening hut for the season. Plows working on 10 ft drifts! Jack Hughes, 17 Dec 1987"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Congratulations on building a great HUT! Phil, Sheila, Peter Costain, Carmel, CA 12/29/87"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Coupeville Polar Bear Expedition of 7, 1-27-88.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Anacortes Polar Bear Expedition, 2-24-88.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"What an awesome place you people have built here. Bill Ell 3-12-88"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This hut is tres cool. What a project. S. Case, 3/12/88"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"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"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"4 Oct 1989 - Jack Hughes + Janet Kailin Rangers - hauling in new stove"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"6 Jan 1990 - Jack Hughes, ranger, new stove pipe + roof jack - donated"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"6 Jan 90 - Colby age 5, Jordan age 8, Jim, John Siemens"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We've got 16 in the cabin. Nice place to share. Joe + Carter Breslin, Port Townsend, 1-13-90"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Log ends 6-13-90. Logs 1990-2012 were not deposited in Park archives.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iedHdq1Ndaw/UKLJgWZAKJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/hzSWZcyXzI4/s1600/w+patagonia+catalog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iedHdq1Ndaw/UKLJgWZAKJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/hzSWZcyXzI4/s640/w+patagonia+catalog.png" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Winter 2012 Patagonia Catalog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-7854385453929353342012-11-07T19:06:00.000-08:002012-12-12T11:31:54.606-08:00FOIA response from ONP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, they are saying that they don't need to follow DO 8.2 which states:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Restrictions</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> placed on
recreational uses that have otherwise been found to be appropriate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will be limited </b>to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">minimum necessary</b> 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8.2.2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Any
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">closures or restrictions</b>-other than
those imposed by law-must be consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and
policies, and require a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">written
determination</b> by the superintendent that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">such measures are needed</b> to protect public health and safety; and prevent
unacceptable impacts to park resources or values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Any
restrictions imposed will be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fully
explained </b>to visitors and the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8y-boGEwG0/UJsg5oboIVI/AAAAAAAAAHo/qlHx-ZfE6zs/s1600/wfoia1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8y-boGEwG0/UJsg5oboIVI/AAAAAAAAAHo/qlHx-ZfE6zs/s640/wfoia1.png" width="496" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIVjau50LfY/UJshCe3JRSI/AAAAAAAAAHw/-dU6z1KRHu0/s1600/wfoia2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIVjau50LfY/UJshCe3JRSI/AAAAAAAAAHw/-dU6z1KRHu0/s640/wfoia2.png" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Reinforces
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cooperation</b> with federal, state,
local and tribal governments, as well as individuals and organizations, to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">provide visitor enjoyment</b>, and address
mutual interests in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">quality of life</b>
for community residents. 1.10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In
the spirit of partnership, the Service <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will</b>
also seek opportunities for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cooperative
management agreements </b>with state or local agencies that will allow for more
effective and efficient management of the parks. 1.10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlK34POwIeg/UJshHtznBnI/AAAAAAAAAH4/73GYsFz5AW8/s1600/wfoia3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlK34POwIeg/UJshHtznBnI/AAAAAAAAAH4/73GYsFz5AW8/s640/wfoia3.png" width="484" /></a></div>
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<br />Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-36396766368896829362012-11-05T08:47:00.002-08:002012-12-12T11:29:39.180-08:00<br />
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ONP has stated that the public comments during the General Management Plan process did
not address weekday access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Nearly all
the comments were in favor of increased winter access and increased winter
use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No comments recommended decreased
