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Join Us for Our Monthly Program
Join
the Oregon Nordic Club for
our monthly program! Hear about trips, mountain excursions,
and winter events. Programs are
held at the
June 6 Tuesday
Kayaking with Whales in the
Check here for more info: http://www.onc.org/monthly/program.pdf
Upcoming Events
June 3 Saturday
National Trails Day: trail maintenance
Team up with REI,
Guided hikes for volunteers
For more info contact Janet Schmidt 503-221-1938 jschmid@rei.com
National Trails Day: trail maintenance
Mt. Hood N.F. –
Routine trail maintenance–clearing brush and improving tread (walking surface)–Forest Service staff will be leading this event and providing instruction. Come prepared for a 2-5 mile day hike for the day. Wear long pants & boot and have long sleeves available to put on. Bring a lunch, water, etc.
More info available from: 503 622-3191 ext. 625, mfitzgerald@fs.fed.us www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/
Contact the ranger station by
National Trails Day: trail maintenance
Bridal Veil, OR
This event is sponsored by a partnership of federal state
and private parties, to provide the participants an opportunity to support the
vast trail network that extends throughout the Coulmbia
River Gorge. Representatives from the Forest Service, The Army Corps of
Engineers and the State of
Preregistration required.
Buffet breakfast, sack lunch and National Trails Day Volunteer t-shirt included in the $25 registration fee.
lunch at the worksite finishing
at Multnomah Falls Lodge at
The participants will need to bring work gloves, and safety glasses/sunglasses for eye protection.
Contact Aaron Pedersen USFS at the
June 17 Saturday
Paddle Demo Day
This is the perfect time and place to come test the
waters and try out the hottest 2006 boats and accessories. There will be free on-site
classes and lots of fun for you, your friends and families.
For more info contact Portland REI 503 221-1938
June 20 Tuesday
Clinic: Women’s Specific Bike Riding
For more info contact: 503 617-6072
Clinic: TRAIL DOGS
Tualatin REI,
For more info contact: 503 624-8600
July 6 Thursday
ONC Annual Picnic
The picnic replaces the July general meeting and program. Nonmembers welcome. Come join us!
Over this past ski season, many members, attempting to access the Bennett Pass Sno-Park from eastbound Highway 35 via the off ramp on the south side of the highway often find the off ramp closed by Mt. Hood Meadows. This closure, forces the Bennett Pass Sno-Park users to
continue further east on Hwy. 35 and turn left across the westbound traffic to gain access to the Sno-Park. However, this north side off ramp is also closed. An inquiry into the legality of the closure found that Mt. Hood Meadows is in violation of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) regulations and must allow use of the off ramps to access the Sno-Park. Speaking with Bill Barnhart, ODOT Maintenance Manager for Section 2C, it was learned that Mt. Hood Meadows can BLOCK the road to move alpine traffic to the overfill parking lot, only when their main lot is full. Mt. Hood Meadow’s employees must allow use of the off ramp to gain access to the Sno-Park. During our conversation, it was learned that they have been issued a final warning concerning this issue. Complaints can be directed to the ODOT at 503 665-4514 william.c.barnhart@odot.state.or.us.
George Condy, Nordic
Issues Chair
ONC members cut brush and posted blue diamonds on eight trails during nine trail tending parties this summer. In total these volunteers worked about 300 hours. When you are skiing this winter take note of other trails that need work and contact the Trail Tending Coordinator or any Board member so we can maintain them next year.
The following trails, around Mt. Hood, are ready for skiing: the 2-mile-long Lostman Trail, which connects to the Mud Creek Loop in the Trillium Basin; the advanced level Yellowjacket Trail, 6.3 miles in length, that begins near the junction of Timberline Road and Highway 26, then goes through the forest to White River (Klindt Vielbig in his book Cross-country Ski Routes of Oregon’s Cascades–the first edition–says, “This trail is a ‘classic’ tour that every experienced skier wants to ski for the notoriety it has acquired.”); the Mineral Jane Trail, an intermediate level trail of 3 miles, named after ONC member Jane Cox who spearheaded its creation in 1986, accessible from the Barlow Pass Sno-park, parallels Highway 35 and ends across from the West White River Sno-park; the Polallie Ridge Trail with its spectacular views of Polallie canyon and the east side of Mt. Hood, a 3 mile alternate to the Tilley Jane Trail, which it parallels; the Meadow Creek Trail, which forms part of a loop one can ski from the Pocket Creek Sno-park and it leads to the site of a day-use shelter that the club is planning to build.
