As an avid rock climber, tax payer, and informed voter, I would like to ensure that the parks my money go to are being used by all recreational groups that do not destroy the resource. This largely includes the banning of rock climbing in denver mountain parks.
The banning of rock climbing in denver mountain parks needs to be addressed. The response given by the DMP is weak and outdated at best. The fact that the fine is steeper than an individual being caught with crack cocaine is also absurd. He recommends Opening rock climbing up as a general recreational activity on all areas aside from Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Robert from Jefferson County, September 29, 2008, is “Supportive” and says:
Please acknowledge the Access Funds position letter and recommendations on the proposed management plan. Except in rare circumstances, rock-climbing should be allowed throughout the park system as the impacts can be mitigated in ways other than closure.
Richard from Jefferson County, September 25, 2008, is “Supportive” and says:
I think that you've done a great job of managing these land assets. However, I strongly support a change to the current use restrictions to include the allowance of rock climbing on Denver Park land. This use is consistent with other agencies such as the NFS, BLM, JeffCo Open Space and CO State Parks.
Wilder from Boulder County, September 25, 2008:
I strongly support climbing and bouldering access in Denver Mountain Parks.
This respondent referenced the Access Fund's comment letter, sent to Susan Baird this week.
Carlos from Denver County, September 26, 2008, is “Supportive” and says:
I would love to see climbing opened up in the Denver Parks. I really enjoy living in the urban environment of Denver while being so close to outdoor trails, but right now there aren't too many options for climbing close-in other than Golden. I think climbing in the Denver Parks would make living in Denver even more attractive, and that a good management plan allowing that can be incorporated.
Erik from Boulder County, September 25, 2008, is “Neutral” and says:
The ban on rock climbing does need to be addressed. I understand that the primary reason for the park purchase was primarily for viewshed preservation and therefore does not warrant additional purchase to provide access. However, this would then logically rule out any other public use of the park as well. The main contention is the singular ban on rock climbing, and activity that has very little conflict with other user groups. As can be seen in most Denver metro park systems, rock climbing can very easily coexist with other activities in a manner that preserves both the viewshed and the environment.
He also suggests that Denver should “consider working with locals climbing access groups to develop a climbing management plan” and supports “opening [DMP] to managed rock climbing” as very important in the long term.
Two additional respondents, from Boulder and Weld Counties, supported rock climbing but did not want their comments posted.
4 comments:
Theres the North American Rock Climbing Survey
This study is being conducted by the Department of Natural Resources at the School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona in collaboration with the Centre for Tourism Policy and Research at the School of Resources and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University. The Access Fund and the Climbers Access Society of British Columbia support this study.
The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Only start the survey if you have the time to finish. All responses will be treated completely confidential. If you have questions or comments, follow the ‘comments page’ link on the first page of the survey.
The North American Rock Climbing Survey is a collaborative effort to understand how rock climbers use resources, travel, and make destination decisions. The Access Fund and over 16 local climbing advocacy groups throughout North America support this effort. This survey only samples climbers and depends on your participation. The results will be available to national, regional and local climbing advocacy groups. Let your voice be heard.
I am a Boulder resident and a graduate student in Physics at the University of Colorado-Boulder. I am doing my Ph.D. research at the National Renewable energy labs in Golden. As an avid climber, I have explored many of the areas around both Boulder and Golden. Of course, climbing requires a certain amount of technical knowledge and safety is always a concern. However, the climbing community in Colorado is a very well-informed and responsible group who understand and accept the risks involved. They are also taxpayers who help support and fund the park systems across the state. Opening the 1,400+ acres in the Denver parks would not interfere with other use of the land and would end an outdated, unnecessarily restrictive policy. I support the position the Access Fund has taken on this issue.
Adam Scheer
I have noticed that no comments have been posted recently. Did you close them early?
Also, will you be having any community forums to give taxpayers an opportunity to have any further dialouge regarding the plan? When will the final decision be made?
Thanks
Angela Anderson
Angela-- we did not close early, just had a lull in receiving them. See new posts above. I was trying to get an answer for your question about forums.
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