access, except to the downhill ski area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Some relevant public comments:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“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”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“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…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“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.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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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.</div>
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-37334529156522114912012-10-27T19:49:00.001-07:002012-10-27T21:07:57.689-07:00<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Waterhole Sign-in Log Books Highlights<br />Part 1: Books 1-3, 1971 to 1982<br />Selected historical notes and memorable visitor comments compiled by Rod Farlee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">4 April 1971 - Jack Hughes "snow = 4 ft above roof peak. If I did not know where to dig I would not have found hut. Took longer to dig out door than to ski here in wet slow snow."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Hut used on many trips to service Eagle Point weather station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Many visits by Ranger Eric Burr, Nils & Keith Lingvall, Dr. Bob and Joan Allman & Bob Jr., John and Jim Siemens, John Swedstedt (all involved in building the hut).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"22 Aug 1971 putting hut up on raised platform - FCA's Becker and Rinehart, rangers Hughes, Baldwin, Bangle, Fowles, Knost, Whitney"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Cabin is a fine place; many thanks to NPS!" H & N Sharpe, 12/30/71</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"X-country ski tour class" - 21 Feb 1972</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Jan 14-15. I love this warm retreat in the mountains. Wish we had many more. Thanks. Sharon Willoughby"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"14-15 Jan. Too short of a time to relieve all the speediness of the city. Though a little blue and purple mountain silence as the sun sinks gold behind the mountain of the goddesses and gods (Olympus) does wonders for my soul. Whispers of wind in the forest and, from the end of the road up Obstruction Peak, the while full sound of rushing water, invisible down below. Cold wet feet tingling beside a crackling fire and lentil stew full of fresh cooked carrots & onions & green pepper - a carrot never tasted so sweet. The moonlight from a quarter moon shone bright enough from high in the southwest sky that the trees cast clear dark shadows on the bright snow. But still the stars shone thru, so special to see when city lights have obscured too long the sky at night for me. It is a very special gift to each of us this place of warmth to ease the cold & discomfort of winter nights, it gives to each that essential regeneration of our spirits thru the peach and nurturance of our Mother the Earth. I appreciate the work people have done to make this possible. - Carolyn"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Summer, the first day I am here, '72, Brian Bakke.<br />A find feathered wind soars among the citadels of ancient stone, perching now for a moment upon a throne of weathered pine, singing silently.<br />No thoughts.<br />No words.<br />Only wind.<br />And where is the ego of a mountain? Flowing perhaps with the grief of a flower, severed for its beauty, sniffed, and thrown away.<br />Mingling perhaps with the hatred of the marmot for the trails, the trash, and the tromping of weekend campers<br />Pulsing, maybe, with the outrage of a pine murdered for its flesh to burn in a moment so many years of determined growth.<br />And where like this mighty river of ego and sense of injustices.<br />I have looked, but it does not flow here. The sound of its current seem to flow only from the voices of man, from the mouths of the friends, from the depths of my own mind.<br />The mountains are. It is enough."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"My first time touring and I love it!" Bob Allman, Jr., Jan. 6, 1974</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Troop 303 Boy Scouts of America, 8 scouts, 1-19-74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Dug out about 4 feet of snow to come in. This is my idea of ski touring - no tracks, no blizzards." Mills Davidson, 2-17-74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Thank you all for the splendid accomodations. 4 from Bush School of Seattle 3-30-74"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Hut is kept clean and in good spirits by people who stay here." 4-6-74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This cabin much appreciated after a tough hike in wet snow." 4-24-74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"All the comforts of home. Like to stay all winter!" 12-14-74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Our thanks and appreciation to Jack Hughes and the other folks who take care of this hut." 12-28-74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"The cabin enables one to enjoy the quietness and peacefulness of the mountains - only the music of the wind, accompanied by the dance of the snow elves. May each who stays here share in the enchantment that the Olympics freely offer. - N. Bittner, Jan. 3, 1975"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sunday, Jan. 26, 1975 rescue operation "Broken leg a mile toward Obstruction Pt. Taken out by helicopter. - Jack Hughes"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Emergency cache in hut: sleeping bag, flares, food, First Aid kit, fire extinguisher, axe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"ONP is almost better in winter!