In the Wind River area, north of Carson,
Washington, the trails awaiting skiers are: the No Name Trail, which
goes 0.7 miles through a clear-cut, connecting the Hardtime
Loop (which is groomed some weekends) to the Scenic Loop and the Indian
Heaven Trail (trail number 159)–reached by an easy 1.7 mile trail to McCellan Meadows–which climbs 1,000 feet in about 4
miles to Road 65. The
Kapka Butte Sno-Park Project Dutchman Flat near
Klindt Vielbig informed us of a plan to build the Kapka Butte Sno-park to replace lost parking at the Dutchman Flat Sno-park. The proposed Sno-park is being designed with the machine powered snow enthusiast in mind. The sno-park will provide an oversized parking area for vehicles and trailers. The problem is the over expanded size of the sno-park. Building a parking area of this size allows for more vehicles in the area thus increasing the snowmobile traffic on the trails, open play areas and—unfortunately—powered vehicles into the Three Sisters Wilderness area (which is illegal). Opposition to the Sno-park is based on the following:
1. It greatly exceeds the original purpose to replace the lost parking area of the Dutchman Flat Sno-park.
2. It does provide a desirable higher elevation parking area of all; however, it also increases the number of snowmobiles accessing the trails and open areas.
3. Increasing the number of snowmobiles in the area will eventually lead to trespassing onto ski trails, careless destruction of ski tracks and, unfortunately, the disruption of cross-country skier’s and snowshoer’s natural quiet experience.
Those wanting to voice the opinion concerning this Sno-park may do so by sending their letters to:
District Ranger Phil Cruz
1230 N.E. 3rd, Suite A-262
Squirrel Quarry Sno-park
No official word has been received from the Forest Service concerning the re-opening of this project. To date, the Sno-park proposal is under review for re-consideration.
George Condy, Nordic
Issues
Nordic Issues
March 2006
Squirrel Quarry Sno-Park
The establishment of the
Squirrel Quarry Sno-Park and the Nordic area earlier
reported as being rejected by the Forest Service has again been resurrected due
to the efforts of the Oregon Snowmobile Club. The establishment of this sno-park benefits not only the Snowmobiler,
but also Snowshoers and Nordic skiers, providing a
trail system in the foothills of
Pam R. and I attended the
4Sno-park parking (Teacup,
4Regulations regarding dogs on the trail system (more information coming concerning county ordnances and leash laws)
4Snowshoer trails and etiquette – the possibility ofseparate trail systems and signage.
4Government Camp
4430 unit Condo expansion in the Multipor area with 32 units starting this summer – (housing expansion to be limited to the current Government Camp boundary limits)
4Addition of 9.6 miles of mountain bike, Nordic and hiking trails around the Government Camp area
4Truck by-pass through Government Camp
4Discussion
concerning limiting vehicle traffic to the
4Park and Ride
areas in the
4Arial Tram from Government Camp to Timberlineand Timberline to Mt. Hood Meadows4Trillium Lake ONC shelters and a commercial proposal for temporary shelters for summer use by mountain bikers
4Forest Service properties that can no longer be maintained due to budget restraints.
4Backcountry ski
areas posted as closed (Mt. Hood Meadows ski area) due to
George Condy, Nordic
Issues
Proposal to sell FS lands
The President’s fiscal year 2007 budget includes a legislative proposal that would allow the Forest Service to sell small tracts of forest land that are isolated or inefficient to manage due to their location or other characteristics. More information available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2006/releases/02/secure-rural-schools.shtml
A Federal Register notice (to be posted on the Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/) requesting comments on the lands identified as potentially eligible for sale will be published by the end of February. Anyone wishing to comment on the proposal can comment by mail, fax, or e-mail within the 30-day comment period that starts when notice is published. Contact information will be in the notice.
Proposed Kapaka Butte Sno-park near
Is the size of this parking
area necessary? Voice your opinion on this issue.
The
Here is a brief background,
followed by Five points of concern:
In response to problems
associated with intermixing high-speed machines and pedestrians, the Forest
Service recently closed (to motorized use) 1/2 of
Five points of concern:
(Note:
Wanoga, at approximately 90,000 square feet, has an
official capacity of 55 truck and trailer rigs. The proposed lot, at
approximately 185,000 feet, has an official capacity of 70: twice the size,
with a claimed increase of just 15 additional rigs. The official capacity of Wanoga '55' is unrealistically low - counts of 75 to 135
rigs have been made.)
The current closure date for
comments is March 6th.
