From the Hans Saari Memorial Fund:The mission of the HSMF is to foster an appreciation for skiing and its personal challenges, alpine environments, and mountain cultures by promoting ski exploration and avalanche education. The Hans Fund will contribute to the ski community and the sport of ski mountaineering by sponsoring and encouraging innovative ski expeditions and education programs. We aim to raise the level of awareness and expertise among those traveling in avalanche terrain, and to help skiers and members of the ski community achieve their exploration and educational goals through the sport of skiing.
This winter, the National Park Service will institute what will be the tightest daily cap to date on the number of snowmobiles allowed into Yellowstone National Park. The two-year interim plan, a direct result of legal action by Winter Wildlands Alliance and four coalition partners, will allow up to 318 commercially guided, Best Available Technology snowmobiles per day in the park. That’s less than half the number allowed in recent years and is certainly a step in the right direction, though only a step. The National Park Service will use the two years the interim plan is in place to prepare a new Environmental Impact Statement and a new long term plan for winter use in Yellowstone National Park.
As encouraging as this forward motion from the National Park Service is, even more encouraging is a resurgence happening on the ground in our nation’s first national park. Part of this resurgence is due to more stringent noise and exhaust requirements for all vehicles in the Park and to commercial guiding requirements for snowmobiles. The biggest difference, however, is the simple fact that there are fewer vehicles in the Park in winter now. More and more, visitors are opting to enter Yellowstone under their own power on skis and snowshoes or on snowcoaches, fewer on snowmobiles.
This means that skiers who visit Yellowstone this winter will breathe cleaner air, see wildlife in healthier and more natural conditions, encounter less snowmobile noise (albeit, what remains continues to exceed park standards) and will have more opportunities to enjoy Yellowstone under their own power on skis and snowshoes. In short, Yellowstone is well on its way to being, again, the quiet, healthy and natural sanctuary it is meant to be forever.
Winter Wildlands Alliance and our local partners are one step closer to achieving permanent protection for Mount Jefferson, a pristine backcountry area located in the Centennial Mountainsalong the Idaho/Montana border. The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act introduced by Montana Senator Jon Tester and recently co-sponsored by Montana Senator Max Baucus includes Wilderness designation for the Montana portion of Mount Jefferson. Backcountry skiers from around the region know this small but significant 4,500-acre area as a backcountry ski paradise. Many have stayed at the Hellroaring Hut -- one of only two successfully operated private backcountry hut businesses in Southwestern Montana. The area also provides important habitat for rare carnivores, including wolverines and lynx that stay active all winter and may be harmed by snowmobile use.
Not surprisingly, protection for Mount Jefferson is meeting stiff opposition from the snowmobile lobby, particularly in Idaho, where snowmobile interests are putting heavy pressure on Idaho’s Congressional delegation to oppose the inclusion of Mount Jefferson in the bill. WWA is working directly with Senators Tester and Baucus as well as Idaho Senators Crapo and Risch to educate them about the importance of Mount Jefferson to the human-powered recreation community and as a critical wildlife corridor. Forty-four small business partners and grassroots groups from Idaho and Montana recently joined WWA in a sign-on letter to the above-named Senators expressing our support for Wilderness designation for Mount Jefferson. Hundreds of WWA individual members have commented in favor of protecting the area. “Since WWA first formed a decade ago we’ve been working to protect Mount Jefferson,” says WWA Executive Director Mark Menlove. “It’s encouraging to be so close to achieving our goal and rewarding to see the support for this effort coming from our Backcountry Partners, grassroots groups and individual members. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”
Winter Wildlands Alliance is pleased to welcome four new members to our board. Each of these volunteer leaders bring commitment and expertise to the organization.
Ryan Jordan, Bozeman, MT - Ryan is the co-founder of Backpacking Light Magazine (est. 2001) and current President/CEO of Backpacking Light's Publisher, Beartooth Media Group, Inc., where he directs company strategy as well as initiatives for editorial and product development. Ryan holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Washington State University and a Ph.D. in Biofilm Engineering from Montana State University. Backpacking Light Magazine, and Jordan's book “Lightweight Backpacking and Camping” are recognized as the most authoritative references about ultralight backpacking available.
Deb Wechselblatt, Portland, OR -
As the former campaign manager for Restore Mt. Hood, a teacher, natural resource planner, policy analyst and community organizer, Deb brings a diverse range of experience to WWA’s board. She is currently a Board member for Trailkeepers of Oregonand has a strong network of relationships with environmental and conservation groups inthe Northwest. She holds a B.A. degree in Environmental History from Oberlin College and will enter Lewis and Clark Law School in 2010.
Brooke Williams, Castle Valley, UT -
Brooke splits time between Jackson, Wyoming and a collapsed salt-dome valley east of Moab, Utah where he works for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance focusing on rural counties. He holds an MBA in Sustainable Business from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute and a Biology degree from the University of Utah. An active outdoor adventurerfor more than 30 years, he has written four books including “Halflives: Reconciling Work and Wildness.” He is currently involved in The Great West Institute, a think tank exploring expansion and innovation in the conservation movement.
Charlie Woodruff, Boise, ID -
A former WWA staff member, Charlie serves as Development Director for Conservation Voters for Idaho. In a previous life Charlie was an All American ski racer and ski coach from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geology from Whitman College and has been active in conservation work for nearly 10 years. His great passion for skiing in the pristine backcountry brought him to the work of Winter Wildlands Alliance.
We all know that pollution from snowmobiles can damage air and water quality. Impacts on wildlife are well-documented. But what about the rest of the forest?
Recently, Winter Wildlands Alliance learned that the US Forest Service, as part of forest re-vegetation surveys, gathered data documenting tree damage caused by snowmobiles in the Gallatin National Forest near West Yellowstone, Montana. The tree damage data show that in addition to well-documented impacts on air quality and wildlife, snowmobiles may be more directly and immediately impacting the health of forests. Simply put, the data demonstrate snowmobiles are chopping the tops off of trees, possibly in significant numbers.
As part of ongoing efforts to evaluate regeneration and thinning needs, the Gallatin National Forest surveyed previously logged timber stands. These surveys are required by the National Forest Management Act, and look for a variety of damage types and causes, including insect-, disease- and human-caused damage. Through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, WWA acquired and analyzed the Gallatin National Forest regeneration survey data collected through 1996, when funding cuts ended the survey project.
Gallatin National Forest surveys show that between 1983 and 1995, snowmobiles damaged between 12 and 720 trees per acre in the approximately 72,393 acres of harvested areas studied on the 1.8 million-acre Gallatin National Forest.
It’s worth noting that surveyed sections were not necessarily heavily used by snowmobiles. Had surveys been conducted in heavily used areas, it’s likely more damage may have been noted. Our review noted that stands with the highest rates of tree damage had snowmobile trails within the tracts. Since snowmobiling in the Gallatin has increased since surveys ended in 1996, it’s reasonable to expect that tree damage has increased as well.
Though the data covers only one national forest, it clearly shows the potential for tree damage from snowmobiles across all Snowbelt forests, and the need for better forest management practices. You can help the Forest Service to do a better job of protecting our nation’s forests by asking your local forest to do winter travel planning, and by commenting on travel planning and forest plans when they are issued. Winter Wildlands can help. Make sure we have your current email address and location to receive action alerts for your local national forests.
Thriving In This Time Of Challenge
It’s no secret the past year has been one of challenge for nonprofit organizations and for the individuals, companies and organizations who support us. As I look back on the past year, however, it is the upside of working in this challenging economic environment that strikes me, that inspires me. As Nordic and backcountry winter enthusiasts and conservationists we are part of a remarkable community: a community that is responding to the current challenge with increased support for Winter Wildlands Alliance and the work we are doing. Because of our dedicated supporters and partners WWA is not only surviving but thriving. The fact is, FY09 was our best year ever for both individual contributions and support from our outdoor industry partners. Remarkable, isn’t it? And humbling. As a result, WWA has a more robust work plan than ever. We’ve expanded our geographic presence along with our advocacy services and we’re perfectly positioned to take advantage of what may be the best opportunity we’ve ever had to change national policy and to finally bring balance to the way our public lands are managed during winter. All of us at WWA understand, of course, that this support and the personal sacrifice it represents from our members and partners brings with it a heavy responsibility to accomplish our mission. To you, our dedicated members and supporters, I offer my heartfelt appreciation. I also pledge to honor your support by protecting the wild winter places we all love. Keep the wild in winter!
