Ulaldo Lake Plan Withdrawn:
Will motors Remain On Pristine Waters?
Advocates of protecting the Waldo Basin and restoring it's natural
quiet, free of motorboat whines, are disappointed that the Forest
Service recently withdrew the Waldo Basin Plan. The selected alter
native of the plan prohibited the use of gas engines on the lake after
2005, while encouraging motorboat users to switch to electric mo
tors. The plan also changed the classification of the lake from roaded,
motorized to semiprimitive, as well as other protective measures re
garding the Chamelton road, commercial permitting, dispersed camp
ing and snowmobile access. The progressive plan was signed by the
forest supervisor last December.
Four opponents of the plan filed appeals. After a long regional ad
ministrative review process the Willamette Office withdrew the
management plan before a decision was made by the appeal review
board. The reason for the withdrawal remains unclear at this time,
but more supporting data may need to be gathered for the plan to get
through the appeal process. At any rate, even if the changes are mi
nor, the plan will likely have to go through another full NEPA pro
cess requiring many months before Waldo can get the protection it
deserves. If you are interested in helping the Forest Service keep
Waldo on the agenda and moving forward, please consider sending
a note to the Forest Supervisor and the Middle Fork District Ranger.
new Gear Raft
Scheduled for Rnriual at OP Barn
According to Trip Facility Manager, Ed
Fredette, the OP will have a new gear raft in
October. This purple, Sotar Elite raft with a
hammer finish frame will be rigged to outfit
Colorado-style trips. Unlike our other 14’ gear
rafts this one is a bigger and beefier I5\ So
when you’re dreaming of initiating multi-day
OP raft trips on big rivers, get ready to reserve
the new purple raft! For more information on
the OP Equipment please see page 3 of this
newsletter.
Oregon UIFR Courses 2002-3
Several Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) Wilderness First
Responder (WF"R) courses have already been scheduled in Oregon;
prices range from $465-$495 per course. Here’s the details:
Location Dates Contact Info
Bend Nov 15-24 Dan Walker, WMI Instructor,
541-383-9259
Ashland Dec 13-22 Southern Oregon University,
541-552-6334
Portland Jan 9-18 Lewis & Clark College,
503-768-7116
Bend Jan 31-Feb 9 Oregon Museum of
Science & Industry,
541-504-2538
Eugene Mar 21-30 City of Eugene,
River House Outdoor Program,
541-682-5329
For information on more WMI-WFR and WFR Recertification
Courses check out the Wilderness Medicine Institute’s website at:
http://wmi.nols.edu
The UO Outdoor Pursuits Program (OPP) also instructs
Wilderness First Responder courses, contact Jim Blanchard at
346-3399.
Greater Eugene Area Riders
Fall is a great time to get out and enjoy the view from a bike. Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARS)
promotes just the type of recreational bicycle riding and community bicycle events you may be look
ing for. GEARs organizes regular weekly rides as well as safety and skill education for bicyclists and
participates in local events like the Eugene Celebration Cycling Classic. Annual GEARS dues are
inexpensive ($12 for an individual/ $17 for a family) and they produce monthly newsletters with
articles, events and information throughout most of the year. Grab an informative GEARs newsletter
at local bike shops, the Outdoor Program, or contact Mel Huey at melhuey @aolcom for ride schedule
and membership information.