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We've spent three peaceful nights in Waterhole - Could spend another 6 months. - B. Womack, N. Bittner, Feb. 17, 1975</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We really appreciated the comforts this cabin provided. Thank you to everyone who made it so nice. Marie Lorgen, 4-5-75"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This cabin is a pleasure and deserves all our respect. Randy Brook, Seattle, 1-18-76"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Jan. 31, 76 - 7 from Evergreen Area Council, Winter Camping Seminar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We thank those who built this hut. To people used to tent-camping in winter, this is the Olympic Hilton! Dave Seago, 3-14-76"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I hope NPS can see one more ski hut at Obstruction Point some day. Jerry Gilbert, 18 April 76"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This hut is a stroke of genius." family of 5 from Victoria BC, 15 May 1976</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Our fourth time here, and we can't get over what a perfect spot it is! Many thanks. Janet Allison, 23 Dec. 1976"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"With intentions of climbing McCartney Peak, camp was pitched on the ridge about 1/2 mile south of Obstruction Point. Sunday morning snow blizzard bent poles and ripped tent loose from ridge and therefore retreat to Waterhole was decisive." John Menanno, 2-21-77</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We celebrated our anniversary here with steaks, red wine and cheesecake. Thanks to rangers Jack H. and Jack R. for making this trip possible. - Jerry + Laurette Gilbert, P.T., March 2, 1977"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"The spirit of Steve Holm haunts this place in the personage of the leg splints by the door. J. Wegmann, 5-3-77" [Steve Holm broke femur near Obstruction Point. John Wegmann and Dr. Sam Baker splinted it using ski poles, moved him to Waterhole. Ranger Jack Hughes called in Coast Guard helicopter evacuation from Waterhole.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"The silence and sense of calm wholeness is the best part of the mountains - And being able to take shelter & get warm makes the beauty easier to appreciate. Ellen Lockhert, April 10, 1977"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Thanks for this haven in the wilderness. Ian and Mary Brown, May 9 '77"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"How lucky we are - this fine hut, skiing in May, exquisite scenery! Joyce, May 1977"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"What a neat little place... an ideal refuge in a storm or out of one. And a woodstove!! Why not more of these in this state? Outstanding place!!... Hate to leave this 'Paradise in the Olympics'. Thanks to all involved in the hut program. Roger Baird, March 15, 1978"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I have to say thanks to the Park for this cabin. What can we do for more? M.W., March 17, 1978"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Driving snow and 20-30 knot winds have been sweeping ridge for 3 days now. How thankful i am for this shelter and the solitude i've enjoyed here! Jason Funky, 25 March 1978"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"For those of us who have spent many cold nights in a tent winter camping, we know what a luxury this place is. Nancy Waligory, Mercer Island, April 24-26, 1978"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Tis a pleasure to open the hut for a new season. Hut is as clean as the papal soul. J. Wegmann, VIP BOC, 21 Nov 78"</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"As others have written, we too are appreciative of the resources here. Val Jaffe, 12-2-78"</span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Fantastic scenery, deep snow, this hut was a pleasant surprise. Jim Waters, Michigan, 12-24-78"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Maura and Roger Oakes, Jerry age 8, Evan age 9, 26 Dec. '78"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I had run across huts like this in B.C., but here in the U.S.? On gov't property? Tremendous idea. Thanks to all N.W. skiers who have had the common sense to keep this place righteous. Philip Brown, Indiana, 1-5-79"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Janet Kailin, Dave Skinner.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"The hut was truly a blessed haven to find. I hope it will always be as well cared for as it has cared for us. Ed + Robbie Hays, P.T. WA., Jan. 24, 1980"</span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Thanks to all who have stayed, enjoyed and taken care -- so we can return 5 years later in this most beautifully quiet season of all - winter. John Thomson, Pysht, Feb. 16, 1980"</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Replenish the rescue cache after Mike's accident - 2 March 1980<br />[Refers to the rescue of Ranger Mike Butler, who broke his ankle beyond Waterhole, was transported to Waterhole on a primitive sled made by lashing his skis together, then brought out on toboggan later that same night. Events related by Dr. Roger Oakes.]