Send comments to:
District Ranger Phil Cruz
1230 N.E. 3rd, Suite A-262
Bend OR 97701
F.S. Web site with maps:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/projects/units/bendrock/kapksno-elksnomo/index.shtml
“A Legacy for
The Congressmen’s aim is to work cooperatively with
the
Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers: The proposal identifies opportunities to increase the Mt. Hood National Forest’s Wilderness areas and its Wild and Scenic Rivers inventory by adding 75,000 acres of Wilderness, a 40% increase of designated wilderness on Mt. Hood and the first new Wilderness on the mountain in 21 years, and designation of an estimated 14 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, a 12% increase to Mt. Hood’s Wild and Scenic River network.
Recreation: The Congressmen see recreation as a
dynamic social and economic component of the Legacy.
Special Use fee retention: The creation of a
special use fee retention program that would enable the
Recreation Advisory Council: Establishment of a
Recreational Advisory Council, comprised of local
stakeholders to advise the Forest Service on planning for future recreation
enhancements and dispersal of retained funds, though decision-making authority
would continue to rest with the Forest Service. The council would consist of 11
members representing the following: winter motorized recreation, winter
non-motorized recreation, summer motorized recreation, summer, non-motorized,
recreation, hunting and fishing, local environmental groups. permitted
ski areas, the state of
Road use adapted: Require the Forest Service to determine where appropriate Forest Service roads slated for closure and decommissioning could be adapted for use as single track trails for mountain bikes or to enhance other recreational opportunities.
Transportation: Create a transportation network
that brings people to and from
Tribal relationships: Uphold the rights of Native Americans to gather “first foods” in their accustomed manner and ensure healthy stands of huckleberries and other traditional plant species. Memorandums of Understanding would account for the special access needs of tribal elders in compliance with current environment laws and land management designations.
Community development: The future development of the Mountain should occur in areas where an infrastructure currently exists such as Government Camp, Ski Bowl, Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows and lands allocated A-11.
Land exchange authorizations: This process would involve the parties and other affected stakeholders to advance the land exchange in a way this is equitable and balanced.
Disaster resistant development: Future development would conform to disaster resistant guidelines, such as fire-safe building codes
Local Government and Federal Government relationships: The next century of challenges for Mt. Hood will require the partnership between local communities, counties, the State, the Tribes and federal agencies to identify common ground, coordinate planning for lasting solutions.
George Condy, Nordic Issues
Season greetings to all! The snow has begun to fall with substantial accumulation in both the upper and lower elevations of the Cascades. It is beginning to be the best skiing we have had in years. Teacup is being groomed and skiers can enjoy the fresh snow along with the new cabin.
The popular
Cliff Ligons, Manager of Mt.
St. Helens National Monument, is asking winter recreationists
to be prepared before they visit the mountain. Safety precautions are in place
including evacuation plans, should volcanic activity warrant an evacuation. A
map showing areas around
Congressmen Greg Walden and Earl Blumenauer invite you to
Mount Hood Summit III “A Legacy for
The Congressmen will present their Blueprint of
Principles and Actions to address the concerns that have been raised throughout
the years. These concerns include wilderness, watersheds, recreation,
transportation, Native American rights, forest stewardship and land exchanges.
Your testimony will be important in finalizing bipartisan legislation and
generate new ideas for future efforts, creating a
George
Condy, Nordic Issues
Many events have come to the forefront that will shape
our forests and usage of it. Currently the most important topic is the likely unveiling
of a new Wilderness Bill that will protect up to 260,000 acres of roadless area on
Now is the time for you to write letters or make a
call to your local congressional leaders, endorsing 260,000 acres be included
in the bill, with no logging provisions. Consider this as a way to protect
Think about clean water, clean air, preservation for future generations, and saving prime backcountry for skiers and snowshoers. The proposed 1,400 acre special use permit area designated for a downhill skiing at Cooper Spur is poor usage of the terrain. The top 80% of the area is a steep sided v-shaped canyon, meaning the only good downhill ski trails would have been on the ridge tops of either side. So, only two downhill ski trails would have been possible, one of which would take out the historic Pollalie Ridge Trail that has been there since approximately 1900. The highest and best use of this area is backcountry skiing, and the upcoming Bill will preserve it as wilderness.
We are waiting for the Forest Service decision regarding
the Timberline Express expansion that will take out the upper half of the
The proposed sno-park at the Squirrel Quarry has been cancelled due to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife stating they would not support plowing the road and putting in the sno-park, as it could put stress on over wintering elk. The ONC supported this joint effort with the snowmobile club, and will continue working to find an alternate sno-park. Working cooperatively with our snowmobile friends is important for many reasons. Call George Condy to help with these issues.
