MOUNT EVANS UPDATE
State of Colorado Takes Charge
By Bill Schneider, 4-24-07
It’s amazing what a little sunlight can do! And how fast it can change things.
Yesterday, I posted a long article about the impasse between the U.S. Forest Service (FS) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) over signage of the controversial state highway to the top of 14,126-foot Mount Evans. Basically, the CDOT wanted a sign saying people did not have to pay a fee to drive on a state highway, but the FS refused to put it up, fearing that people would opt for a free trip.
So, back at you, FS, says CDOT. We’ll put up our own signs.
“CDOT is going to install signs instead of leaving it up to the USFS,” Jay Kramer, Region 1 right-of-way manager, notes in an email obtained by NewWest.net. “CDOT’s signs will go up as soon as possible, with our without a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the USFS.”
The specific language of the sign will be: “No charge for travel on State Highway 5. Fees collected by USFS are only for those using amenities on USFS property.”
According the FS spokesperson Donna Mickley, those “amenities” include only three sites--Summit Lake, Mount Goliath, and the Mount Evans Summit. This means visitors will be able to enjoy most of the Mount Evans road, using pull offs, parking at trailheads to go hiking without paying the fee.
It would be prudent, though, to check carefully with the FS at the toll booth and ask what is allowed and what is not because this fast-moving situation could change.
“Since your article came out, the emails have been flying,” said Robert Funkhouser of the Western Slope No Fee Coalition, an opponent to the Mount Evans fee program. “And CDOT decided to do it, but Colorado taxpayers now have to pay for the signs.”
Funkhouser also said he is suspicious on whether the FS will really comply with the wishes of CDOT or try to find a way around them. “We’ll have our people up there on the first day they open to make sure the FS is fully complying with the law.”
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And if you think the public in SC was enraged, step outside your little circle of complainers and think again. I spent two years working in the field on the ANF, and at least 90% of the folks thought the AP was a good idea. Was/is the program perfect? No, and there are still changes that should be made.
I'm usually no defender of the FS bureaucracy (no longer with USFS), and I would give you examples of the benefits of the AP but you'd probably just call me names anyway, so I guess I won't waste my time.
Do you tell the guy in the toll booth you're planning to use the facils? Pay then? No I'm not so don't put a greeting under my windshield wiper? I also wonder what will happen with other "fee areas" like Kenosha Pass or Brainerd Lake.
Go still that pot bill...hehehe
"bout time the FS get some in it's face
Here in Alaska the FS has contracted out all the popular campgrounds and attractions. The Russian River comes to mind. You have to make a reservation now in order to stay in the campground and if you don't make it 6 months ahead, tough luck. Although we love tourists here, sometimes it makes us feel like we are second-class citizens!