</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"63 inches of new powder snow & we broke trail thru it! This place is such an oasis. M + D McKee, March 16, 1980"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We thank the Park Service and all involved for keeping such wonderful opportunities. Paul Nishman, 3-30-80"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Came in cold and hungry, left refreshed, revitalized & strengthened. It's just really neat to have this nook to retreat to after a push up the hill. Beal, Fraley & Fenton, Bremerton, 4-20-80"</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Heard St. Helens go but did not know what it was until arrived back @Hurricane. 5-17/18-80."<br />[Mount St. Helens explosion May 18, 1980 8:32 am PDT]</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"A very welcome sight this fine hut was! Here's another vote for more oasis in the snow. Mark Whitmore, Marianne Krashy, 1 Jan. 1981"</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Search for downed airplane. Thurs Jan 29, 1981"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Here for plane crash detail. S. Rolfe, W. Meisner, J. James, Rockwell, Thomas, Brothers, NPS 1-29-81"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">[wreckage was located on Grand Ridge]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Jack & Mary Lange, Feb. 21, 1981.</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Yes, as so many others have remarked before, why aren't there more of these cabins? Bill Rotecki, Judith Ames, Feb 21, 1981"</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Wish there were more of these cabins, especially in the Cascades. C. McTeal, Mar. 16-18, 1981"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"This palace in paradise looked a touch more comfortable than a tent on the SNOW! Nirvana has been found. Thank you Park Service, more of these would be nice, this one is an example that they will work. Mark + Mary Lemon, Tacoma, April 25, 1981"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Incidentally, Mark and Mary, this hut was built and paid for by local skiers not by NPS! Jack [Hughes], 10 May 1981"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Best over nighter in the Olympics ever. Merry Christmas!! Greg & Jeanne Jacobs, 12-22-81"</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Hope everyone else can enjoy this place as much as we did! Angie Chichester, 12-28-81"</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bob & Bobbie Baldwin, Jan. 25, 1981.</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I think Frost said something to the effect<br /> When to the heart of man<br /> was it ever less than a treason<br /> To go with drift of things<br /> and yield with a will to reason<br /> To bow and accept the end<br /> of a love or of a season?<br />J. Kailin, April 23, 1982" [Janet Kailin retired from NPS in 2011. This is a most fitting tribute to Waterhole.]</span></div>
Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-55283253559974229792012-10-24T14:58:00.000-07:002012-10-24T15:03:01.915-07:00Ten Year Plan part 2: A double standard.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ostensive reasons for a Winter Use Plan are: 1) Native artifacts were found during trenching work done in 2010 by NPS as they replaced the waterline for the Lodge; and 2) The elimination of the sunrise tubing area. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUL-9Did30Q/UIhMh5RbgpI/AAAAAAAAAGg/AZBgcGiFzrk/s1600/artifact+page1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUL-9Did30Q/UIhMh5RbgpI/AAAAAAAAAGg/AZBgcGiFzrk/s640/artifact+page1.jpg" width="640" /></a>This article in the Peninsula Daily News dated September 19, 2002 indicates that ONP was aware of native artifacts as early as 2002. Therefore, any project at Hurricane Ridge since 2002, which includes the trenching project, rehabilitation of the road, repaving of the meadow trails, and moving the NWAC weather station all should require the same level of NEPA process as any ski area project.</div>
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The NWAC project did involve a <a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=19888" target="_blank">Environmental Assessment</a> which concluded "There have been several other archaeological surveys within a 5-mile radius of the project, none of which resulted in the documentation of significant resources. Additional archaeological testing would be conducted prior to installation of the tower and trenching. Archaeologists would monitor ground disturbing activities associated with the installation of the utility corridor and tower."</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw3XucXEVsU/UIhXHMnhqPI/AAAAAAAAAGw/zwVJnAD_0gY/s1600/artifact+page+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw3XucXEVsU/UIhXHMnhqPI/AAAAAAAAAGw/zwVJnAD_0gY/s640/artifact+page+2.jpg" width="640" /></a>The road project was an <a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=329&projectID=10224&documentID=10512" target="_blank">EA</a>, but did not analyze cultural resources or loss of the tubing area.</div>
