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As a result, snowmobile use within Sequoia National Monument will be limited to existing roads. Snowlands Network knows that continued vigilance will be necessary to ensure that this requirement is followed.
The Antiquities Act gives presidents the power to protect land threatened by development. It was first used by Theodore Roosevelt to establish Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Since then, every president except Reagan and the two Bushes have used the Act to create or expand a monument.
In rejecting the challenge, the court reinforced the president's power to protect federal lands under the Antiquities Act. This puts to rest claims by the Mountain States Legal Foundation of Denver, a conservative public interest law firm, which claimed that Clinton overstepped his authority in designating or expanding some 2000 areas.
Former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt praised the Supreme Court for its decision.
Marcus Libkind of Snowlands Network attended the meeting and was shocked at what had gone on behind closed doors. “On the summer side, one [OHMVR] Commissioner met with two members of the OHV community and one from the environmental community. They divided the money between winter and summer grants, and then allocated the summer funds to specific grants. The allocation of the money for winter grants was solely determined by the [OHMVR Division] staff.” But Marcus says, “What ticked me off most was that this whole process was made public the morning of the Commission meeting. We had no time to prepare.”
Although many of the winter grants were taken off the consent calendar and discussed by the Commission with the public given opportunity to comment, the process was fruitless. It was impossible to increase funding in any area because all the money had already been allocated. Because each grant was considered individually it could not be increased because there was no process to simultaneously consider decreasing a different grant.
Libkind spoke repeatedly about the lack of funds for enforcement with little effect. OHMVR Division staff said that some carry-over from the previous year could be made available. But Marcus says, “What about next year? There will be no carry-over then.”
Also at issue is, by law, a minimum percentage of the grant funds must be spent on conservation, enforcement and rehabilitation. For this grant cycle that was 51 percent. Although that figure may have been attained overall for summer and winter grants, the percentage was much lower for winter grants. Libkind says, “If they are going to promote snowmobiling to the tune of a couple of million dollars in grants, then they should provide a commensurate level of enforcement dollars.”
Marcus has long been critical of how funds get spent on enforcement. In previous years law enforcement officers spent much of their time “making contacts” with snowmobilers. The purpose was to make snowmobiles aware of regulations. But Marcus believes that law-abiding snowmobilers only need a sign, and a “contact” isn't going to keep one of the rogue snowmobilers out of a Wilderness or other closed area. All the money should go to putting enforcement officers on the ground or in the air where they are needed most to apprehend the trespassers.
The situation has also led the California Winter Recreation Committee to send a letter to Tony Perez, Acting Deputy Director of the OHMVR Division, requesting that the Committee or at least a cross-section of representatives from the winter recreation community have an opportunity to be a part of the process that determines the allocation of funds. Perez replied, “So noted, lets work to improve the future process.”
On the positive side, the Commission for the second year in a row denied snowmobile trail grooming grants to Eldorado NF for the Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF for the Blue Lakes Snowmobile Trail, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for the Brockway to Tahoe trail system. Snowlands has opposed these grants because the management agencies have failed to address the need for non-motorized areas in addition to snowmobile opportunities.
Wilderness Studies classes at LTCC teach you how to enjoy the wilderness, adapt to different conditions and at the same time care for the fragile environment. Classes are offered in fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each session offers detailed in-depth study of wilderness skills and techniques, leadership skills, wilderness first aid, environmental awareness, and recreation opportunities.
The winter 2004 class schedule will be available on November 24, 2003 and class registration begins December 8, 2003. You do not have to be a resident to take advantage of these classes. Like all community college courses, the cost for these courses is a bargain. The hitch is that some require midweek attendance and some are multi-week courses. But some are limited to a Friday class lecture and weekend of outdoor training. For those with flexibility in their schedule, these courses are a great deal. Read on for more information including a list of classes.
The website for the Wilderness Studies Program is www.ltcc.cc.ca.us/special_programs/wilderness/index.htm.
Rosie Werner
Wilderness Studies Coordinator
werner@ltcc.edu
(530) 541-4660 ext. 463
One College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
530-541-4660
www.ltcc.cc.ca.us
But the backcountry of the Swiss Alps is not only endangered by ski areas, urbanization, traffic and hydroelectric power stations. Despite the limited space, heli-skiing is allowed in Switzerland, while it is prohibited in most of the other alpine countries including France, Austria, Germany and parts of Italy. In the Swiss Alps there are 42 officially permitted alpine landing sites above 3300 feet, 22 of them in or close to protected areas. Three of them are even within the borders of the United Nations world heritage region Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn in Bernese Oberland. “Swiss government officials and regional tourism organizations made a cheap deal to achieve the world heritage label – the area only deserves the status if certain restrictions are made. Top priority is the prohibition of heli-tourism in the area,” says Mountain Wilderness (MW) Switzerland winter sports expert Rolf Meier.