Winter Wildlands Alliance achieved concrete and measurable results during our fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009) toward our mission of promoting and protecting winter wildlands and a quality human-powered snowsports experience.
To see the entire PDF version of our newsletter and the annual report, please download the latest version here or visit www.winterwildlands.org.
With a high elevation point of nearly 10,000 feet, Wyoming’s Togwotee Pass provides backcountry skiers with amazingly diverse mountain terrain. Open glades, alpine meadows, bowls, cirques and endless couloirs define the Togwotee region. Impetuous skiers can cut turns as early as October and diehards can ski right to their cars in June. Breccia Peak, Brooks Mountain, Two Ocean Peak, Angle Mountain… these names have become legendary for skiers from both sides of Togwotee Pass.
The Continental Divide bisects Togwotee Pass and defines both a hydrologic and an administrative divide. On the Atlantic side is Shoshone National Forest with its headquarters in Cody and on the Pacific is the Bridger-Teton National Forest with its headquarters in Jackson. Due to budget restraints both Forests have stalled their forest planning processes and because over-snow vehicle loophole in the 2005 ORV Rule allows them to move forward without winter travel planning, both forests are amending their current plans without addressing winter conflicts. This leaves Togwotee Pass backcountry skiers in limbo.
Togwotee Pass was a destination for skiers long before the first snowmobiles arrived. It has been home to two rope tows and is the preferred destination for students of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Central Wyoming College (CWC) and the American Avalanche Institute (AAI). For skiers traveling from the communities of Dubois, Riverton, and Lander on the East side, Togwotee Pass is the closest and maybe only place, with reasonable access to good ski terrain. Yet, upon arrival, the skier or snowshoer is unable to escape from the aesthetic and safety concerns associated with the thousands of snowmobiles that now visit Togwotee Pass each winter.
In an effort to rectify this situation Togwotee Pass Backcountry Alliance (TPBA) has requested several areas be designated non-motorized in the winter. TPBA's current proposal includes East Angle, The Breccia/Brooks Mountain cirque, and the east side of Two Ocean Peak. Overall, these proposed areas represent a tiny area of what is available to snowmobiles. In an effort to advance this proposal, Winter Wildlands Alliance organized a Togwotee Pass Winter Stakeholders Meeting in September.
Held in Dubois, the meeting was facilitated by Wyoming State Legislator Keith Gingery. Representatives of Togwotee Pass Backcountry Alliance, Friends of Pathways, Wyoming Wilderness Association, Dubois Ski Club, Wind River Gear, and Winter Wildlands Alliance spoke on behalf of skiers and snowshoers. Likewise, representatives of the Dubois Sno-Katters, Jackson
Snow-Devils, Wyoming State Snowmobile Association, Brooks Lake Lodge, and Togwotee Mountain Lodge expressed their views for snowmobilers. Personnel from both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests also attended the meeting. While no agreement was reached regarding designating non-motorized areas on Togwotee Pass, a dialogue between the
snowmobile and ski communities has opened up. This winter, efforts will be made to educate snowmobilers about the safety concerns skiers have. TPBA will work with local snowmobile
clubs and the Forest service to place signs notifying snowmobilers that they are not only in avalanche terrain but are sharing the area with skiers.
Another positive outcome of the Winter Stakeholders Meeting was the opportunity to establish new friends and alliances within the human-powered winter recreation community around Togwotee Pass. Winter Wildlands Alliance will continue to work closely and support the efforts of Togwotee Pass Backcountry Alliance and our other grassroots groups in the region. Establishing non-motorized areas for skiers on Togwotee Pass may be a long climb but it is a climb that WWA and TPBA are fully committed to making.
Hey you, with the toque! Heading out for some first tracks? Take your video camera! Shoot some video! Even better, that fancy computer of yours probably has a video editor on it. Why notbrainstorm a story on your drive out, shoot a few minutes of quality video, and make a short clip for submission to the 2010/2011 Backcountry Film Festival?
You could win cool gear, regional acclaim, or even a small cash prize. The Backcountry Film Festival now features an award for the best amateur video. Just keep the finished product under five minutes, non-motorized, and make it interesting. The best videos tell a story, so even if your friends aren’t professional skiers, or your local secret spot doesn’t have the most spectacular scenery, you can at least tell the tale of the local yeti sighting, highlight the newest non-motorized winter sport, or, heck, reenact the Attack of the Zombie Snowboarders. Be creative!