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No public notice of the trenching and repaving projects are available. The repaving of the trails added at least 1000 square feet of impermeable surface. The older trails were paved with a six feet wide corrridor. After repaving in fall 2011, the paved trail is now seven feet wide.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QqeKNE41Po/UIhjtDDqOuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/OlWILKileog/s1600/paved+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QqeKNE41Po/UIhjtDDqOuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/OlWILKileog/s640/paved+trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Trail six feet wide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBUbsXIP95U/UIhj2LTxzRI/AAAAAAAAAHI/edOhR6HNyPE/s1600/paved+trail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBUbsXIP95U/UIhj2LTxzRI/AAAAAAAAAHI/edOhR6HNyPE/s640/paved+trail2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New trail is seven feet wide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Also in 2002, the ski area made a proposal to ONP to make improvements within the existing ski area boundary. This proposal was incorporated into the General Management Plan, which was approved in November 2008.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsBRmUCTt6g/UIhMJ_rsaNI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/FPj_e2TKRFY/s1600/Chairlift+page+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsBRmUCTt6g/UIhMJ_rsaNI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/FPj_e2TKRFY/s640/Chairlift+page+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDKmmAMVaEc/UIhMdgx99vI/AAAAAAAAAGY/6OM6W4B0VMo/s1600/Chairlift+page+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDKmmAMVaEc/UIhMdgx99vI/AAAAAAAAAGY/6OM6W4B0VMo/s640/Chairlift+page+2.png" width="570" /></a></div>
<br />
Using the native artifacts as a reason to restrict winter operations, when the ground is covered by feet of snow, but not summer activities is a stretch of logic.<br />
<br />
The requirement to wait an additional 10 years for a winter use plan, in addition to the 10 years of GMP planning, has the effect of shutting the ski operation down. No business or organization could afford to wait 20 years to upgrade equipment. <br />
<br />
Skiing has been a part of the Peninsula since before the creation of the park. As the park was being formed, the intention was that the Park would enhance skiing, not take it away. <a href="http://www.alpenglow.org/ski-history/notes/news/paen.html#paen-1938-Jun-30-p1" target="_blank">Representative Walgren</a> Both Rep Walgren and Franlkin Roosevelt would be turning in their graves with the way the Park is currently operated.<br />
<br />Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-19065086419201671542012-10-17T13:53:00.001-07:002012-10-17T14:06:37.143-07:00<h2 class="date-header">
<span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121017/NEWS/121019971/news-alert-8212-hurricane-ridge-road-wont-be-open-weekdays-this">http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121017/NEWS/121019971/news-alert-8212-hurricane-ridge-road-wont-be-open-weekdays-this</a></span></h2>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://www.freehurricaneridge.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-updates.html"><span style="color: #2288bb;">October
updates</span></a> </h3>
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Check FreeHurricane Ridge on facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FreeHurricaneRidge"><span style="color: #2288bb;">www.facebook.com/FreeHurricaneRidge</span></a><br />
<br />
Port
Angeles Mayor Cherrie Kidd, City Manger Dan McKeen, and Greg Halberg
participated in a conference call with National Park Service Comptroller Bruce
Sheaffer in August. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVG2qUQcP5E/UGxwQ8B3o5I/AAAAAAAAAFg/ar7lMX2_Z8Y/s1600/visitor+increase.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_vltdum="2" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVG2qUQcP5E/UGxwQ8B3o5I/AAAAAAAAAFg/ar7lMX2_Z8Y/s640/visitor+increase.jpg.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mr. Sheaffer
acknowledged that the two year trial period was due to the intervention of
Congressman Norm Dicks, who is a long time friend of the Park Service. He
stated that our request would be easier if the Park Service were in a normal
budget cycle, but because of both the uncertainty due to the elections and lack
of budget resolutions in Congress, and an overall tight budget fulfilling our
request would be difficult. We did not mention that the access was reduced
during an expanding budget period.<br />
<br />
We presented to him portions of the
data on this blog, including how Hurricane Ridge compares to visitation in other
parks, the NPS's visitor spending model, and a different way of looking at the
visitation number than ONP presented. Mr. Sheaffer said the presentation was
impressive and that he would examine our data at the regional
level.<br />
<br />
Since then we have heard nothing, Cherrie was scheduled for a
conference call in September, but it was cancelled by Mr. Scheaffer at the last
minute.<br />
<br />
The first year of the program had a deadline of August 1 to hire
and train the additional staff, and still the staff were not ready until after
the New Year, so it does not look good for the upcoming winter.<br />
<br />
Letters
to all the politicians involved are still helpful. <a href="http://freehurricaneridge.blogspot.com/p/what-to-do.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Contact info here</span></a><br />
<br />
The Winter Sports Club, which
operates the ski area at Hurricane Ridge, is in need of replacing its antiquated
equipment. The idea was broached with the park as early as the 2000's. The
response at that time was that the Park was conducting a General Management Plan
(GMP), and the ski club should wait until that was complete before submitting
any proposals. The GMP was completed in 2009, at which time the club went to
the park with various alternatives for lift improvements. In 2011 the answer
from the Park was that the Park needs to complete a Winter Use Plan for
Hurricane Ridge before they can evaluate any ski area improvements proposal.
