Static Point future access

[Mark Hanna]

Having been involved with Static Point for several years, I am interested in future access issues. With a planned relicensing of the Culmback Dam through the Fed Reg Energy Commission, I have signed us up to receive info as it comes available. Here is the text of the introductory letter to Snohomish Co. PUD, for those interested. I would be happy to be the contact for this info, and will provide copies to WCC group.

Cheers,

Mark Hanna



Dear Ms. Presler:

Our group (Washington Climber’s Coalition) has recently become aware that the SCPUD is seeking a new license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the Henry M. Jackson Project on the Sultan River. According to the PUD website, there was a public open house in November 2004; however, we were not aware of this public meeting. We would like to be added as an interested party of record to this relicensing process. We are interested in maintaining current and future access to a significant and historical rock climbing area known as Static Point, which is located to the east of the Henry M. Jackson Project on land owned by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. However, access to Static Point requires crossing the Henry M. Jackson Project lands. The specific location of Static Point is 47 degrees 56.300’ N and 121 degrees 35.479’ W, at an approximate elevation of 3400 feet. Historically, a decommissioned logging road just east of the South Fork Sultan River has accessed this area.

Static Point has an interesting and varied history, and was initially “discovered” by a group of climbers during an airplane ride in June of 1982. This south facing 900-foot granite slope has unique character, and has been featured in many publications, magazines, and guidebooks since the mid 1980’s. Some of the published information regarding this great climbing resource can be found in the following:

“Private Dancer”, (Dave Whitelaw, 1984)(guidebook)
“ Rock Climbing Washington I”, (Jeff Smoot, (Falcon Press guidebook)
“Cascade Alpine Guide Volume 2”, (Fred Beckey, 1989,1996)(Mountaineers guidebook)
“Rock and Ice”, (1994)(periodical)
“Climbing”, (1995)(Photo Calendar)
“Selected Climbs in the Cascades II”, (Jim Nelson and Peter Potterfield, 2003) (Mountaineers guidebook)
“Rock Climbing Washington II”, (Jeff Smoot,1999) (Falcon Press guidebook)
“Sky Valley Rock”, (Daryll Cramer, 2000) (Sky Valley Press guidebook)
“Weekend Rock”, (David Whitelaw, due out spring 2006)(Mountaineers guidebook)

I will be the point of contact on behalf of the Washington Climber’s Coalition regarding this matter. Please add us to your mailing list of interested organizations and please keep us informed on future public participation and meeting opportunities. We look forward to the opportunity to interact in this process.

Respectfully,

Mark Hanna
Washington Climber’s Coalition

360-435-3006 home
425-894-5414 cell
326 Marion Street West, Arlington, WA, 98223
mhanna5@verizon.net

[DCramer]

Great letter Mark.

I just this morning I was pondering a work project where the road was improved so that climbers could use the parking area again. If I remember correctly, if a tree or two blocking the road was removed the road can be driven to a wide parking area at an old washout. Is this still true?

[Mark Hanna]

Hi Darryl- I haven't been up there this year, but I believe the road is open to the widened parking area at the first tanktrap, as in previous years. Perhaps Mr. Perkins has some more timely info on the state of the road?

MH

[Matt Perkins]

The road is currently blocked by some downed trees about a quarter mile before the parking area. It could be reclaimed that far with, I think, a modest work party. I wasn't really looking at it with that question in mind when I was last up there, though.

[Mark Hanna]

I received email from SNO PUD regarding upcoming open house as follows:

"Greetings! The Jackson Project Relicensing Team is offering the
following public involvement opportunities for those interested in the
relicensing of the Jackson Project (FERC No. 2157):
* Open House - Monday May 23rd 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at
the Sultan Community Center. There will be booths with photos and
specialists to discuss Project and resource areas and a short
presentation on the Project and the relicensing process. This is an
opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about the Project.
* Project and Recreation Sites Tour - Monday June 6th 9:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We will meet and leave from the Sultan Park and Ride.
This is an opportunity for you to see the Project, resource management
efforts and recreation sites. RSVP required.
* Stakeholders Meeting - Tuesday June 7th 9:00 a.m. - 4:30
p.m. at the PUD 2320 California St. Everett. There will be a
presentation by FERC on the Integrated Licensing Process, a presentation
of the Jackson Project and ILP process plan and schedule and an open
discussion period for stakeholders. This is an opportunity for you to
provide your input to the relicensing team...discuss your issues, areas
of concern or interests, study requests, etc. RSVP requested.