Winter Wildlands Alliance is pleased to welcome new outdoor stores to our growing list of Backcountry Partners. In recent months Northern Lights Trading Company in Montana, Skinny Skis in Wyoming, and Pine Needle Mountaineering in Colorado have joined our Backcountry Partners Program.
Since 1982, Montana’s Northern Lights Trading Company has been equipping people for backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, camping and of course backcountry and Nordic skiing. Under the ownership of Jay Allen, Northern Lights Trading Company has expanded to include Barrel Mountaineering in Bozeman and Pipestone Mountaineering in Missoula. Northern Lights Trading Company is committed to social and environmental responsibility. Visit any of these shops and join in their passion for doing it right in the outdoor world.
In Colorado, Pine Needle Mountaineering has been Durango’s premier climbing, camping, and ski-shop since 1976. Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado, their expert staff is dialed-in, and eager to provide the most up-to-date information on backcountry and Nordic skiing. Pine Needle is committed to offering customers the best service and product selection in the Four Corners, for all of their outdoor needs.
In Jackson Hole, Skinny Skis has been serving locals and visitors for over 35 years. Born out of a passion for Nordic skiing, Skinny Skis has evolved from a very small cross country ski shop to a nearly half-block long specialty outdoor store. During summer, the store offers all the latest equipment for running, training, hiking, roller skiing, mountaineering and climbing. Winters are consumed with cross country and backcountry skiing and Skinny Skis stays stocked with a full supply of winter rental and retail gear. With extensive expertise on the Jackson Hole area, the crew at Skinny Skis can help get you out to enjoy all that Jackson Hole has to offer.
The Backcountry Partners Program is about environmental and business sustainability. By becoming a Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Partner these shops are actively supporting the preservation of quality, backcountry winter recreation that their customers rely on. Together we can work to attain common goals and maintain a healthy winter backcountry industry while protecting our pristine snowscapes.
Winter Wildlands Alliance thanks Northern Lights Trading Company, Pine Needle Mountaineering, Skinny Skis, as well as our other Backcountry Partners for their support. Please express yours as well by visiting their shops. Check out all of our Backcountry Partners online at winterwildlands.org.
It’s film festival season! For five years now, the Backcountry Film Festival has been there for you and your fellow winter addicts. Not only does the film festival showcase great films, the funds raised stay local to support local backcountry advocacy groups.Viewers have vicariously ridden fabulous backcountry terrain in much of the USA, Europe, and South America. This year, add to the list the majestic peaks of…Australia?In addition to some exciting new international submissions by seasoned favorites Powderwhore and Sweetgrass, the ephemeral beauty of Australia’s winter will be on display in the film Winter Dreaming, from Eucalypt Productions in Victoria, Australia. Our first entry from Teton Gravity Research highlights the impacts global warming has had on skiing in America. We learn about a grassroots effort to oppose a mine in Crested Butte, Colorado, and ski “Fast Grass and Dirty Corn” in Vermont. Also new this year: www.backcountryfilmfestival.com, where you can see which shows have been added. As always, the festival will tour communities near and wide this year, with shows being added regularly. Check out the schedule below or online. Don’t see a showing in your town? Give Whitney a call at 208-344-8692. Heck, if the folks at McMurdo Station, Antarctica can host the film festival, you certainly can, too.Upcoming Dates & Venues:
December 10, 2009 Cashmere Riverside Center, Cashmere, WA
December 10, 2009 The Mountain Shop, Fort Collins CO
December 17, 2009 Location TBA, Homer, AK
December 19, 2009 Location TBA, McCall, ID
December 19, 2009 McMurdo Station, Antarctica
January 7, 2010 Victoria Theater, Santa Barbara, CA
January 9, 2010 Location TBA, Talkeetna, AK
January 28, 2010 Wildwood Room, Victor, ID
January 14, 2010 Buffalo Theater, Sheridan, WY
February 19, 2010 Bull 'n' Bear Saloon, Red Lodge, MT
February 25, 2010 The State Room, Salt Lake City, UTCheck out www.backcountryfilmfestival.com for an updated schedule.