Lou Klump, ONC Portland
Chapter President
Nordic Issues October 2005
Plan includes diverse
designations to protect public lands and preserve bicycling access
The Oregon Mountain Bike Alliance (ORMBA) and the
International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have released a proposal
that would protect the undeveloped lands of the
The ORMBA/IMBA plan includes a detailed map covering all the lands in the “Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act,” proposed in 2004 by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. The groups estimate that bill would have permanently closed more than 200 miles of trails to bicycling. While endorsing some lands for new Wilderness designations, the mountain bike groups suggest conserving the forest’s road-less areas with additional designations that will address a wide spectrum of stakeholders’ concerns.
“Bicycling in the
“Bicyclists want to ride in road-less, pristine lands. Like hikers, we relish the opportunity to visit these places. Our proposal demonstrates that Wilderness is not the only way to protect public lands,” said IMBA Representative Paul Thomasberg, a leader of the Bend-based Central Oregon Trail Alliance.
The bicycling groups propose four designations other than Wilderness:
1. National
Protection Areas: NPAs have all the fundamental land
protections of Wilderness, prohibiting mining, timber harvest, construction of
roads and dams, and motorized travel. But NPAs allow
bicycling and do not include the complex, restrictive philosophy of Wilderness.
2. Hood Pedaler’s Demonstration Experiment Areas (PDX):
Senator Wyden proposed this new
designation in his 2004 Bill. These lands would be
managed just like Wilderness, except bicycling and clearing trails with
chainsaws would be allowed.
3. National Conservation Areas: NCAs represent a middle ground between Wilderness and regular National Forest management. The ORMBA/IMBA proposal improves on previous NCA designations by prohibiting the construction of new roads and water projects (NCAs can encompass existing
roads). This designation would also allow limited, sustainable logging, as well as motorized travel on designated routes.
4. Singletrack Trail Designations: Bicycling groups propose some areas be adopted as Wilderness, but with special allowances for mountain biking on specific trails.
“We want the backcountry to remain road-less and
protected. Our plan will safeguard more lands more quickly by using a variety
of approaches,” said Mark DeJohn, an IMBA
representative in
“Closing the remaining backcountry to bicycling is
just unacceptable,” said Douglas Van Zandt, a board member of the
Columbia Area Mountain Biking Advocates in
The cycling groups have already presented their proposal
to the members of Congress representing these lands, the U.S. Forest Service,
local county commissioners, and Wilderness proponents. ORMBA and IMBA wish to
hear from all interested parties and plan to continue dialogue on protecting
and preserving public lands while allowing recreation opportunities. The groups
are encouraged by the continuing efforts by members of Congress on both sides
of the aisle to work toward a compromise that will address all interests
concerning
A map detailing how the proposed designations for
Contact: Roger Louton,
Nordic Issues Sept 2005
At this time the Cooper Spur and the Timberline Express expansion are pending further approval. The Squirrel Quarry Sno-park and new Nordic ski area awaits a pending wildlife study and backing of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife before further action can be taken. Meetings concerning these issues are yet to be determined.
The Teacup Cabin construction has begun (see photo and story in the column to the left). The foundation has been excavated and was poured on Wednesday with any luck the cabin may be ready for ski season.
Nordic
Issues from Club News
The Club has requested the Forest Service in the
Clackamas District complete an Environmental Assessment of the proposed snow
plowing and trail grooming project on Road 46 to the Squirrel Rock Quarry,
which will serve as a sno-park for skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. We
conducted a tour of the area in July, and found many good ski trails south
towards
We are waiting to hear from the U.S. Forest Service about
the proposed Timberline Express Chair Lift, which will take out the upper half
of the
Finally, as mentioned in the August Newsletter, an
agreement has been reached between Mt. Hood Meadows and the Hood River Valley Residents
Committee. This agreement has been endorsed by all members of the Coopers Spur
Wild and Free Coalition, the Hood River County Commissioners (a unanimous vote
of 5 to 0 in favor) and appears to have the backing of several key legislative
representatives. The agreement calls for Mt. Hood Meadows to swap all their
land and ski facilities on the north side of
Lou Klump,
President
Nordic Issues Aug 2005
Coopers Spur
The Cooper Spur controversy may be nearing an end. It was
proposed that Mt. Hood Meadows swap all their holdings on the north side of
Teacup Cabin
On
Nordic
Those interested in Nordic racing, the 2006
Nordic Issues July 2005
Proposed Squirrel Quarry Sno-Park
Roy Buntin, John Nakada and I representing the Oregon Nordic Club met with Andrie Rykoff the U.S. Forest Service Chief Ranger of the Clackamas Ranger District and Clint Peterson of the Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club on June 1 to discussed the temporary hold placed on the proposed Squirrel Quarry Sno-Park. The action that prompted this meeting was a reply by B.A.R.K. to an advisory letter published by the Forest Service attempting to put the sno-park in without conducting an environmental impact study of the proposed area. B.A.R.K.’s reply to the Forest Service’s advisory letter forcefully request that no further action be taken on the project until the environment impact study has be completed.