Detailed information on each opportunity can be found on the relicensing
website:
http://www.snopud.com/WaterResources/relicensing/meetings/publicgeneral.
ashx?p=2567 (go to www.snopud.com, select Water Resources from top pane,
select Relicensing from left pane, and select Meetings from left pane,
select Public - General from left pane).

If you want to be removed from the Jackson Project Relicensing mailing
list, let me know.

Dawn Presler
Relicensing Information Coordinator
Snohomish County PUD
425-783-1709 (phone)
425-267-6369 (fax)




I will be attending the open house and project tour to discuss access maintenance for the future. Anyone else interested?

Mark Hanna

[DCramer]

I wish I could go but I have too many things on my plate right now. Lots of Seattle school related stuff that has great uncertainty as far as dates. I wouldnt want to promise and then blow it off because a school thing comes up. I do want to organize a road project. Tell me if I am just being silly but it seemed to be last time I was there that if a group was to work on the road the encroaching trees could be beaten back and the raod cleared to the turn around/parking. Is that the case? Has recent work already made it reasonable to get to the turn around/end of the road?

[Mark Hanna]

I was up there last Friday, and there is still a rather significant tree blocking the road a few hundred feet shy of the decent parking spot. We nipped alders on the way in and out, but a small party could really make a big difference. Up to the tree, it almost appears that a real brush cutter was used (maybe last season). The trail up the hill is in good shape. We removed smashed hanger/bolt on P3 of Fuddhat, and noticed that the flake that comprises Online P1 belay has seen some extra expando action, and is likely not long for this world. Anyone up there recently feel the same way?

I recently received some info regarding the relicensing project, and will provide an overview next week.

MH

[Mark Hanna]

Earlier in the week, I attended the tour of the Jackson Hydro Project- hosted by the Snohomish Co PUD. On last minute notice, Chris Greyell participated in the Stakeholder's meeting (Thanks Chris!!). The project is quite impressive with regard to the operations, wildlife habitat, and recreational management procedures in place. Surprisingly, very few parties in attendance knew of our little crag in the woods, and it's unique features (or lack thereof-haha). Overall, the folks at the PUD were receptive to our continued access needs, as well as other recreational interests such as boating, fishing, whitewater pursuits, and day hiking. Another bit of information that we gleaned was that the Department of Natural Resources actually owns and maintains the Spada Lake perimeter road and logging spurs. While DNR was not present at the Stakeholder's meeting, we heard that they are lacking appropriate funding, and would like to transfer maintenance responsibility or abandon the roads entirely. This would, of course effectively close the area not only for climbers, but other users as well.

As PUD moves forward, these access issues and road maintenance items will most surely be discussed and acted upon. I think Chris and I delivered the message that Static Point to Greider Lakes area is an important recreational treasure for climbers and hikers alike. A couple of the points we brought up included:

1) Bulletin board @ HWY2 to address road/gate status. This is important as many users of the area are looking toward early season access, and driving 20 miles to see a closed gate in the spring is not fun.

2) We requested a specific access/user survey for climbers to the area. This is in addition to the general survey being proposed/implemented. Our user group has specific needs such as hours, times of year, etc. Perhaps this survey could be posted on WCC site, CC.com, or others.

Stay tuned for more public meetings and info as it becomes available...

The Snohomish County PUD website should have a meeting summary posted soon.


Mark Hanna

[DCramer]

Thanks for the report Mark. The scenario you have described reads as the perfect reason for the existence of the WCC.

I am thinking a trail project might be in order. Well not a trail project as much as a road clearing project. Here are two recent (taken a month ago) pictures of two fallen trees blocking the road. It is possible to drive under the smaller tree. In addition to the tree removal some energy could be concentrated on removing some of the alders encroaching on the road. If these impediments were removed the road would be passable by most vehicles and end at a parking area with room for several cars.

Any thoughts on this idea?

http://www.rcnw.net/forums/uploads/gallery_1_9_58509.jpg

http://www.rcnw.net/forums/uploads/gallery_1_9_179564.jpg

[Mark Hanna]

I believe that a relatively small group could indeed safely remove the downed trees, and continue with the ongoing alder trimming in a day. Probably want to rent a saw though, mine is too small. Sign me up- anyone interested in an August weekend day? Unfortunately, that's about the soonest I'll have time...

I have all manner of industrial winching and hauling mechanisms I'll donate the use of if needed. :)

MH

[DCramer]

August sounds good. I'll have to look at my schedule - it is a busy month. What length bar would be needed?

I must say Mark we need to hook up before then. :cool: