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Muir Valley Parking Fees

Original Post
Zach M · · Summersville, WV · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 0

The Friends of Muir Valley mailed this out today:

Hello from Friends of Muir Valley,

We want to thank the climbing community of Red River Gorge for your
support of Muir Valley.

We have some important news to share with you concerning changes for
the 2016 climbing season.

As you know, Muir Valley is one of the most popular climbing
destinations in North America, with over 40,000 visitors each year.
This enthusiastic utilization requires significant resources to
maintain and operate the preserve, as well as continue ongoing
improvements such as vault toilets in the valley, emergency response
system upgrades, and new trail development. FOMV is fortunate to
steward such an amazing place, and we couldn’t do it without the
dedication and support of the climbing community.

Muir has become so popular, however, that our parking lots are full
to overflowing most weekends and some weekdays throughout the
climbing season, necessitating the hiring of staff to manage the busy
lot, and occasionally visitors have had to be turned away when we
reach capacity.

We are developing a plan to achieve a fairer distribution of support,
and to avoid over-crowding, by charging a fee for parking at Muir
Valley. Climbing in the Valley will remain free, but we will
institute a daily parking charge of $10 per car starting March 1,
2016. Visitors may purchase a 2016 annual parking permit for $120,
and we will provide a laminated ID to display on the dashboard while
visiting. All revenue raised by parking fees will go to FOMV and
will be used to operate, maintain, and further enhance Muir Valley.
Parking fees will augment the donations made by our generous
supporters, enabling us to continue making Muir such a special place
to climb, hike, and enjoy nature.

Beginning in March, there will be a kiosk as you enter the Muir
Parking area. We will have staff present as much as practically
possible to assist you, to process your cash or credit/debit card
payment, and to give you a receipt to display on your dashboard while
parked. At other times, when it is not practical to staff the kiosk,
the plan will operate on an honor system with instructions and
routine monitoring, as is done in many other climbing areas. In case
the kiosk is not staffed, please plan to bring $10 cash (per car, not
per person) so that you can use the honor system.

Alternatively, you may go to MuirValley.com, complete an application
for an Annual Muir Valley Parking Permit, and pay $120 by PayPal,
credit, or debit card. We will then send a laminated Annual Permit
(good until Dec 31, 2016) to your postal address.

Thank you for your support and cooperation. We value your feedback
as well as your support. If you have questions or comments, please
contact us at FOMV.publicity@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing
you in the spring!

Eric Carlos · · Soddy Daisy, TN · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 121

I think 10 might be a little steep, 5 more reasonable, but either way not a bad idea.

Mike Bond · · Kentucky · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 3,191

Very reasonable and very needed to help this gift to be maintained long-term. $10 for a carload to such an amazing location is a bargain.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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