[CMCEmail] June Beta

[CMCEmail@Californiamountaineer.com]

 <http://www.accessfund.org/> 
June 2011

	

Several significant climbing management plans on the horizon for Yosemite   



  <http://www.accessfund.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=tmL5KhNWLrH&b=5000939&ct=10877825> 

In May, Access Fund policy director Jason Keith met in San Francisco and Yosemite Valley with new Yosemite Superintendent Don Neubacher and stakeholders interested in Yosemite National Park matters. Up for discussion were three upcoming management plans that could impact climbing access and camping (including the iconic Camp 4) in Yosemite Valley, the lower Merced River Gorge, and Tuolumne Meadows. Half Dome permits, various conservation projects, transportation planning, and many other issues were also on the table. Of primary concern to climbers is the Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan (MRP),  <http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm> with preliminary plan alternatives slated for release this summer. This plan will design and implement carrying capacity policies for the Valley that protects the Merced River. 

In addition, Yosemite National Park will soon ask for public comments to a wilderness stewardship plan. This new Yosemite-wide wilderness plan would likely implement the National Park Service’s new policy on wilderness fixed anchors (Director’s Order #41 <http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=34639> ) and may also provide direction related to climbing access trails, staging areas, parking, and camping. We’ll be asking for your comments soon!

The Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Plan (TRP <http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm> ) <http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm>  will also develop a user capacity program to protect river values within ½ mile of the Tuolumne River. The TRP will consider commercial use and the High Sierra Camp. Look for a draft plan this July and final plan by next summer. 

Yosemite’s park staff has done an excellent job presenting the public <http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/planning.htm>  with the many complicated issues and implications in these plans on their website. The Access Fund continues our multi-year partnership with Yosemite National Park and other stakeholders to craft appropriate policies for climbing access, approach and descent trails, conservation projects, camping, parking, and transportation options. 

 <http://www.accessfund.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=tmL5KhNWLrH&b=5000939&ct=10877825> More...


Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks announce wilderness management plan



  <https://www.kintera.com/accounttempfiles/account401621/images/kingscanyonsmall.jpg> 

The NPS announced the start of a  <http://www.nps.gov/seki/parkmgmt/wilderness_plan.htm> wilderness management plan that will affect the extensive  <http://www.mountainproject.com/v/kings-canyon-/106616033> backcountry multi-pitch granite climbing in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). The Access Fund is working with the  <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Sierra-Climbers-Association/108647937497> Southern Sierra Climbers Association to develop input to SEKI planners and a comment letter identifying important climbing and conservation values in both parks. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks may also implement the new NPS policy controlling fixed anchors in wilderness. Stay tuned for further updates.

 <http://www.accessfund.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=tmL5KhNWLrH&b=5000939&ct=9353653> 





Did you know...?



 <http://www.accessfund.org/site/c.tmL5KhNWLrH/b.7437499/k.9564/AF_Land_Holdings.htm> 

The Access Fund holds three incredible climbing areas and two conservation easements across the US. While our first priority is to empower local climbing organizations to purchase and steward threatened crags, not all climbing areas have a local community to act as caretakers. Over the years, we’ve purchased areas or acquired conservation easements for areas like Unaweep Canyon, Golden Cliffs Preserve, Jailhouse Rock and many more. Holding land or acquiring a conservation easement secures access to these beloved crags forever. Want to know more? Check out our land holdings  <http://www.accessfund.org/site/c.tmL5KhNWLrH/b.7437499/k.9564/AF_Land_Holdings.htm> here. <http://www.newriverrendezvous.com/home.html> 

 

 

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