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Show The Park Record A-16 Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, September 18-21, 2004 Wilderness addition threatens skiing KETCHUM. Idaho (AP) Rep. congressman said from the outset Michael Simpson's draft plan lo that he has no intention of creatsweeten his central Idaho wilder- ing economic disruption with is ness proposal by preserving an attempt to settle the dispute over extra 40.000 acres in the name of additional wilderness that has Ernest Hemingway may have run raged for three decades. But he conceded the plan requires tradeinto trouble. The Hemingway Wilderness offs by all sides. Baumgardner said before the proposed for the southern spine of the Boulder Mountains was wilderness area was proposed, it intended to compliment the near- was among the first in the country ly 300,000 acres designated as to offer backcountry helicopter wilderness in Simpsons original skiing. He said the plan is a douproposal, but it puts off limits ble blow since his the U.S. Forest most of the area used for helicop- Service already has placed restrictions where his helicopters can fly ter skiing. Tliat has upset the local opera- in the backcountry to avoid skiers who climb mountains under their tor. "When we found out what it own power. was, it was pretty disturbing The proposed Hemingway because it encompasses just about Wilderness Area would add about all of our local skiing," said Mark 40,000 acres adjacent to and north Baunmardner, owner of Sun of Sun Valley and the Hemingway VallcyHeli-Ski. Memorial, named for the author "Their plan all along was to who died in Kctchum in 1961. It is not put any existing businesses east of Idaho Highway 75 and out of business," Baumgardner north of the Trail Creek Road. said, The area proposed is currently Simpson spokesmen Lindsay closed to all-terrain and off-road Slater said the problem could be vehicles. insurmountable, although the The proposal would leave the issue is still being reviewed. The upper reaches of the West Fork of $3 Domestic Liters Of Beer $2 Domestic Bottles Of Beer S3 Domestic Liters Of Beer $5 Wing Buffet $2 Domestic Bottles Of Beer S2.5O Margaritas $2 Corona Light Bottles 2 for $ 2 Tacos AH College Games With ni5 KS^ Located in the Silver Mountain Sports Club 4 Spa (435) 940-1607 BRING IN THIS AD AND RECIEVE 20% oK WITH ANY allotments affected by the proposal. As the congressman has been circulating his draft proposal, local preservationists have been circulating petitions to build support for bringing the North Fork drainage of the Big Wood River under wilderness protection. Four years ago, the area was earmarked for snowmobile use under a compromise between skiers and snowmobilers for areas for their activities. Simpson has honored that deal. but Blaine County Commissioner Sarah Michael said the tract represents wilderness values and motorized vehicles should not be allowed. "The highest peaks that we see from our valley and the watersheds that we see from our valley looking up the North Fork are not included in this legislation." Michael said. "To me. this North Fork area, more than any other in Blaine County, symbolizes the Boulder Mountains, and its the dramatic gateway to the Boulder wilderness." Pair open recreational tree climbing business State Licensed Hourly Drop-in Day Care VALID the North Fork of the Big Wood open to snowmobiling. The Stanley-area Fourth of July Basin would remain open to snowmobiling from Black man Peak to Patterson Peak. It would be closed to all other motorized or mechanized activities. A wheelchair-accessible trail would be established to Fourth of July Lake from the Phyllis Lake cutoff. Simpson suggests three motorized recreational parks across southern Idaho. They would include a beginner track to teach safe, responsible riding techniques as well as areas for different skill levels. 'Iliose zones could be managed by the stale Parks and Recreation Department with funding from the federal Offhighway Vehicle Fund. Some off-road enthusiasts have opposed Simpsons idea, saying that central Idaho already has thousands of acres of wilderness and closing off the area would remove popular trails. The plan would also transfer more than 1.000 acres of federal land to C'uster County and would authorize a buyout of ranchers' grazing mouriTdin C H I C K E EUGENE, Ore. (AP) Teresa Damron spends a lot of time just hanging out - and has discovered others will pay her for the same experience. Damron, 51, whose family runs the Sperry Tree Care Co.. long had been content to slay on the ground while her husband and sons hoisted chain saws into the trcetops. But these days, she straps on a helmet and harness, too, though not as an arborist. Damron and a partner launched a new company, the Pacific Tree Climbing Institute, earlier this year to escort just about anyone - young or old. frail or strong - into a world few ever experience. Registered with the state as a guide service, the for-profit business aims to make recreational tree climbing a popular pursuit in Oregon for locals and tourists alike. The menu of offerings may range from a half-day ascent in a city park ($75) to an overnight trip up a towering Douglas fir deep in a national forest ($500 and up). Some even will opt to sleep in a v "trce boat," or hammock, suspended 200 feet above ground. The institute plans to offer demonstrations and guided climbs Sunday as part of the Eugene Celebration festivities in downtown. The guide company promotes the climbs as a source of education, personal growth and adventure, and says its priorities are ensuring climber safety and protecting the trees from any climbing damage. Damron said she wants to show that big trees have economic value other than as a source of lumber. She hopes to open her clients' eyes to new perspectives on forests, including the plants and animals that live primarily in the upper layers. "1 believe that by making the forest canopy accessible, and as people come lo understand what a special and irreplaceable ecosys- available, even people with limittem it is. that public opinion will ed mobility can enjoy the experibe influenced." she said. "We ence, she said. believe that Irees leach, and our Many do it for the thrill, but forests have much to offer us." some climb lo overcome their It sounds like a sport only for anxieties. 'Thai was the motive for the brave and strong, but state-of- Julie Fischer, a 40-year-old the-art rigging and coaching from Eugene resident who writes a parallel guide means almost grants for nonprofit groups. anyone can climb, as long as they Fischer turned lo the company sign a release of liability. to confront what she called her The company took up one "debilitating fear of heights." woman on her birthday - her After two trial climbs last month, 8Mb birthday. Young children are she went nearly 200 feel up an welcome, loo. Damron's 11-year- ancient Douglas fir in the Opal old daughter not only climbs by Creek area east of Salem. herself but also traverses lines From the top. Fischer could see lied between trcelnps. people swimming in the creek and Most first-timers struggle some hiking trails below. She could hear with the hand-grip ascenders that them talking as if they were 20 clip onto the rope and permit feet away. She felt the tree sway in them lo move like an inchworm. the hot wind. Bui soon they find each slep of The experience, she thinks, will the climb is almost as easy as embolden her to try new things standing up. Damron said. without feeling panicked or para"You're really climbing the lyzed. rope instead of climbing the tree." "How much are you going to she said. miss to avoid your fears? I was And with a variety of riggings tired of missina out." Fischer said. M * m. i • a OTHER OFFER WWW.PARKRECORD.COM Introducing Chloe Lane Collections Opening September 20th The ultimate shopping experience for the fashion-forward family. 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