Grand Canyon: Kelly Point road to be closed in winter!

[superstition]

We recently learned that Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument was going to close the road to Kelly Point during winter. The road is often not passable during winter, but sometimes you can get out there in between storm systems if you drive at night on the frozen roads. In mild winters you can get out there often.

More and more we're seeing land managers enact blanket closures of areas. This particular road controls access to a vast area of GCNP from Parashant Canyon (river mile 199) on the east to Surprise Canyon (river mile 248) on the west. Kelly Point is not part of the proposed Wilderness designation in front of Congress. And because the Hualapai Tribe refuses to grant permits for south side access, this act by the NPS effectively closes this area in winter.

The Coalition of American Canyoneers is objecting to this closure because the NPS did not engage the public to determine if alternative ideas could be found. Our letter to the Superintendent is at the link below. We urge you to let the NPS know your opinion. Click through to the NPS press release, then select contact Scott Sticha's name and send him your thoughts.

http://www.americancanyoneers.org/gc...-point-access/

So, what's at stake? There are about 20 quality slots in that area. Here are a few photos:

[superstition]

Just an update. CAC got an email back from the NPS regarding the Kelly Point issue. There will be a conversation with the Superintendent and the Chief Ranger this week.

A huge thanks to all of you that sent in an email note to Scott Sticha against the closure and lack of public process. It's having an impact. If you haven't sent an email yet, it's not too late. There is strength in numbers. Let's keep this going. We're building momentum and rachetting up the pressure!

Background on the closure here: http://www.americancanyoneers.org/gc...-point-access/

Send in your comments here by clicking on Scott Sticha's name: http://www.nps.gov/para/parknews/kel...osure-2014.htm

There is a lot of dialog about this issue on Facebook on the Grand Canyon Hikers and Backpackers Page here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/GCHBA/

Thanks again for stepping up!!!

Rich

[RAM]

Interesting conversation on FB. We MUST defend against the NPS and other land managers just arbitrarily shutting down access whenever its more convenient for them. The meeting between CAC and the NPS next week is happening because a number of you wrote and sent comments to Scott Sticha (inffo above. PLEASE add your voice to the chorus. Write him now
Send in your comments here by clicking on Scott Sticha's name: http://www.nps.gov/para/parknews/kel...osure-2014.htm

[Rick Demarest]

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument has agreed to a permit system for winter access to Kelly Point.

Two years ago, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument announced a seasonal road closure for Kelly Point (NPS Road # 1203). Acting on behalf of the Coalition of American Canyoneers, board member Rich Rudow responded asking that the GCPNM consider a permit system to access Kelly Point if weather and road conditions would allow for travel without damaging the roadbed. After a series of consultations with CAC board members & other user groups, GCPNM agreed to look into creating a permit system. The complete history is on CAC's website: http://www.americancanyoneers.org/gc...point-closure/

The 2016-2017 seasonal closure and new permit system was announced today November 28, 2016.

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument announcement:

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument Superintendent Rosie Pepito has set the seasonal winter closure of Kelly Point Road (NPS #1203) to motorized vehicles for Wednesday, November 30th, 2016. Kelly Point Road is expected to open in late March when warm, dry weather returns.

In winter the roadbed is normally saturated by melting ice and snow. This seasonal closure will protect the road and nearby vegetation. In the past the road was damaged by deep ruts and widened as motorists drove around or through deep mud and standing water. This changed natural drainage patterns in fragile meadows and destroyed vegetation and cultural resources. Motorists were also stranded in the area as the region is seldom traveled.

New this year, permits may be available from the Chief Ranger for winter motorized access to Kelly Point if conditions warrant. For permit information: https://www.nps.gov/para/planyourvis...cle-access.htm

“The road to Kelly Point is very rough and one of the most isolated places in the monument. Due to the clay roadbed and fragile features there, a seasonal closure is the best way to protect the road, park resources, and public safety,” said Chief Ranger Chad Corey. “In addition, we don’t want people getting stranded way out there for multiple nights as has happened in the past. At this time of year Kelly Point is one of those places in the Parashant where you would be truly alone and a vehicle breakdown could be life threatening.”