At this time the ONC supports the need for an environment impact study of the area. We will meet with representatives of the Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club to develop a letter of support for the environmental study of the Squirrel Quarry Sno-Park and Nordic ski area. This letter will be presented to the Forest Service to continue the project and hopefully prevent its cancellation. It is proposed that both the Oregon Nordic Club and Oregon Snowmobile Club meet with B.A.R.K. to discuss the issue and produce a workable solution to their opposition of the proposed Sno-Park and snowmobile trails. Presently, coordination for the meetings between the groups is being conducted; no meeting dates have been established.
Editors Note: An
exploratory hike of this proposed Nordic ski area is scheduled for July 16, see
the day tours schedule.
Nordic Issues June 2005
Timberline Express
The Board is supportive of Alternative 1, where
Timberline would continue to operate the existing chairlifts and trails without
any further development. However, the Board realizes that this proposal may not
be chosen. Alternatives 3 and 8 provide for a more suitable Bypass trail that
would replace the
The end of the proposed lift is in the middle of wetlands and will sit atop of Still Creek at an elevation between 4,900 and 5,050 feet.
Many of the trails under Alternative 3 run through riparian zones.
The Special Use Permit Area is increased, taking additional pubic land into private use.
The Board proposes a modification to Alternative 8, which moves the end of the ski lift 750 feet to the east of Alternative 3’s proposed location. This would avoid damaging Still Creek and adjoining wetlands. However, with this variation the terminus of Alternative 8’s lift boarders a wetland and perennial streams. The Nordic Club’s proposed modification would advocate that the lift terminate at the 5,150 feet elevation in order to avoid the wetlands, perennial streams and riparian zones just below the proposed route. This would shorten the lift by approximately 250 ft.
Alternative 5 is unsuitable since it requires additional land outside the existing Special Use Permit Area and crosses Perennial Streams while being adjacent to wetlands.
Alternative 2 and 5 are unacceptable due to the lack of a
practical alternate to the
Note:
see Lou Klump’s further explanation about this
issue below.
Timberline Express
proposal
RLK & Company has proposed constructing a ski lift
and various ski runs over the top of the
We chose Alternate 1, do nothing, for the following reasons:
RLK & Company did not demonstrate a public demand for the additional 900 skiers that this development would bring. The study noted that RLK & Company needs this additional ski run in order to retain market share. This implies the Mt. Hood area, including all ski resorts, has more than enough capacity at this time, and they are simply competing with one another for a limited number of skiers.
RLK & Company has a parking capacity of 2,900. The current capacity for skiers is 3,090. The new capacity would be 3,990. Even if there was a demand for this extra capacity, there is insufficient parking space to get that many skiers up there. There are no viable spots to install additional parking spaces.
RLK & Company stated they needed to expand additional capacity for intermediate-advanced skiers. The market profile of demand shows that the market wants 35% of their terrain to be within the category of intermediate-advanced, yet this expansion will only improve it from 12% to 14%.
Trends in
RLK & Company did not take into account the long
history of using the
Alternates 3 and 8 both included a Nordic by-pass ski route, that crosses high speed downhill routes two times.
But even that trail is steeper than the
All alternates, 2,3,5, and 8 place the terminal of the lift in the middle of or adjacent to wetlands and perennial streams. All alternates have trails going through riparian zones.
No other ski trail or lift in the special use permit area for RLK & Company ever gets close to the wetlands or streams. We believe now is not the time to do so.
