Aaron Johnson
Joined: 19 Jun 2002
Posts: 3487
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 Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 4:06 pm GMT |
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We received the latest Trail and Timberline this week. For those interested, on matters concerning ongoing access issues:
Lincoln/Bross/Democrat
The FS, CFI and CMC met with property owners in early July to review routes superimposed on aerial photos of the mountains. Bill Middkebrook, owner of 14ers.com volunteered his time with most of the GPS work. A hike after the meeting on July 3 was done to assess conditions and potential routing. FS and CFI representatives gave up their 4th of July holiday activities to continue working on this issue.
In August, Alma's town board approved a lease agreement for routes on all three peaks. Under this agreement, Alma assumes liability for these "trail corridors" on all three peaks. House bill 1049 amended the Recreational Use Area Statute by adding abandoned mining structures.
The hope is to have the peaks officially reopened for 2007. The FS and CFI are developing a plan for trail reconstruction, such as in the area above Kite Lake.
Wilson Peak
Access issues continue to be murky at best. The property owner's creation of a web site in an attempt to charge for access through Silver Pick basin is legally questionable, as he may be charging for access to public land. Survey info provided by the owner to the FS addresses claim location, but the owner apparently did not pay the surveyor to do "discovery of the actual claim boundaries."
The owner is apparently trying to resume mining in Silver Pick Basin, which muddies the situation further. The CMC and Telluride Mountain Club have begun pro-bono legal counsel to examine mining related paperwork to ensure all state and federal regulations are observed by the property owner.
In late 2005, the CMC and TMC, along with the Access Fund, signed a memorandum of understanding creating the Wilson Peak Protection Fund. Housed in the CMC the fund is used for educational purposes, such as signage in the Wilson Peak area, as well as raising money to do a formal survey in the basin.
South Colony Lakes
In early 2006, the FS proposed closing half of this rugged jeep road, adding a parking area at the closure and creating designated camp sites and sanitary facilities in the upper basin. A ban on campfires would be imposed near the lakes due to lack of firewood.
A poll by CMC Conservation revealed, despite a few heated arguements against any change, most respondents favored the proposals. Respondents generally felt it was "about time the FS did something" about the trashed-out conditions of the area.
Cottonwood and Spanish Creek Access
Citizens of Crestone and Saguache County residents are studying the effects of the Baca Ranch coming into federal ownership. Most of the land has become part of the Great San Dunes NP & Preserve, or will be part of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
A complicating factor is the trailhead access for Cottonwood and Spanish Creeks which is on private property. It is currently questionable if access will be permitted to these drainages.
Searle Pass
The area is owned by the Climax Mine and has been closed. A meeting with the mine did not take place as planned earlier this year. The Colorado Trail passes through this saddle west of Jacque Peak. |
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