March 2004
News in Colorado Forests
Arapahoe Roosevelt: Fraser Experimental Forest
February 2004, the Forest Service has proposed eliminating winter-motorized use in the Fraser Experimental Forest. Four alternatives, which include summer restrictions as well, were presented. Supporting Alternative B, the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance commented that the ban on winter, motorized use of the area would improve both air and water quality. Alternative B would also mitigate illegal motorized use in the adjacent Vasquez Peak Wilderness as riders would no longer be able to access Alexander's Knoll via road 163 (Fool Creek Road), and would thus not go beyond it into the Wilderness. A final determination is due out later this spring or summer.
Arapahoe Roosevelt: Berthoud Pass
At a meeting on December 16, 2003, the Forest Service presented information on the lodge and pass area and took public comment concerning the fate of the area and the lodge. The Forest Service will not take over the lodge building, which is in disrepair and needs a minimum of $200,000 to reopen since it is outside of their mission. Many meeting attendees do not want to see the building taken down. An economic development commission from the surrounding cities asked the Forest Service for more time to develop a business plan that would allow the area to continue to attract tourists. The next meeting on March 25, 2004, will address the Draft Berthoud Pass Assessment. Additional information will be available on our website.
Gunnison: Winter Travel
Winter non-motorized users convened a meeting in Crested Butte on March 2, 2004 to get public input and a to discuss the current Winter Travel management plan for the area. Motorized users, non-motorized users, and Forest Service representatives were present to discuss Washington Gulch, an area whose current designation discourages snowmobiling and emphasizes cross-country skiing. The original Forest Service Order written in the mid-1990's has not been patrolled or enforced, and until this winter there was no signage indicating the designated use of the area. In fact, there is no consensus from the Forest Service as to what the designation "discouraged" means. Non-motorized users hope to get the Forest Service to define the term "discouraged" and limit the use of snowmobiles in the area. Suggestions made by both motorized and non-motorized users at the meeting included: limiting snowmobiles to the road, using a permit system, creating separate trails for skiers and snowmobiles, and restricting snowmobiles to farther up the valley, where conflicts with skiers are less likely. The Forest Service says it is investigating the definition of the term "discouraged" and will formulate a plan for implementing the agency's 1995 decision. Other areas around Crested Butte will be discussed in the future and a local working group is being formed to address Winter Travel Management in connection with the future revision of the Forest Service Plan for the Gunnison National Forest. More information on this issue will be posted as it becomes available.
White River: Keystone
The White River National Forest has allowed Keystone Resorts to expand their operations in Little Bowl and Erickson Bowl to include a snowcat operation. This was one of the areas at Keystone Resort where skiers and snowshoers could go out of bounds and enjoy a backcountry experience. The Backcountry Snowsports Alliance (BSA) advised the Forest Service against this proposal because it has traditionally been used by out of bounds skiers. BSA also argued that implementing the snowcat operation would lose quality backcountry terrain. Keystone has been operating the area as a snowcat operation since January 2004.
White River: Vail Pass
Because the snow pack is dwindling rapidly, the Forest Service has decided to end the fees collected on Vail Pass on March 28, two weeks ahead of schedule. The rapid melting has weakened the snow such that it is difficult to hold the weight of a skier. Parties report that they sink to the ground even on packed trails. Rangers will continue to enforce separation of use if it is possible for them to patrol.