Now is the time to send in your opinion. There is only a limited amount of time for this public comment period. Voice your opinions by sending an e-mail to the U.S. Forest Service at: comments-pacificnorthwest-mthood@fs.fed.us
Lou Klump,
ONC President
Nordic Issues May 2005
Timberline Express Proposal
The Response deadline is
This proposal is to develop the Timberline Express chairlift and associated ski trails. The purpose of this action is to improve the winter recreational opportunities at the Timberline Ski area by:
1. Providing additional skiing terrain and opportunities during inclement weather conditions (closure of the Magic Mile and Palmer pods which are operable for approximately 60 percent of the winter operating season).
2. Increasing available intermediate to advanced skill-level terrain within the special use permit (SUP) area, and provide a terrain distribution that better matches industry standards.
3. Increasing skier opportunities by extending and utilizing the ski area’s existing ski trail system in a more efficient manner thus increasing opportunities for skiers to circulate between pods (the ski trail system associated with each chairlift).
During periods of inclement weather when the Magic Mile and Palmer chair lifts are not operating, over crowding on the lower mountain continue detract from the skier experience which brought about the need for this proposal.
Nordic Issue - skiing on West Leg Road
The increase in alpine skiing including the noise associated with operation of the proposed lift, grooming and other machinery may result in a loss of quiet now found along this portion of the West Leg Nordic Trail. The new lift and ski trail and the associated alpine skiing activity introduced into this area may increase the congestion on the West Leg Nordic Trail. There is the potential to create conflicts between users and increase the risk of collision between users in locations where the new alpine trails and lift line cross the West Leg Nordic Trail.
At this time 5 alternatives to this proposal are currently under consideration.
No Action Alternative – Under a no action
alternative Timberline will continue to exhibit a surplus of low-intermediate
terrain and a deficit of intermediate and advance-intermediate terrain. Without
this alternative, Timberline will continue to experience deficiencies in the
ski No Action Alternative – Under a no action alternative
Timberline will continue to exhibit a surplus of low-intermediate terrain and a
deficit of intermediate and advance-intermediate terrain. Without this
alternative, Timberline will continue to experience deficiencies in the ski
area operation may eventually lead to an erosion of market share for
Timberline. Nordic skiers would continue to use the
Alternative 2 - This action alternative
would amend the existing Timberline Lodge Master Plan as proposed by RLK and
Company to construct a new chairlift, to access terrain within the SUP
boundary. This proposal impacts a wetland and riparian reserves along Still
Creek. Further, this alternative impacts the Nordic skier’s experience
along the West Leg Road Nordic Trail increasing the risk of collision between
users where the alpine trails and lift line cross the existing West Leg
Nordic Trail.
Alternative 3 – This alternative modifies Timberline’s proposed action by focusing the skier use away from wetlands and other riparian areas along the lower portion of the lift alignment. Alternative 3 addresses public concerns over impacts to wetlands, streams and riparian areas within the Timberline Special Use Permit area, as well as public concerns over impacts to the Nordic skier experience along the West Leg Road Nordic Trail. This proposal moves the ski trail further west away from the proposed alpine trails reducing the congestion of it, decreasing the risk of collision and allowing for a quiet ski Nordic ski experience.
Alternatives 4 was eliminated because of slope gradients along the West Leg Road are almost flat and would not allow skiers to access the bottom terminal from the east.
Alternatives 5 and 8 impact steams, wetlands,
riparian reserves and the West Leg Nordic Trail.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the
proposed Timberline Express Chairlift is available on the
Send comments on this DEIS to:
Paul
Koehler
Zigzag Ranger District
70220
E. Hwy. 26
Zigzag,
Or comments may be sent by e-mail to: comments-pacificnorthwest-mthood@fs.fed.us
Comments must be received by May 9, 2005.
George Condy, Nordic
Issues Chair
Nordic Issues April 2005
We welcome George Condy as our new
Nordic Issues Chairperson. George and I attended a meeting at the U.S. Forest
Service Clackamas Ranger Station with Andrei V. Rycoff,
District Ranger, and the Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club. Andrei gave us a letter,
which states that he is in full agreement with the concept of a sno-park at the Squirrel Creek Quarry, located at the
junction of Forest Roads 46 and 4690. “This appears to be an exciting
opportunity for a mutually beneficial situation that should be good for the
Forest Service, the Club, other recreationalists, and
good for the community of Estacada and surrounding areas. The bulk of details
for the implementation of such an agreement have been resolved. The appropriate
partnership agreement is under review by my staff in consultation with Forest Headquarters
personal, and documents are being formulated to officially confirm approval of
the proposed activities. Currently there would not appear to be any significant
hurdles to our reaching a formal agreement that will result in the operation of
a snowpark at Squirrel Pit for the enjoyment of the
public by the winter of 2005-06,” Andrei states in his letter to the Mt.