During our first meeting Todd Suess said that the project could take two to
three years to complete.<br />
<br />
Cherrie Kidd suggested that the NPS should
continue to fund seven day a week access until the Winter Use Plan was complete,
assuming that seven day a week access would be one of the items on the winter
use agenda. At that time Mr. Suess stated that it was more likely that the
Winter Use Plan would not be completed for seven to ten years.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je8Ixw4IS6g/UGo-NX27KGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/8_bdfQ_Xq0Q/s1600/waterhole3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_vltdum="3" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je8Ixw4IS6g/UGo-NX27KGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/8_bdfQ_Xq0Q/s320/waterhole3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, at ONP, staff
destroyed the popular Waterhole Cabin in September 2012, because it was
"unsafe." This is a further direct hit to winter recreation in Olympic National
Park. The ski club proposed in 2010 a <a href="http://freehurricaneridge.blogspot.com/p/hrwsc-proposal-to-expand-hut-system-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">plan</span></a> to place removable winter only ski huts along the
non-wilderness road corridor, which included taking over management of
the Waterhole Hut if desired by ONP. There was no mention at that time that the
Waterhole Hut was on the soon to be removed list. The proposal was rejected by
ONP because it amounted to an expansion of the ski area. Which is a little bit
of a silly point, because another group could have done the same plan just as
well.
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362" rel="author" title="author profile"><span style="color: #2288bb;"><span itemprop="name">Free Hurricane Ridge</span> </span></a></span></span><span class="post-timestamp">at
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<span style="color: #222222;">Friday, September 7, 2012</span></h2>
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Backcountry
Closed:</h2>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Short of a miracle
intervention by someone higher up in the Park service, Hurricane Ridge will be
closed Mondays through Thursdays for 2012-2013.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNpIx3hzL9g/UEpMuaxymkI/AAAAAAAAAAM/sQhYyXw7q1k/s1600/backcountry+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_vltdum="5" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNpIx3hzL9g/UEpMuaxymkI/AAAAAAAAAAM/sQhYyXw7q1k/s640/backcountry+closed.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></h3>
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
</h2>
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
Perceptions versus Reality:</h2>
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Seven day
winter access was a failure<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> The two years of the experiment
resulted in an average increase of 10,578 more winter visitors over the previous
two years, an increase of 35%.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Winter use
is an insignificant sub population of users compared to other spending
priorities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The winter use period accounts for 16% of the annual visits to Hurricane
Ridge. Winter visits to Hurricane Ridge is about the same as annual backcountry
overnights.</span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Seven day
winter access is too expensive<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other winter areas with similar conditions are able to keep roads clear
24/7 for less cost<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJT-zQAPeIc/UEpPYxRR_NI/AAAAAAAAAAk/Ag2Y6STKKL0/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-566_wcXTkcQ/UEpPRlb1-sI/AAAAAAAAAAc/aCIGn2CApvU/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_vltdum="6" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-566_wcXTkcQ/UEpPRlb1-sI/AAAAAAAAAAc/aCIGn2CApvU/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Baker in
2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Costs
outweigh the benefits<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> Using NPS’s MP3 model <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/parkstudy" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">http://tinyurl.com/parkstudy</span></span></a> visitor
spending was more than costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurricane
Ridge is one the most efficient NPS winter areas in terms of dollar per visitor,
more so when visitor spending is accounted for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In addition, there are benefits beyond visitor spending, such as quality
of life, and recirculating local dollars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost all visitors are
local.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> License plates from 27 states were
observed in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, this is
accounted for in the MP3 model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Park crews
