Calling All Backcountry Skiers and Snowshoers

This week's letter of the week comes from Chris Moehl who reminds backcountry users that they need to get involved with the ongoing recreation planning efforts undertaken by the Forest Service along Century Drive if they want to preserve and protect their favorite backcountry spots. Thanks for the letter Chris. We hope that folks will make their voices heard on this important issue. In the meantime, you can make tracks to the Source to grab your prize for this week's letter, two smoothies at Maui Wowi.

Thank you, Pam Stevenson for your timely advice "Backcountry Skiers Unite" (Nov 6). The Forest Service is moving ahead with a plan to build the Kapka snowpark immediately SE of the Century Drive and Sunriver junction. This lot would more than double the capacity for snowmobile parking in the Century Drive corridor.

As backcountry skiers and snowshoers, we need to collect our voices, and let the Forest Service know how we feel about competing for fresh tracks with, yet more, snowmobiles. Over 600 signatures have already been collected in support of designating a non-motorized zone at Tumalo Mountain. For more information, or to get involved in helping shape the future of our winter backcountry, please visit the Bend Backcountry Alliance at http://BendBC.com.

The Kapka snowpark project will be announced in a scoping letter that will be made public in early December. Following this there will be a 30-day comment period in which it is imperative that non-motorized backcountry users speak up. Alternatives to the project will be developed based on comments received.

I have much respect for the desires of all winter user groups, including snowmobilers, and upon sincere consideration I think it would be reasonable to designate the area around Tumalo Mountain as non-motorized. Doing this would better accommodate the growing numbers of all winter users throughout the area.

Happy Skiing,

Chris Moehl