Hood Snowmobile Club. This agreement uses
Membership Renewals
ONC membership is for one year starting from the month you join. Your mailing label has the year and date of expiration: example 0509, which mean that your membership expires in Sept. 2005. Renew your membership before the expiration date to continue receiving the Newsletter. Thanks!
ONC needs your help
The Oregon Nordic Club is
run by volunteers, and needs some new people to take over the positions listed
below. It is very rewarding to be part of the planning and coordinating of our
many activities. The Board meets once a month. The committees report on
activities and make decisions that affect everyone. Please step forward to help
with the tasks that keep the club vital.
Volunteers are needed for:
President -- presides at all meetings of the Board of Directors
and the monthly general membership meetings, carries out orders and resolutions
of the Board, maintains contact with other Chapters and the State Organization,
prepares the annual operating budget and submits it to the board for approval
and keeps aware of factors affecting or concerning the Chapter’s
interests
Secretary – attends the board meetings, takes minutes,
distributes minutes to the board members and performs other duties as required
by the Board
Membership Chairperson
– attends the board meetings
and reports on the status of membership, greets attendees at the monthly
general meetings, send new members information about
the club, responds to inquiries about the club (sends out free newsletter upon
request) and performs other duties as required by the Board
Programs Chairperson
– attends the board meetings
and reports on the monthly programs, schedules speakers and presenters (slide
shows) for the monthly program
Trail Maintenance
Recruiter(s) – works with the
Trail Maintenance Coordinator to recruit volunteers for the trail tending
parties (from list of volunteers).
Overnight
Bike
Publicity Committee
Members – assists Publicity
Chair with club promotion and providing information concerning Nordic Club
purposes and activities to the general public.
Ski Shelters Committee
Members – assists the committee
with the current project of building day-use ski shelters on Mt. Hood ski
trails (promotion, grant writing, architectural expertise in rustic log
structures, expertise in wood stoves, engineers experienced in rustic log
structures, carpenters, roofers experienced in metal roofs, budgeting, etc.)
To find out about
theses positions please contact Lou Klump: 503
649-9612
Cooper Spur Wild and Free Coalition Updates
Tilly Jane Ski Trail Nomination
ONC and other Cooper Spur Wild & Free Coalition groups submitted an application to the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to recognize the historic Tilly Jane Ski Trail and its connection to the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane historic backcountry recreation area. Local historians and local residents, members of the Friends of Tilly Jane, the Crag Rats, the Sierra Club, the Friends of Mt. Hood, the Oregon Nordic Club and the Show Shoe club provided hundreds of volunteer hours and donated resources to help gather the information necessary to nominate the Tilly Jane Ski Trail on the national register. The State Historic Preservation Office is currently reviewing the proposed nomination.
Historic accounts and personal
recollections tie the origin of the Trail back to the mid 1920's when the
Amphitheater and Cookhouse were first used. Today, many ONC members use
the Tilly Jane trail to access the backcountry and to
stay at the historic Tilly Jane A-Frame
Cabin, Guard Station and to visit Cloud Cap Inn. Please write to SHPO at the following address to express your
support for this nomination.
Michael Carrier, State Historic
Preservation Officer, Oregon State Historic Preservation Office,
Summary
The Portland Chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club is opposed to the proposed expansion plans of Mt. Hood Meadows on the northeast side of Mt. Hood. The proposed Cooper Spur Ski Area expansion, residential and commercial buildings and golf course are incongruous with the traditional backcountry use of the area. Any of Meadow's proposals would irreversibly reduce enjoyment for our members and other current users of this wild area. Ski area expansions and USFS supported clear cuts would end the use of these areas we use for hiking, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The proposed developments and "village" would ruin the well-preserved, historic and remote atmosphere on the flanks of Hood that is enjoyed by visitors in its current status.
