sample letter re: closure of cave rock

Sample Letters

Date

Maribeth Gustafson, Forest Supervisor
United States Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
870 Emerald Bay Road, Suite 1
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

RE: Climbing Closure at Cave Rock

Dear Supervisor Gustafson,

I write to state my opposition to your proposed closure of Cave Rock to recreational rock climbing. I would, however, support limited restrictions on climbing at this important climbing resource to satisfy your obligation to protect the cultural and historical values associated with this site.

It is my understanding that this probable closure is based on the objections of the Washoe tribe to climbing at Cave Rock, for religious reasons. I and other climbers would like to be respectful of Native American religious beliefs and practices, and will voluntarily sacrifice some access to Cave Rock in order to do this. However, I cannot support a complete ban on all climbing activity at all times at Cave Rock. At a minimum you should test other, less severe management prescriptions before resorting to a mandatory closure.

I also understand that you have said climbing at Cave Rock conflicts with the values associated with the "historic transportation corridor." If these values are not compromised by the four-lane highway that has been blasted through Cave Rock, then surely they are not susceptible to being adversely affected by an innocuous activity such as climbing. Furthermore, if climbing conflicts with the values of the historic transportation corridor, then other recreational activities at Cave Rock should be similarly prohibited. It is discriminatory to single out climbers for restrictions, when there is no evidence this activity has any more deleterious effect on Cave Rock values than other recreational uses.

I further understand that in 1998 Cave Rock was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At that time, climbing had occurred at Cave Rock for over 20 years. The listing of Cave Rock on the National Registry indicates that climbing has not significantly reduced its historic or cultural significance. Therefore, allowing climbing to continue, especially supported by a public education effort, will not reduce the historic integrity and spiritual significance of Cave Rock.

I strongly urge you to approve a more progressive policy for Cave Rock, which would preserve some limited climbing opportunities. Consider a "voluntary closure," such as that which has been successfully employed at Devils Tower National Monument for five years. Consider closures for certain time periods (I understand the Washoe never visited Cave Rock in winter, as they moved to lower elevations during this season-why not allow climbing at least during the winter?). Consider a joint climber-education effort with the Access Fund.

To single out climbers for exclusion from Cave Rock seems discriminatory and unnecessary. I and other climbers will support assertive action by the Forest Service to respect the religious beliefs of the Washoe tribe and the historic values of Cave Rock, but climbing need not be prohibited to achieve these goals. To gain the support of the climbing community, and to honor your obligation to achieve a working balance between competing interests in the use and enjoyment of our public lands, please do not completely close Cave Rock to climbing.

Sincerely,
Signature