are as efficient as possible<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvoYQeuFPCw/UEpNLgIM4uI/AAAAAAAAAAU/kKsutxQhMOw/s1600/Plow+crash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_vltdum="7" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvoYQeuFPCw/UEpNLgIM4uI/AAAAAAAAAAU/kKsutxQhMOw/s640/Plow+crash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Independent study finds methods to save tens of thousands of dollars
using accepted practices in winter use areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurricane Ridge is not viewed as a winter
park<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hurricane Ridge attracts more winter visitors than Crater Lake, Lassen,
Sequoia, as well as open segments of Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Grand
Teton National Parks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Hurricane
Ridge requires 5 full time Rangers to staff
safely<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lake Crescent is staffed with three Rangers for 273,330 winter
visits with similar risks. <a href="http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121017/NEWS/121019969/slide-closes-us-101-at-lake-crescent">http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121017/NEWS/121019969/slide-closes-us-101-at-lake-crescent</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim: Extreme
weather causes road to close <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Closed days averaged 5.3” of snow in 24 hours, 15 mph average winds for
24 hours, and a peak one hour average of 26 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avalanche hazard on the road is
high<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> Using the Simplified Avalanche
Hazard Index which is based on the number and frequency of avalanches per
traffic indicates low or very low threat to the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A full assessment could be done by an expert,
but has not been requested by ONP.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reinstalling gates at Third Peak and or the
Slot is not feasible due to lack of turnaround
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turnaround at the Switchback trail head is 90’ in diameter; 75’ at the
Slot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Existing turnaround at the lodge
is 75’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reinstalling gates at Third Peak and or the
Slot is not feasible due to lack of
parking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTBE4SzWvt0/UEpWR3yK1VI/AAAAAAAAABo/jijgQuT4iGQ/s1600/P1060914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_vltdum="8" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTBE4SzWvt0/UEpWR3yK1VI/AAAAAAAAABo/jijgQuT4iGQ/s640/P1060914.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking below the switchback
trail head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least 50 parking spaces are available at Third Peak, more are
available on paved pull outs above Third Peak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reinstalling gates at Third Peak and or the
Slot is not feasible due to lack
restrooms<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Outhouse facilities are required for Washington State Winter Recreation
Program SnoParks and installed and maintained at minimal
cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 16pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">ONP Claim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Downhill skiing is an activity that requires
extensive development with resulting significant environmental
impacts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The downhill facilities at Hurricane Ridge disturb less than 1,000 square
feet of land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-50896384788710755492012-10-16T20:41:00.001-07:002012-10-16T20:41:08.381-07:00Feel free to post commentsThe settings are changed to allow comments, which would be much appreciated. Also check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/FreeHurricaneRidge">https://www.facebook.com/#!/FreeHurricaneRidge</a>.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-22511512128308274572012-10-14T22:01:00.003-07:002012-10-15T07:52:54.478-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jack Hughes was the Hurricane
Ridge Ranger from 1965 to his retirement from the NPS in 2005.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then spent several years as a volunteer
Ranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a Ranger’s Ranger, loved
the Ridge, and had a goal to ski 1,000 miles every year, which he did until
very recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rod Farlee spoke with Jack about
the history of Waterhole and its removal. </span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jack
calls removal of Waterhole a "clandestine operation".<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
The Chief Ranger approved a winter-use ski hut at Waterhole requested by a
local group of active crosscountry skiers: John Phillips, Dr. Seimens
(deceased), Dr. Bob Allman, Nels Lingveldt, and John Sextet.<br />
It was designed in 1968 to be easily removable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2 halves bolted together, each half easily trailerable.<br />
Waterhole was an automobile campground, converted to picnic area because it had
limited water (no well).<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Superintendent found out and "got unglued" then "trouble",