Background
Oregon Nordic Club has learned that (1) Mt. Hood Meadows ("Meadows") has consolidated its land holdings by purchasing the Inn at Cooper Spur and the Cooper Spur Ski Area and 156 acres of nearby land with the intention of greatly expanding and developing the ski area and the property adjacent to the Inn at Cooper Spur, (2) Hood River County has entered a land exchange with Meadows, trading 600+ acres owned by the County and located adjacent to the Cooper Spur Inn and Ski Area for 750 acres owned by Meadows and located in more remote zoned forestland and (3) Meadows has publicly proposed to develop the land it obtains in the exchange into a 4-season destination resort with approximately 450 new housing units, an 18-hole golf course, retail shops in a village core, and restaurants among other development. A portion of the land currently owned by Meadows on the NE side of Mt. Hood and the land at issue in the exchange and the surrounding area contains old growth forests worthy of protection and provides a pristine backcountry experience for the Oregon Nordic Club and folks from all over Oregon and the United States. This land is also part of a key elk migration corridor, the sensitive Crystal Springs watershed that provides drinking water for over 3,000 nearby residents, and the East Fork of the Hood River watershed. The land and surrounding public and private land is an important part of Oregon Nordic Club's history as well as an essential element of the natural heritage for the entire region and in particular the citizens of Hood River County, neighboring counties and the residents of Portland and Vancouver.
Local residents and citizen groups, including many members of the Oregon Nordic Club, have raised a question about the legality of the land exchange. The Oregon Revised Statutes require that the land be exchanged for "equal value" and be in the "public interest." Here, the exchange agreement illegally excluded the potential development value of the property without further analysis. The County specifically limited the appraisal to not include the full development potential of the land while it simultaneously is opening up the ability of Meadows to develop this land.
Due to the nature of the land at issue, the Oregon Nordic Club urges that all lands subject to the exchange remain as forestlands, that Hood River County land be retained in public ownership, and that the County consider purchasing the desired forestland outright from Meadows without an exchange if it is determined to be in the public interest.
The Oregon Nordic Club opposes the expansion of the Cooper Spur Ski Area Permit Area or the land surrounding the Inn at Cooper Spur including, the development of a 4-season destination resort, a golf course of any kind, and the development of any new ski lifts or ski runs on the land at issue. Our members and those of many other outdoor clubs and visitors to our region already use the area for skiing and hiking. Meadows' proposed expansion would eliminate one of the few high elevation backcountry areas used for off trail skiing on a regular basis on Mt. Hood. The seven proposed new lifts and their runs would overlay a region already used by many on skis and snowshoes without lift access. One of the proposed lifts actually runs up the traditional access trail - the Tilly Jane Trail. The proposed lift systems and ski runs would obliterate the Tilly Jane Trail area, which is very popular with many on skis and snowshoes and they would also forever change the character of the Cloud Cap-Tilly Jane Special Interest Historic District. The current use model of this area has changed little in well over a century. The original users, while actually building a modest "destination resort," chose to maintain its backcountry character in the Cloud Cap area. That remote character which already draws many users would be lost. Retail, restaurant and residential building and clear-cut ski trails and fairways would diminish the current recreational, historic and aesthetic values of the Northeast flanks of Mt. Hood forever.
While, as a skiing organization the Oregon Nordic Club does not oppose all recreational development on public lands. Many Oregon Nordic Club members are downhill and Telemark skiers and, as such, are active and frequent customers of Meadows and the other ski areas on the mountain. We will continue to support ski areas that limit their impact on the natural setting. We encourage Meadows to look at the geographic location of Sun River as an example of development that uses Mt. Bachelor, at a reasonable distance, without irreversibly impacting the mountain itself. The town of Hood River is an appropriate distance from the mountain for the type of resort village that Meadows proposes. We ask Meadows to consider alternative ways to improve the existing facilities at the Inn at Cooper Spur within the existing developed areas. Any developments should maintain the backcountry character of the area surrounding the Inn at Cooper Spur and on the Public lands within and without the Cooper Spur Ski Permit Area. We urge the US Forest Service to keep mechanized ski operations in the current boundaries of the Cooper Spur Ski Permit Area and to permit no clear cutting in the vicinity.
Formed as a non-profit volunteer organization in 1968 by Nordic ski enthusiasts interested in using public lands for recreational cross-country skiing, the Portland Chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club grew to over 350 members. The Portland chapter is one of twelve chapters in the state. With activities year-round, the Portland Chapter is dedicated to promoting greater participation in and understanding of the value of outdoor recreation with an emphasis on Nordic and backcountry skiing. We also hike, climb, backpack and bicycle year round in the northwest forests and mountains.
Working closely with the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Southern Washington, we present a unified voice for Portland area Nordic skiers. We promote and staff trails development and trail maintenance projects and provide a voice for our members on environmental concerns affecting our natural resources. We have strong connections to the Mt. Hood area as it serves as the closest recreation area for thousands from the Portland and Vancouver areas who use it for non-motorized recreation and appreciate its few remaining remote areas.
Oregon Nordic Club, Portland Chapter, Steering Committee