Helicopters fly an average of 20,000 passengers a year into the Swiss Alps, but only a part of the alpine landing sites are regularly used for heli-skiing. Jürg Meyer, responsible for nature and environment at the SAC, says: “Heli-skiing is negative mostly because of the noise in the last wilderness areas. It is fun for a few at the expense of many others and nature. That is where the freedom must end!” And Rudolf Strahm, member of the Swiss Parliament, adds, “Heli-skiing, which is not for search and rescue, is pure egoism.”
Austria and Germany are very strict about enforcing their bans on snowmobiling, so they avoid conflicts between snowmobiling and non-motorized backcountry uses. Not so in some of the Swiss cantons. The Ticino region is the snowmobile mecca of Switzerland with regular use for fun and leisure. Simone Sprunck, MW board member explains: “In the 2002-03 winter we watched the practice of snowmobiles high-marking steep slopes in the premier ski touring area west of Lucomagno Pass for the first time. It was amazing how half a dozen snowmobiles tracked the valley in only a few minutes. The slopes would have had enough potential for fresh ski and snowboard tracks for many weeks. After the snowmobiles had passed, all the good slopes were groomed.” Stephan Harvey, mountain and ski touring guide from the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) in Davos, is aware of the forthcoming problems with snowmobiles and avalanche hazard. Up to now there have been no deadly avalanche accidents with snowmobiles reported in Switzerland.
Jan Guerke
Coordinator, Keepwild!
Mountain Wilderness Switzerland
For many years, the Washoe County School District has operated a wonderful program at Sky Tavern for school district families. Students learn to ski while parents teach and patrol the slopes. This program leases the Sky Tavern ski area for eight weekends per ski season.
On weekends and weekdays, when the school district ski program is not operating, the public has used the Sky Tavern area for cross country skiing. Skiers use the slopes for practice and this location is a perfect place to enter or exit the backcountry for tours of the Galena Drainage. Sky Tavern as well as the Galena Drainage are closed to snowmobile use and are adjacent to the Mt. Rose Wilderness.
The proponents of this closure are concerned about the liability created by the public using this groomed ski area when it was not in operation. Snowlands Network and local residents oppose this closure of public property and are concerned about the issue of backcountry access.
The Sky Tavern closure was put before the City of Reno Parks and Recreation Commission at a public hearing in October 2003. The Commission agreed to hear this issue in greater detail at the December 2, 2003 meeting.
So far the Commission seems amenable to keeping Sky Tavern open to the public year around based on initial comments. The points brought forth focused on the fact that all city parks, including Sky Tavern, are covered under the City of Reno for liability. Sky Tavern does not pose any more liability for the City of Reno than any other public park and should not be closed to the public for issues of liability.
Representatives of Snowlands Network and Friends of Sky Tavern Park will speak at the upcoming Parks and Recreation hearing on December 2. If you would like to get involved, or to find out more, contact Gail Ferrell, Snowlands Director, in Reno, Nevada (Lost Trail Lodge Tucked into Coldstream Canyon, 4.5 miles southwest of Donner Memorial State Park, is the latest addition to backcountry lodges in the Sierra Nevada. With an annual average snowfall of 12 feet, the range of nearby ski and snowshoe destinations is limitless. From beginner to advanced, rolling terrain to steep chutes, there is something for everyone. Exploring the upper reaches of Coldstream Canyon, Emigrant Canyon or climbing nearby Schallenberger Ridge will take you away from the main road that is sometimes used by snowmobiles.
The main road to the lodge is also packed by their SnoCat. A stay entitles you to a ride in and out of the lodge, or you can ski or snowshoe. The ride in makes this an ideal destination for a group that includes a nonskier who wants to curl up with a book.
At the lodge you will find a beautiful facility. Although off-the-grid, they produce their own power to make your stay comfortable. Most of the power comes from solar energy. There is an emergency phone and a 24-hour caretaker on site. The lodge is a nonsmoking facility.
There are four cabins, attached to the main living area by a hallway, that sleep a total of 12 people. Two of the rooms have Jacuzzis. The lodge rents as a whole so you will need to get a group of people together. Linen, blankets and towels are supplied; you bring your own food.
For additional information contact:
Tahoe West Company, Inc.Editors note: This article was written based on information obtained from the Lost Trail Lodge website and from conversations with the owner. An update based on firsthand experience will be in the next issue of the Snowlands Bulletin.
8600 Coldstream Trail
Truckee, California 96161
(530) 320-9268
E-mail: info@losttraillodge.com
Website: www.losttraillodge.com
Can you ski or snowshoe to the beautiful Galena Drainage and look for snowmobile tracks and resource damage? Volunteers are needed for weekend days – Saturday or Sunday from now until mid-April. Contact Gail Ferrell at Banff Film Festival
Every year, the best films from the festival go on tour. Beginning in early November, the tour begins its journey in North America and then continues overseas. On the 2002/2003 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, over 150,000 people in 210 locations attended over 335 screenings throughout 21 countries.
Come see why the event is a sellout around the world. Tickets to the event are only available at REI stores in the greater San Francisco Bay - Santa Rosa area, and at the door. Tickets are $15 for non-REI members and at the door. Advanced ticket purchase by REI members is $12.
