I've been asked by Bruce to email you concerning the proposed changes at Mount Rushmore. There are currently 3 projects on the drawing boards that will impact us as climbers.
#1) Wrinkled Rock- Project Phase 1: The parking lot will be expanded to accommodate around 35 cars. Primitive camping will still be allowed (people had to put up a fight to keep that there), and raised tent pads will be built. There will be a new climbers Kiosk with general info, maps and sign in. Rules for Rushmore and the Forest Service will be standardized and possibly an ADA accessible trail from the parking lot up to South Seas area.
Phase 2 Calls for more trail improvements around the south seas including belay pads in areas such as Toy Boat and an actual trail be built along the Rushmore and Forest Service boundary where the current trail that is commonly used to access Mt Baldy is.
Phase 3 Calls for trail improvements in the Chopping Block area and a staircase like trail that heads up towards Evergreen.
This is a Forest Service project and is in the works... dirt could start moving as early as October. You can reach the Forest Service office at 605-673-9200
#2) The proposed spur trail linking the Mickelson Trail (near Hill City) to Mount Rushmore area...has a high probability of coming near Wrinkled rock trail head (possibly affecting the parking and camping there) and running up the old highway in front of many climbing areas (possibly resulting in user conflicts if its not properly managed). If you would like to talk to someone about this, Wyss Associates in Rapid City is handling the project right now and are accepting comments till Feb 20. Their website is currently down, but should be back up soon... and I believe there is more info there...but I called them today and they said you can email Matt, the project manager at Mattf@wyssassociats.com
#3) Yellow Wolf Trail --- Which I know much less about as I have not been to the Informational Meetings that have been being held in the area since last Dec. the project is to create a trail system of 1 to several loops in around the Rushmore area. Here are several links that have more info.
http://www.keloland.com/
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ comments for this project CLOSE ON SUNDAY and I think they can be emailed to the park service via their website. All of these projects will likely bring more non climbers into the areas where we climb. The trail projects will mostly work to reduce erosion and allow easier access to the climbing areas. Please learn more about these proposed projects and comment on them. IF you chose not to be involved, please do not whine about the outcome. "Democracy is ruled by the people who participate." Of course, if you do comment, please be nice and professional. If anyone knows more details on these projects and would like to share it with the rest of us, please email me at sylvan@sylvanrocks.com I personally feel these are great projects for the Forest Service, Mount Rushmore and for the area, and hope that they are able to happen. I do hope that they are properly funded and that no shortcuts are taken in construction that will later result in erosion or maintenance issues. One last thing: As many of you know, the Forest Service is currently working on a new forest wide Travel Management Plan that will change the forest from being open to motorized vehicles everywhere (even off roads) unless posted..... to only open on designated routes. At least one of the potential alternatives for this project may affect access to the Victoria Canyon climbing area by permanently closing some of the roads. The draft for this project is expected to be open for comments sometime later this month and will be found at: |
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