Climb on up, respectfully
Carson National Forest hosts rock climbing workshops
Carson National Forest is hosting a two-part workshop on rock climbing in the national forest.
The first workshop is Monday, (Aug. 27) at the Cisneros Youth and Family Center in Questa and will focus on climbing within the Questa Ranger District and the eastside of the Carson National Forest.
The second will be held around Oct. 11 and focus on the westside of the forest.
This workshop series is facilitated by the nonprofit National Forest Foundation, a Forest Service partner and the facilitator. The aim of the workshops is to “build an understanding of regulations and land use ethics opportunities related to rock climbing on the public lands of the Carson National Forest, and create a respectful dialogue among our community members of recreationists, outfitters and local residents,” according to a press release. “Success will result in strategies to find sustainable solutions related to rock climbing and access across the Carson National Forest.”
Among the issues the workshops will address:
• The number of rock climbers on Carson National Forest lands is increasing. There is a need to bring climbers, outfitters, local residents, businesses and the Forest Service together to “build mutual understanding of perspectives on rock climbing in existing and desired climbing areas.”
•Help climbers and others understand Carson National Forest rock climbing policies, allowances, and points of access.
•Encouraging rock climbers, the businesses that serve them, and the communities near the rock climbing areas to follow Carson National Forest ethics.
•Recognizing the local economic benefits from rock climbing recreational use.
•Work collaboratively to develop strategies to address priority issues and resolve possible conflicts.
The first workshop is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Monday, (Aug. 25) at the Cisneros Youth & Family Center, 7 Municipal Park Road, Questa. It’s off State Road 522 north of the Health Clinic and across from the public library.
RSVP with Spencer Plumb, National Forest Foundation at (928) 961-2486 or email him at splumb@nationalforests.org. You can also register online at nff.wildapricot.org/ event-2985051. You are also welcome to show up the day of the workshop without prior registration.
For more information, contact Eric Garner at the Questa Ranger District office via phone at (575) 586-0520 or email at: ericdgarner@fs.fed. us.