Snowlands Network is seeking 12 volunteers to perform a variety of tasks at the event. Those interested should contact Mike Dooley at mjdooley@yahoo.com or 408-737-7646.
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort's basic price for non-holidays is $39 with children 7-12 years $10. It's that simple.
At Sugar Bowl Ski Resort the basic price is $56 for weekends and holidays, and $40 midweek. But Safeway stores in the Bay Area, Sacramento, Tahoe/Truckee, Reno and along I-80 are selling Sugar Bowl lift tickets as gift cards for just $39. They're good for any age, any day during the 2003/2004 season and there are no blackout dates.
Sugar Bowl also has a deal for kids beginning January 4, 2004. Simply bring your restaurant receipt from any participating McDonalds to a Sugar Bowl Ticket window and exchange it for a free kids lift ticket (ages 12 & under) for that day. Kids must be accompanied by a paying adult in their immediate family. You save $15 per kid and Sugar Bowl donates $2 per ticket to Ronald McDonald charities. Visit Sugar Bowl's website (www.sugarbowl.com) for a list of participating restaurants.
Individual members of Snowlands' Board of Directors will be leading tours ranging in difficulty from beginner to intermediate in areas related to current issues. So far we have plans for:
Contact leaders for additional information and sign-up:Tahoe Meadows Snowshoe Tour
This trip, two miles round trip, takes you up a ridge that overlooks both Tahoe Meadows and Washoe Valley. Leader: Gail Ferrell.
January 11 (meeting 10:30 AM)Anderson Ridge Ski Tour
This is an intermediate, 6 to 8-mile ski tour, near the Iron Mountain Sno-Park, where efforts are ongoing to create a non-motorized area in the midst of the Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail. Come learn about a trailhead away from the sounds and smells of snowmobiles. Leader: Marcus Libkind.
February 28 (meeting at 10:00 AM)Martis Peak Ski Tour
An 8-mile intermediate ski trip that climbs 1750 feet to the summit of Martis Peak. Leader: Marcus Libkind.
March 27 (meeting 9:30 AM)Tahoe Meadows Snowshoe Tour
This trip, 2 miles round trip, takes you through woods to a ridge that overlooks both majestic Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Meadows. This is the location where Snowlands desires to mark a winter route. Leader: Marcus Libkind.
March 28 (meeting 10:30 AM)Galena Drainage Ski Tour
This intermediate one-way trip from Tahoe Meadows to Sky Tavern Park through the Galena drainage is six miles long. Leader: Gail Ferrell.
April 4 (meeting 10:30 AM)
We asked Mike to find entertainment for the November events that we hosted this past month. In the process he made contact with the promoters of the Banff Film Festival and REI. As a result Snowlands Network is cosponsoring the festival in Marin (see article on page 7) and Mike is continuing to coordinate on behalf of Snowlands.
In order to continue to expand or effectiveness Snowlands Network is seeking individuals to fill three volunteer positions.
This person will solicit memberships from small and medium size businesses, which will include mountain shops, resorts and other establishments. Good written and language skills are required.
A desire to be a volunteer in our community is the most important requirement for any volunteer position. Please contact Marcus Libkind at President's Corner On October 2, 2003 I attended the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission meeting in Folsom where the Commission voted on the approval of grants including those for snowmobile trail grooming and winter enforcement (see Change Needed in OHV Grant Process on this page). This year, in addition to speaking on specific grants, I took the opportunity during the “public comment period” to address the Commission on more general issues.
My speech was directed as much, if not more, toward the staff of the OHMVR Division and Forest Service attendees. The staff works directly with the Forest Service in the planning processes that involve State funded facilities on Forest Service lands. In all too many cases it is the lack of cooperation between these two agencies that results in decisions that increase the conflict between uses – backcountry skiing/snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
I present the text of my speech here because it gives a perspective as to what can be done to improve the status quo.
"Commissioners, thank you for this opportunity to address you. I am the President of Snowlands Network, an organization representing backcountry skiers and snowshoers. I am also a member of the California State Winter Recreation Committee within the Department of Parks and Recreation. At these meeting we work on ways to increase opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation. Most of this effort revolves around creating more parking access. This focuses on potential new Sno-Parks.
"The problem I see is that establishing more access in general results in more conflict on adjacent Forest Service lands between motorized and non-motorized uses. This results because there are no restrictions on who may use the Sno-Parks and [in general] no restrictions on uses on adjacent Forest Service lands. The result is that there is little if any consensus on locations for new Sno-Parks.
"Access and opportunities for everyone could be increased dramatically if the State and Forest Service were working together – the State providing access and the Forest Service motorized and non-motorized areas adjacent to the access.
"I urge the State and the Forest Service to enter into a dialog on how to better work together. The goal should be aimed at more access and opportunities, on a timely basis and at less cost.
"Thank you for the opportunity to make these comments."
Marcus Libkind
President, Snowlands Network
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