but skiers were "politically connected", "sort of a truce was
signed".<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Jack laughs at ONP’s contention that it was "only a playhouse in someone's
backyard".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waterhole was designed
to be disassembled into 2 halves which could be trailered out each summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went in for the 1968-9 ski season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the summer, it was stored in a backyard
and kids may have played in it.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Rogers C B Morton was Secretary of the Interior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife visited Alps, saw ski huts, in 1970
Morton wrote to NPS "We need ski huts for kids get out in winter".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Superintendent Roger Allin proudly wrote back
"We already have <br />
one!” reversed his position, told skiers "Don't take it out next summer. It's
approved" as a permanent year-round structure.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
NPS raised it to create the woodshed area and put shakes on it to replace original
tar paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had 4 or 5 woodstoves over
the years, all purchased by donations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was so popular had a lottery and waiting list for weekends.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
There has been at least two serious injury incidents in which waterhole played a
role in a successful rescue. Once, a skier broke his leg - femur - so the group
jury-rigged skis into a sled and got him into Waterhole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next day, came back with a sled to get him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In another incident Ranger Mike Butler broke
his ankle beyond the Waterhole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
transported to the hut on a primitive sled, and he was then brought out on a
better sled that same night.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Superintendent Chandler made sure the
proposed Wilderness boundary excluded Waterhole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This exclusion later also allowed the SNOTEL
site to be installed.</span>Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944096971466245583.post-7022193137327678442012-10-11T23:13:00.000-07:002012-10-11T23:13:10.590-07:00The Ten Year PlanWhy is a Winter Use Plan necessary to add or replace any winter recreation activity, but access, tubing, and the Waterhole Hut can be removed without it?<br />
<br />
The answer du jour from ONP regarding Hurricane Ridge is that a Winter Use Plan is in the pipeline, and (name the issue) will be addressed in the WUP, which will include a public process. The catch? There is no funding for the plan, so it will be ten years before it is completed.<br />
<br />
First, some history. The HRWSC, which operated the three surface lifts at the ridge, is operating two rope tows that have been in place since 1958, and the Poma since 1968. All three lifts are well beyond their life expectancy. The ski club recognizes the need for replacement, and was told in the 1990's that the General Management Plan would provide guidance for the Park Service to determine the future of downhill skiing on the Ridge. The problem was that the GMP process took 10 years to complete, finally entered into the Congressional Record in late 2008.<br />
<br />
The public comments and GMP came out clearly that improvements to the lifts would be allowed. During those ten years of process, weekday access to the Ridge decreased from open, to as staffing and weather allow, to closed. The tubing area was eliminated, and now the Waterhole Cabin destroyed. Meanwhile, in 2006 the Friends of Olympic National Park made a series of suggestions to improve winter recreation. One of the suggestions was to do a WUP to allow public input to how winter at the Ridge should operate.<br />
<br />
Based on the results of the GMP, the ski club put together numerous proposals for lift improvements, starting as soon the the GMP was completed in 2008. In late 2011, the Park stated that due to two significant events since 2009 (the closure of the snowplay area and discovery of Native artifacts in the meadow) a Winter Use Plan would be required before any lift improvement plan could be evaluated. At the time, they said this would be a two or three year project.<br />
<br />
Mayor Cherrie Kidd, a strong proponent of seven day access, was quick to point out that with that time frame, the seven day access trail should be allowed to continue until the WUP was complete. That would allow a longer data collection period, and presumably the public comments would favor continued seven day access.<br />
<br />
When the Park heard that idea, they quickly lengthened the estimated project completion time to ten years. By that time, the existing lift system will no longer be functioning. Meanwhile the Waterhole Hut has been removed, we are back down to weekend only access, and the Park wants to replace the Intermediate area with tubing.Free Hurricane Ridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011998758992194362noreply@blogger.com0