Death Valley Wilderness (read: Canyoneering) Mgmt Plan COMMENTS

[ratagonia]

From our buddy Abby Snow:

The last chance to comment on Death Valley National Park's proposed
Wilderness Plan is open now through October 9.
The pdf document is posted at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/DEVAWildernessPlanEA , which is the same
place you respond with your comments. You may also submit comments in
writing to: Superintendent, Death Valley NP, ATTN: Wilderness Plan
Comments, P.O. Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328.
It's a large document. The PDF pages that are relevant to canyoneering
are:
pg 88 (Day Use Guided Canyoneering Groups: Not allowed in wilderness)
pg 90-91 (Day use permits would be required for all private
canyoneering trips due to the limited routes available, the increasing
popularity of the sport, and the challenging conditions that Death
Valley’s canyons present. Depending on patterns of visitor use, permits
could be adapted to allocate routes on a per day, per party basis. The
permit system would be phased in and would include online access to
permits. Permits may be free or for a nominal cost, depending on the
requirements for the permit system selected. All permits would include
terms and conditions to require clean and safe canyoneering practices,
environmental sensitivity, and respect for other park visitors.)
pg 98 (Climbing and canyoneering are both legitimate recreational
pursuits, but there are limitations on where they may be appropriate
and under what conditions. It is anticipated that Servicewide guidance
on this issue will be forthcoming. In its absence, the park will adopt
the following restrictions in all three action alternatives.
No new climbing hardware may be left in a fixed location; however, if
an existing bolt or other hardware is unsafe, it may be replaced.
Intensively bolted routes are not appropriate in wilderness. The
physical altering of rock surfaces such as chiseling or the intentional
removal of lichens or plants, glue reinforcement of exiting holds, and
gluing of new holds is prohibited. The use of motorized drills is
prohibited within wilderness and rock climbing is not allowed within
200 yards of an archeological or cultural site.).
The document lists 4 alternatives, but Alternative D is the park's
preferred alternative. The quotes above are from Alternative D.
The last draft was might more restrictive. Those of you that know me,
feel free to ask me about the back story. . .
-Abby Snow
--
Abby Snow
abby_snow@...

[Candace66]

Thanks, I forwarded that on to some folks who live closer to the area and are avid backcountry users.

I wanted to comment on the ridiculous amount of low-level military flying over the Park, but unfortunately NPS doesn't have the power to do anything about that.

[Mojave Silence]

Regarding low level military flyovers, agreed. A few years back we had a jet fly right over us on the road going out to the Racetrack, so close to the ground I could clearly see the pilots head/helmet as he gave a nod, maybe 35' off the ground, 30-40' away. He came right at us from several miles away.

[denaliguide]

Regarding low level military flyovers, agreed. A few years back we had a jet fly right over us on the road going out to the Racetrack, so close to the ground I could clearly see the pilots head/helmet as he gave a nod, maybe 35' off the ground, 30-40' away. He came right at us from several miles away.

that there be the sound of freedom!!