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Stephanie
Gathering Sachemess
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
June 23 2002
Status: offline
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 Posted - November 29 2010 : 10:14:25 PM
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Some of you may remember back in May when I attended a public input meeting regarding the proposed plans for the future of Chimney Rock Park. My main reason for going was to represent fans of LOTM so that we would have a voice in getting "our" trails reopened, which have been closed for a couple of years. ("Our" trails represent the cliff trails where most of the last scenes of the movie were filmed.) Many other people who attended that meeting agreed that those popular trails should be reopened, and several of you from this group joined me in sending letters and emails to the planners voicing our concerns for these trails.
Now, the plans have been released, and I am disheartened, sad, and angered beyond belief to share the following passage with you:
"Historically, the Skyline Trail and Cliff Trail have provided trail enthusiasts with access to some of the highest elevations and most stunning natural resources of Chimney Rock Mountain. These breathtaking trails have been some of the most beloved in the history of Chimney Rock Park. In 2008, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation closed portions of these trails in order to evaluate them for future access and use.
It is important that Chimney Rock State Park balance the conservation, protection and preservation of natural resources with access and enjoyment of those resources. The closure of the Cliff Trail and upper portion of the Skyline Trail is controversial and not popular with long time visitors and trail enthusiasts. However, these trails cannot be properly managed to support public access and use, due to environmental factors, concerns regarding public health, safety and welfare, and budget constraints.
Therefore, the Cliff Trail and upper portion of the Skyline Trail will be permanently closed. The walkways, chain link fence system and other apparatus that extend over the top of Hickory Nut Falls will be dismantled and removed."
http://www.greenways.com/downloads/CHRO_10_DevelopmentPlan.pdf
Here is a link to the entire summary: http://www.greenways.com/chimneyrock_download.html If you go there, there is a link to a comment form, but I'm not sure I'll be wasting my time. They already received MANY comments about these beloved trails, but to no avail.
One other note... there is an effort to convert parts of Dupont State Forest (waterfalls in LOTM) into a State Park. Since CRP became a State Park we saw our trails closed. I'm not sure I want these same people managing our waterfalls as well...
I am truly sorry for those of you who never got the chance to walk the cliff trails at a Great Mohican Gathering or on your own. The memories I have there will always be cherished, and I am sad that others won't be able to enjoy this special place in the future.
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - November 30 2010 : 08:09:52 AM
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| This is predictable when a government agency becomes involved, but I had hoped for better. I had been going there for many years before LOTM was made. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - November 30 2010 : 4:43:20 PM
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| Although I've certainly never been there, - this unfortunately is no surprise. |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - November 30 2010 : 7:48:21 PM
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| This truly makes me sad and sick. What a remarkable place. I am so thankful that Claude and I were able to travel those magnificent trails before this misguided decision. Thanks for letting us know, Steph. |
Theresa |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - December 04 2010 : 11:34:55 AM
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| Very strange situation - there are "dangerous" trails all over the country in various State & National Parks ... this seeems like a coward's way out. |
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tcanter
Lost in the Wilderness
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
December 05 2010
Status: offline
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Posted - December 05 2010 : 01:31:14 AM
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I visited the park about 6 years ago and was disappointed to be told that the Skyline and Cliff trails were closed that day because of the weather. I returned to the area a couple years later and was finally able to hike the trails. I've wanted to return for a while. I learned that the land had been sold to the state, and was excited at first. Then I learned that the abnormally high prices would be maintained (for a state park) and that the Skyline and Cliff trails were closed indefinitely. Now this.
I'm willing to help in any way that I can to convince those that made this decision that it is the wrong one. I agree that closing these trails out of safety concerns is stupid and cowardly. They have been hiked by thousands of people. Some bean-counter or lawyer who never experiences the outdoors and secretly resents those that do probably came up with the idea that someone may fall over the edge one day and sue the state, and they can't live with that possibility. Short-sided reasoning. Using it, state governments might as well close Yosemite and Yellowstone. The outdoors are never 100% safe, but I'd like the state to allow people to make their own decisions as to what type of trails they'd like to hike.
The ironic thing is that people will still hike or attempt to hike these trails, even if it is against park rules. But now there will be no fences or rails, meaning that the state will actually increase their liability exposure if you ask me.
That's the best I can do right now in putting my anger over this decision into words. |
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Donna
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - December 05 2010 : 1:54:02 PM
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Yes, I think it's crazy for them to close these trails especially
with all the work that has been done to them. To take down all the walkways and fencing is a huge waste of money and people's work.
They should just employ a few more people to keep the trails safe by
policing who uses them. |
Been onboard since 1998.
"Push hard, 'cos you got to clear the French outpost by dawn." |
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Light of the Moon
Mohicanland Statesman
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
December 18 2004
Status: offline
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Posted - December 30 2010 : 11:16:16 PM
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I wouldn't let that stop me from seeing these trails. Where there's a will, there's a way . And without the fences junking up the scenery it will be all the more spectacular.  |
I live in my own little world - but that's okay, they know me here! |
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Devastating news regarding Chimney Rock Park
