BLM TO CHARGE $20 TO ACCESS CALICO BASIN; WILL BUILD TOLL BOOTH

Just a heads up: last night, October 13, the Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition had an "open forum" with the BLM and the Access Fund. The BLM representative stated that plans are in place to charge a fee for Calico Basin in the near future. It was not explained where the new toll booths will be built. Nor was it discussed if Calico would be subject to the same operating hours as the Loop.

While a fee has been charged for access to the Red Rock Loop Road for quite some time, Calico Basin has always remained free for all to use. From the extensive sport and trad areas of Moderate Mecca, Red Springs and Ash Canyon to the world-class bouldering at Kraft Mountain, the area has always been open and free.

The concern was brought forth last night, with the rise of the reservation system for the Loop Road, crowds would increase at Calico Basin as people seek to evade the onerous reservation requirements. The response from BLM was that a fee would soon be instituted at Calico.

While the BLM did not mention the following, it is clear to me that as crowds overtake Calico Basin due to the Loop Road being subjected to this new controlled-access system, the reservation program will be similarly expanded to eventually cover Calico Basin as well - that is my speculation.

No opportunity was given for the public to comment in advance on the reservation system. I assume that no public comment will be solicited regarding the new fees for Calico Basin. There are those of us that do believe in having input in how our lands are governed and I encourage all people who disagree with more fees to speak up and let their feelings be heard. You can contact the BLM at 702-515-5046.

This won't be possible overnight, but they did elude to upgrades for the entrance to the scenic drive in 2021 and it might be part of that project, so maybe the year after(?).

They said they've hired a contractor to develop a management plan and will engage the SNCC and other user groups. I assume that means we'll get timetable info going forward.

NegativeKwrote:

They said they've hired a contractor to develop a management plan and will engage the SNCC and other user groups. I assume that means we'll get timetable info going forward.

We can hope, but at the moment I wouldn't assume anything.

Which part of Calico? Red Spring and/or Kraft parking lot?

Gerson Rwrote:

Which part of Calico? Red Spring and/or Kraft parking lot?

It sounded like both.

The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race.

Austin Rwrote:

The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race.

Especially those unlucky enough to live in such ease and comfort to need to seek solace and adventure in scrambling on rocks as a integral part of adding value of their lives, rather than living short brutish and hungry lives of those lucky enough to have existed in the utopian past.

If they do unfortunately have to enact fees for the calico areas I hope they at least allow a free pass for us natives and locals... or a good discount at the least. Otherwise we will have to adapt as we always do and creatively (and responsibly) find other approaches... and hopefully keep them on the DL to prevent more overuse. I miss the days when calico and Kraft were our best kept secret.

Dakota McCulloughwrote:

If they do unfortunately have to enact fees for the calico areas I hope they at least allow a free pass for us natives and locals... or a good discount at the least. Otherwise we will have to adapt as we always do and creatively (and responsibly) find other approaches... and hopefully keep them on the DL to prevent more overuse. I miss the days when calico and Kraft were our best kept secret.

Since these areas are part of the Red Rock conservation area, the same pass should be accepted.

Kevin Heckelerwrote:

Since these areas are part of the Red Rock conservation area, the same pass should be accepted.

Good point!

Having a pass for red rock (and all national parks) hasn’t stopped them tacking on additional fees. Reservation fee of 2 dollars and late exit pass of 50 cents. 

Keep in mind your money is lining pockets of private companies and is not contributing to conservation in red rock. 

Looks like it is going down this Tuesday, March 9 at 5pm. The BLM will be holding a Zoom meeting regarding the Calico Basin recreation plan. This will be done on Zoom and everyone is invited to attend.

Now is the time to find out what is going on regarding fees for recreating in Calico Basin. Questions need to be asked…

 Will the BLM construct toll booths on the Calico road?

Will the fee be payable at self-service kiosks?

Will reservations be required in the same vein as the loop road?

Will certain operating hours be enforced on Calico Basin?

Will the residents of Calico achieve their long-held dreams of barring all access to Calico Basin??

 I encourage all interested climbers to attend this meeting and let the BLM know loud and clear: we do not support fees, toll booths, reservations or restrictive operating hours for Calico Basin!

 From the BLM webpage:

BLM Calico Basin RAMP/EA Virtual Public Information Webinar - Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition, Access Fund, and Climbers

The BLM will be conducting a 30-day scoping period from February 23 to March 25, 2021 when stakeholders and members of the public can provide comments on the proposed Calico Basin RAMP/EA. More information on the Calico Basin RAMP/EA can be found at:  virtualpublicmeeting.com/ca…

SIGN UP FOR THE MARCH 9 (5PM) BLM ZOOM MEETING HERE:

https://empsi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d-Kfk-7WRVue0V9KPSf84w?_x_zm_rtaid=4F30_n6WSv6xMzGdGx97oA.1615093240704.ff56dab75a0fde6440e509bafa18159a&_x_zm_rhtaid=473&fbclid=IwAR3PU7uH0q-WYG7Etv0EmfKodb_9byheHtmFaRE5g-6aUXflwL9_yNmsuwc

John Hegyeswrote:

Looks like it is going down this Tuesday, March 9 at 5pm. The BLM will be holding a Zoom meeting regarding the Calico Basin recreation plan. This will be done on Zoom and everyone is invited to attend.

Now is the time to find out what is going on regarding fees for recreating in Calico Basin. Questions need to be asked…

 Will the BLM construct toll booths on the Calico road?

Will the fee be payable at self-service kiosks?

Will reservations be required in the same vein as the loop road?

Will certain operating hours be enforced on Calico Basin?

Will the residents of Calico achieve their long-held dreams of barring all access to Calico Basin??

 I encourage all interested climbers to attend this meeting and let the BLM know loud and clear: we do not support fees, toll booths, reservations or restrictive operating hours for Calico Basin!

 From the BLM webpage:

BLM Calico Basin RAMP/EA Virtual Public Information Webinar - Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition, Access Fund, and Climbers

The BLM will be conducting a 30-day scoping period from February 23 to March 25, 2021 when stakeholders and members of the public can provide comments on the proposed Calico Basin RAMP/EA. More information on the Calico Basin RAMP/EA can be found at:  virtualpublicmeeting.com/ca…

SIGN UP FOR THE MARCH 9 (5PM) BLM ZOOM MEETING HERE:

https://empsi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcucOGoqTsrG91DNWcidkjYMeQUs2_zfmtI

Edit: John is correct. I didn't see that there are two separate webinars with one specifically for climbers. The climbers webinar is Tuesday, March 9. The general public webinar is Thursday, March 11. Sorry for added confusion but hopefully more posts increases traffic and attendance!

Any updates?

Doctor Drakewrote:

Any updates?

The end is nigh.

Estimated Late May we will see what they have drawn up.

Well shucks, I guess we gotta get out there while it’s still easy. 

They said during one of the calls is that there is a plan to develop a climbing management plan for the entire red rock area soon. Will need to keep an eye on that.

Climbing management plan could be great or horrible, depends who is drafting it and what their priorities are. Based on the BLM’s track record with Red Rock so far I’m a little nervous. 

Doctor Drakewrote:

Climbing management plan could be great or horrible, depends who is drafting it and what their priorities are. Based on the BLM’s track record with Red Rock so far I’m a little nervous. 

I would be nervous. Think Hueco-style guided cragging in the long term. Enjoy your "freedom" while it lasts.