As fall goes into full swing, here are some interesting items from the past two weeks or so.
- The BLM plans a controversial move of its headquarters to Grand Junction, CO.
Black Ridge Canyon Wilderness outside of Grand Junction, CO
- Need the next climbing challenge? Why not the border wall! And you can practice the techniques, too!
. (Tim Johnson/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
- Who doesn’t like chocolate? Certainly not the people in Chaco Canyon.
American Museum of Natural History via AP
- Have you ever thought how cool a floating tent might be without an anchor and where you can’t see outside? Me neither.
- New changes in store for the PCT permit system in 2020 esp for flip-floppers in the High Sierra and for south bounders.
PCT trail marker
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From the Union of Concerned Scientists: “Cultivating Censorship at the National Park Service: New Acting Director Issues Controversial Memo”
Mr. Vela’s new guidance directs park staff that “comments to other agencies should be substantive, limited to areas of NPS jurisdiction and/or special expertise, and presented in appropriate tone and format.” The guidance also instructs employees to submit their comments to senior leadership in Washington in advance.
PCT restrictions for Oregon: Those section hiking under 500 miles (not eligible for PCT permit) will have to get special permits from recreation.gov, with a very limited number issued, for Oregon’s Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness areas. This is being set up for next summer, 2020. Even day hikers are severely limited. The final piece out for public comment is the fee schedule. This new policy is not just for the former limited entry areas (Obsidian, Pamelia Lake) but for the entire wilderness area, even those sections rarely visited. The Draft Decision Notice is here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/105465_FSPLT3_4483291.pdf Those… Read more »
Oops, should have mentioned that the National Forests involved are the Deschutes and Willamette N.F.