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Pay-to-Ski at Burton Creek State Park
Background
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is in the
process of preparing a comprehensive long-range general plan to guide the
use and management of Burton Creek State Park, CTC Dollar Property, Tahoe
State Recreation Area and the Klausen Parcel within the Lake Tahoe basin.
The plan to be developed includes both winter and summer use on these
adjacent properties that are located just outside the Tahoe
City.
Many years ago the DPR entered into an agreement with the nearby Nordic
center, which gave the center exclusive rights to winter use of Burton
State Park in winter. This meant that skiers and snowshoers could not
recreate in the park, either on or off the roads and trails, without
paying the center for a permit.
Essentially, the DPR turned our public lands into a pay-to-ski (or
snowshoe) concession and disregarded the needs and rights of the
public-at-large.
Our Goal
The goal of Snowlands Network is not to eliminate the use of the
parklands by the Nordic center. However, we want to insure that the
public-at-large has adequate access to the parklands and can recreate on
them without the burden of paying for a permit to a private concession.
This year’s daily fees of $17.50 for adults and $12.50 for juniors ($60
for two adults and two juniors) puts the use of the park out of the reach
of many families and individuals.
Latest News
We are late in getting involved in this issue. Snowlands Network only
recently learned about this planning project although it began in 2000.
Just this month the DPR published their preferred alternative, which
included “the cross-country ski facilities will remain” referring to the
commercial concession. The DPR did state that “one group has expressed a
concern for free or cheaper cross-country skiing on state park lands.” We
suspect that might refer to Snowlands Network’s last minute
comments.
What’s Next
The next step is for the DPR to prepare an environmental impact
report. We need to let the DPR know that the public wants to see Burton
Creek State Park and the adjacent lands remain open to skiers and
snowshoers who want to recreate without groomed trails and not have to
pay a private concession for use of our public lands.
We need your letters and postcards. Without them this easily accessible
park will remain exclusive to winter users who can afford and are willing
to pay a private concession for the right to visit our state
park.
Who to Write
Mr. John Knott, District Superintendent
Sierra District California State Park
7360 West Lake Blvd.
Tahoma, CA 96142
What to Write
Your letter or postcard can be short. Consider putting the following
thoughts into your own words.
-- You are submitting comments on the Preferred Alternative for the
Burton Creek State Park General Plan that was published in the February
2002 “The Messenger.”
-- You are a cross-country skier (or snowshoer) who enjoys skiing (or
snowshoing) in the backcountry and do not seek groomed trails to
recreate. Give some insight into why and how you enjoy recreating in the
winter.
-- Burton Creek State Park is very important to you and the public in
general because of its proximity to Tahoe City.
-- You want to see Burton Creek State Park open to the public who desire
to ski (or snowshoe) without groomed trails.
-- The public should not be required to pay a concessionaire for use of
public lands. The DPR should not convert our public lands into a private
enterprise.
-- The Department of Parks and Recreation should support a board spectrum
of non-motorized winter recreation in the park, not just commercialized
ski opportunities that are expensive.
-- The high costs associated with having to pay for groomed winter trails
in the park essentially exclude a large sector of the public from access.
This is in direct contrast to recent reductions in state park fees that
have resulted in increased use of our parks.
Finally
It would be helpful if you send an e-mail to
marcus@snowlands.org indicating when
you sent in your comments, or better yet, sending us a copy of your
comments (Snowlands Network, P.O. Box 230, Livermore, CA
94551).
Thank you very much for your help in this matter. Together we can make a
difference.
Marcus Libkind, President
Snowlands Network
P.O. Box 230
Livermore, CA 94551
(925) 455-5816
marcus@snowlands.org OR snowlands@earthlink.net
www.snowlands.org