Winter 1999

Next year's reservation lottery will be here before you know it (see article below). The reservationists have made some changes to improve the lottery form which we hope you will find helpful.

The White River National Forest has come out with their proposed management plan D. The limits it sets on motorized recreation are bold and courageous. Additionally, changes to the current plan recognize that the Forest Service is legally required to provide habitat for lynx as mandated by the National Forest Management Act. These changes should be consistent with the guidelines of the Canada Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy. Info about the Forest plan and our response are included in this newsletter. First, Joanne Ditmer's article in the Sunday, October 24 Denver Post was recommended to me by our President, Bonnie Downing, and hits the nail on the head for me.

Second, a Canada Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy is being developed which will be implemented if lynx are listed (as is currently proposed) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing decision will be made in January. If implemented, it will have impacts on much of the White River. Among several recommendations, one proposes no increase in certain types of development within critical lynx habitat, even though the effects of current levels of human impacts may be unknown. Currently, few studies exist and none have been done in the central and southern Rockies. The study recognizes that snow compaction from over-snow machines or skiers may be detrimental to the health of lynx. Winter trails are created that predators that prey on lynx or compete with them for food can use. Bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes can get to areas that would otherwise be used only by lynx. Given the small number of snowshoe hares (the main food source for lynx) in the Colorado Rockies, compaction may have severe effects on lynx population. A skier making a trail that is not used repeatedly has little effect compared to a regularly used designated ski trail. Snowmobiles and snowcats have a still greater impact because they can travel much further and more quickly than skiers, especially after a fresh snowfall.

If the lynx plan is implemented, in order to build huts in the future it may be necessary to eliminate as many miles of ski trails from the currently approved trails as would be created by the new huts. The baseline that will be used for an inventory of approved winter trails will be part of the revised Forest Plan. Additionally, hut sites will have to be evaluated based on impacts to critical lynx habitats.

If it is not listed as endangered, lynx will remain on the sensitive species list. In that case, however, federal regulations to provide for viable lynx habitat still apply. My guess is that a slightly less stringent version of the plan would take effect

The Forest Service has no choice but to accept the mandates of the lynx plan. More importantly, once they are established, it seems that lynx can coexist with humans. They do elsewhere. Recreation and other activities in the White River will continue. Don't we want a forest that is untrammeled enough to allow such animals to live? Comments about the lynx plan are currently not being accepted by the Forest Service or the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Public input will be sought when the implementation of the plan is being developed.

For information about lynx see the Lynx Webpage and the lynx information at the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Sadly, Kathy Hardy and John Buehler from the Leadville Ranger District are leaving to take positions elsewhere. We worked with both for many years and it was a pleasure. They were fair, energetic, loved cross-country skiing and visited the huts whenever they had a chance. Cathy is off to California, John to New Mexico. We will miss them.

I hope you had a good summer. We did. All the huts got the attention they needed, down to the last detail, thanks in part to many volunteers. Margy's Hut has a new deck and the Peter Estin Hut no longer has a full wall between the living and dining areas. A low wall will let light brighten the whole room and allow heat to circulate. It will soon be time to enjoy another winter at the huts.

Have a good winter,
Peter Looram (Executive Director)

As most of you are aware, last year 10th Mountain initiated a lottery system for members wishing to book winter hut space. The lottery is a direct result of member input, as well as an attempt to fairly allocate the limited winter space available in the huts. We received over 900 entries in the lottery, with a great majority of entrants receiving a trip. The lottery system will again be in effect for the winter 2000-2001 reservations, but there are some changes from last year's lottery. Please read the following description of changes carefully! The lottery entry forms will be mailed to all members in December 1999.

Earlier due date for entry forms.
All lottery entries must be received by 10th Mountain by U.S. mail or fax, prior to 5:00pm MST on Friday 2/18/2000. No forms received after this time will be entered in the lottery.

Why the earlier lottery?
More than 1000 members will probably enter this year's lottery. The earlier due date is to allow time for registering entries and mailing confirmation cards.

No call backs.
If none of the choices listed on a lottery entry form are available at the time the form is drawn, 10th Mountain will not be calling the entrant back and the entrant will not receive a trip through the lottery. Anyone who does not receive a trip through the lottery will need to call on Monday, April 3rd, 2000 to reserve. To maximize your chances of receiving a trip, list as many choices as possible on your entry form. Remember that there are far fewer Saturdays and holidays than 10th Mountain members interested in weekends. Anyone only selecting these dates might not receive a trip if they are drawn late in the lottery.

Coordinating entries for groups.
At the request of members who reserve single hut trips as a group, we have added a group entry option to this year's lottery. If you have a group of members who will each submit a request form, and your group would like to book ONLY ONE TRIP, you may enter the lottery as a "group". Groups must select a unique group name and submit identical lists of choices. Once the first member of the group has been drawn and a trip has been booked, no other group member will receive a trip in the lottery and their forms will be discarded when drawn. Detailed instructions for group entries will be included in the lottery form. Please read these instructions carefully before deciding to enter as a group.

Multiple trips
If you have several members who will each submit a request form and your group would like to book MULTIPLE TRIPS, do not enter as a designated "group." "Groups" will be limited to one trip only (see directions above). Instead, to maximize your chances in the lottery, members who wish to take multiple trips together should enter carefully planned individual forms; however, we will NOT be able to coordinate your individual requests (i.e. I want this date if my friend didn't already get that date). Careful planning will help you and your friends avoid getting conflicting itineraries such as 4 trips to one hut, or trips on 3 consecutive weekends. If this does happen, you can sell your hut space on our website bulletin board. If you have any questions regarding the lottery, please give us a call at 970-925-5775. Watch your mailbox in December for your lottery entry form.

WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST DRAFT PLAN IS OUT

10th Mountain supports the Forest Service proposed management plan. For details, please see the "What's New" here on our website.

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Backcountry Skiers Alliance

 

As a backcountry skier and snowshoer, it has long been my hope that there will be more areas in Colorado where backcountry fans can enjoy the serenity of nature. To that end, I am proud to be the new director of the Backcountry Skiers Alliance. It is my goal to increase the awareness and the membership of the BSA such that many more backcountry enthusiasts support this important organization. We are reaching out to snowshoers and backcountry snowboarders as we believe the mission of the BSA supports the interests of all human-powered backcountry travelers.

This year BSA will make educating the public on the revised Forest Plan for the White River National Forest (WRNF) our biggest priority. Like the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, we strongly support the proposed Alternative D.

In 1998, a second chapter of the Backcountry Skiers Alliance began in Steamboat Springs. This group is working to resolve conflicts on Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass. A Winter Task Force has been formed for Rabbit Ears Pass which will operate much like the Vail Pass Task Force, bringing the Forest Service and user groups to the table to discuss winter recreation issues. Currently, the group has suggested management plans and boundary lines for the area and is working within the Task Force format to resolve differences between the motorized and non-motorized groups. Next year, the Buffalo Pass area work will begin. The Steamboat Chapter can use more members and volunteers to do their important work of preserving quiet areas.

Please join us for our annual fundraiser on January 19, 2000 at 6:30 p.m., at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, 710 10th Street. We will feature a slide show on ski mountaineering in the Himalaya by Ace Kvale, one of the finest adventure ski photographers, with a tribute to Pete Wingle, a life-long Forest Service employee and well-respected Colorado skier and photographer who loved skiing in the backcountry. Pete was also a director of 10th Mountain for many years. We will also have a silent auction of top notch backcountry gear.

For more information on the BSA, the White River National Forest Plan, the Steamboat Chapter, our fundraiser, and volunteer opportunities, please visit our website. Note our new address: Backcountry Skiers Alliance, PO Box 3067, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025 (telephone) 303.494.5266 (fax) 303.499.5045 (email) bsa@backcountryalliance.org.

Kim Hedberg, Director, BSA

Ted and Carol Billings report that they had a wonderful turn out of almost 100 volunteers this summer. Everyone worked as hard as ever, and many have become their good friends. Without volunteer help, it would be impossible to get the huts ready for the next winter. We appreciate each and every person who has helped us throughout the years. Following is a list of this year's hearty individuals. We hope to see all of them back next summer.

Lincoln Vannah, Jeanne Hergenrother, Lyndon Zink, John & Linda Muscatell, Jeff Beckel, Andy Lingur, Mark Karlok, Elizabeth Williams, Forbes & Lois Davidson, Pamela Gibbs, Janet Nelson, J.T. Thompson, Missy Thompson, Hunter Thompson, Marshall Thompson, Bonnie England, Bob England, Lanny Carlson, Susan Carlson, Brad Henry, Smokey Anderson, Jeff Boss, Jennifer Rix, Michael Rix, Matt Plumer, Theodore Raun, Steve & Debby Clem, Tim & David Clem, David Coste, Bob Carlson, Steve Wilmot, Karen Crumbaker, Bev & Robert Beehler, Ruth & Walker Berkshire, Karin Gieske, Joy Miller, Lincoln Vannah, Sonia Webb, Ron Wegelin, Paula Clark, Henry Fisher, Kirsten Kraig, Nickolas Nimmer, Lauren Humistor, Justine Jez, Mark Boumansour, Greg Oberg, Amy Gunning, Dan Santelli, John Mitchell, James & Vicki Webster, James & Dorothy Hudspeth, Andrea Molner, John Pressprich, Clint Jewell, Carlos Tamayo, Gary Stebleton, Scott Burgess, Lauren & Phil Goyen, Eugene Cornelius, Brian West, Kristy & Brian Parsons, Craig Christensen, Nancy Reece, Eric Manuel, Lyndon Zink, Gerard Eldridge, Brad Henry
Thanks Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tele News for Kids

by Ned Ryerson

First of all, thanks to those of you who read my PDQ Telemark Technique book during your hut visits last winter. I found out years ago that many of the people I was teaching the telemark technique to were scampering off to the huts, adults and sometimes their children. I have been happy to find out that people were having so much fun. New this year are good telemark boots made by Garmont. They are available in children's sizes ranging from a men's 1-8, which will fit children age 7-14. If you have never thought of taking your children on a hut trip before, you may want to reconsider. In a few hours children can learn enough about how to telemark to have a great family hut trip. If you are in the Aspen area and want more information about telemark lessons contact the Aspen Skiing Company.

Welcome Winter Interns

Our Intern program is beginning it's seventh year. 10th Mountain welcomes three new interns: Damon Crocker, Tom Sherlock, Mike Shook. Erika Van Meter has returned for a second season. The interns will keep the huts in good condition. If you pass them on the trails, don't be too jealous- it's their job.

Good-Byes

A big thanks to our summer interns who worked hard to keep the huts in great shape and to get them ready for the winter. Their dedication and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. We wish Harriet Settle, Chris Keleher, Ricky Gates, Nathan Morse, Eddy Braucht and Tom Garrett all the best.

Firewood

Please help us conserve firewood. If the hut is a comfortable temperature, let the fire burn down and don't use anymore. If you decide you need a fire, keep it small and shut the stove door. Best yet: keep adding or removing layers of clothing as needed.

Winter Trips and Courses