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fredbob
Sep 25, 2003, 9:45 PM
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Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority (MSJWPA), the public non-profit that operates the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has proposed to The Mt San Jacinto State Park (State Park) several development "projects" that would dramatically change the character of the Long Valley area.
These projects are being promoted on the grounds that they would enhance the experience of visitors, provide protection to sensitive areas, allow metering of crowd management, and allow for an additional form of recreation. These proposals include:
1. A "people mover" system that would carry people up and down the Long Valley concrete walk-way.
2. A "aesthetically appropriate" pond shaped ice skating rink; constructed of a synthetic ice skating surface.
3. A raised walkway around the entire Long Valley meadow area.
4. A Ranger and Hiking Center which would include a retail operation to purchase or rent hiking supplies. Visitors to the State Park or wilderness areas would be required "to pass through this center."
Also, plans are being proposed for a miniature golf course adjacent to the bottom tram station.
To put all of this in context, it was about 6 years ago that the State Park ordered the removal of bolts on a small cliff near (but not really visible from) the upper Tram station. Bolts were accused of being too large of an intrusion in this natural area. Apparently, a people mover, ice skating rink, raised walkways and Hiking Center are less of an impact that a dozen or so bolts on a cliff nobody but climbers see or frequent. Or could it be that MSJWPA has not thought of a good way of making money off bolts/climbing?
While this is all in the preliminary planning stages, perhaps now is a good time to add your thoughts on what is a major expansion of commercial development of this remote and wild spot.
You may contact the State Park (they will have to approve a General Management Plan to permit this commercial expansion/development):
Gary Watts, district Superintendent
Department of Parks and Recreation
Inland Empire District
17801 Lake Perris Drive
Perris, CA 92571
(909) 657-0676
I will post an email when I get one for Mr. Watts.
Any comments to Mr. Watts should be respectful as his office/State Park is not the one proposing these projects, the MSJWPA is. State Park can either approve or kill the projects.
MSJWPA is a public non-profit. They might be interested to hear from you too.
Direct any comments MSJWPA to:
Rob W. Parkins
President and General Manager
Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority
One Tramway Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 325-1449
(760) 325-6682 (fax)
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roughster
Sep 25, 2003, 9:49 PM
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roughster moved this thread from Regional Discussions to Access Issues & Closures.
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fredbob
Sep 26, 2003, 4:31 AM
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This doesn't bother anyone? The State Park can crucify climbers over a few bolts on an out of the way crag and then propose Disneyland in the wilderness?
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moabbeth
Sep 26, 2003, 5:31 AM
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In reply to: 2. A "aesthetically appropriate" pond shaped ice skating rink; constructed of a synthetic ice skating surface. Also, plans are being proposed for a miniature golf course adjacent to the bottom tram station.
Good lord, bolts are aesthetically not pleasing but this is okay?
Thanks for the addy's. I'll drop them a letter. After all the ones I wrote over the Castleton Tower access issues and the Mystery Tower/Onion Creek access issues over the past year, I'd be more than happy to fire one off on this cause. 8) .
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drkodos
Sep 26, 2003, 6:34 AM
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In reply to: This doesn't bother anyone? The State Park can crucify climbers over a few bolts on an out of the way crag and then propose Disneyland in the wilderness?
Yes it bothers me.
But the reality is that things that generate tourist revenue are good and things that bring climbers are bad. :roll:
With their over-regulated tram ways and people mover thingies, the powers that be can herd all the little sight seers into a funnel and keep them nice and safe and prevent them from hurting themselves.
Here in Vegas, the BLM is slowly eroding climbers abilty to get in and do longer routes in the canyons, but they continue to build larger Gift shops so everyone can go home with a stuffed mountain lion.
No bolts in the deep canyons, but a possible new set of 1000 homes on 1/2 acre lots subdivision. "McMansions" sprouting from the desert in Blue Diamond, but an anchor system is far too intrusive and invasive.
:x
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