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What the pumpkin is up with the Coronado National Forest closing not only the Pima Canyon trail just above the dam to protect the nonexistent bighorn sheep, but allowing Mount Lemmon Ski Valley to expand all the way down to the junction of Ski Valley Road and the Catalina Highway into Summerhaven? They're going to knock down over 2,000 old-growth trees to make some more ski runs, the world's longest rope-tow, and another ski lift in what is easily the most-marginal ski area in North America? What are those fools thinking?
We need to stand up to make sure this idiotic idea doesn't come to fruition. I guess the sky islands are only worth as much as the money a few fools can make off of it.
Adios Aspen Draw Trail, and I almost forgot to mention that the road from Ski Valley to the very top (near the transformers) will only be available to UofA, NASA, and Air Force researchers with a valid permit. Who has a rippin' printer that can print counterfeit permits?

well, at least it's in concert with the rest of the decisions in Arizona these days

I was so disgusted when I read their Forest Plan this last time that I couldn't even put it into words. The best thing that could ever happen to the Catalinas would be for them to be transferred to NPS and managed like a real Wilderness should be. Starting with the removal of that huge, disgusting strip of blacktop...Yes, I really DO want Catalina Highway gone. Along with all of the McMansions and other man-made garbage that now spoils the mountain. Feel free to disagree; but, you won't ever change my mind...

Oh yea, I almost forgot: They're dreaming!! They can't even stop all the numbskulls who insist on bringing their dogs into Pima every weekend. Now they're going to enforce a closure order?

Hey James,

I also heard they want to create *another* wilderness area on the east side of the Catalinas, had you heard the same thing? They can't even protect Pusch Ridge or the Natural Areas they have, now!!

Uh-oh, you've got Jeff going now...

Seriously - I know that Pima County has been pushing for making Mt. Lemmon a "world class" resort destination, with better skiing, big hotels and posh spas at the top. 2 big problems though... There's only one decent road to the top, and it's subject to periodic closures due to weather - and THERE's NO WATER! Seriously! They can't even provide enough water for the McMasnions up there - how are they going to support resorts and spas???

Furthermore - WHY??!!! Tucson is one of the prime desert destinations in the world. Focus on that. Leave the mountains to the lions and goats!

And as for wilderness area, I agree with Jeff. They can't enforce it, so they shouldn't be regulating it. Besides, as we've demonstrated before on this site, there's no evidence of a viable sheep herd up there. I think they're just trying to reduce the scope of what they need to monitor (in other words, it's $$ talking)...

I know, I'm at it again!!
It's a complete fantasy to believe that they will slow the pace of development up there, let alone reverse it. But, I'm entitled to my fantasies, too, darn it!!

jeffmacewen wrote:I also heard they want to create *another* wilderness area on the east side of the Catalinas, had you heard the same thing?

this is true...plus an additional Samaniego Ridge Wilderness along the ridge

Hook, line, and sinker. Check today's date.
However, I hope y'all remember how you felt when I wrote my little piece of (thankfully...for now) fiction.

Did you hear about the stuff they were discussing at the last planning meeting? I don't think you wrote a work of fiction, man...

jeffmacewen wrote:I don't think you wrote a work of fiction, man...

They'll be using Flagstaff's last drop of water to make more snow, so I don't find this implausible at all.

In response to JamesLyding:
you got me, can't believe I bought into the NASA part

I was really disappointed in Google today... the broadband commode years ago was awesome

joe bartels wrote:I was really disappointed in Google today.

Topeka whats up with that....

If you really wanted it to be a prank you should have said that they were planning on selling bighorn sheep chili up at the Iron Door...

Touche', BTW...

jim...i'm coming for you man.

I just hope we all remember not only how much of a treasure the Santa Catalinas are, but also that we need to fight to keep this mountain range from being adulterated even more.
I realize the idiocy that is the nexus of the Coronado National Forest, Pima County, and the local business community's interest is, and it sure-as-shinola doesn't align with ours.
I remember the "idea" that the best way to get more water for metro Phoenix was to pave over as much of the Salt- and Verde River watersheds as possible so the runoff wouldn't be sequestered by vegetation. Seriously. Makes me sick. Thankfully, non-morons prevailed, but it's not exactly as if ecology-minded leadership is flowing out of our state capitol these days.

Right now I'm steaming mad about the Rosemont Mine and the proposed (soon to be-) law that will allow our fair state to transfer water between basins so mines (don't waste my time by claiming that it will only apply to one mine when it's all said-and-done) can suck our lifeblood dry so some folks who have more money than Croesus can have even more.

You're not alone.

Jim Lyding wrote:Hook, line, and sinker. Check today's date.

LMAO That's too funny! You had me fired up there for a bit too... Those bastards, how could they!

Jim Lyding wrote:Hook, line, and sinker. Check today's date.
However, I hope y'all remember how you felt when I wrote my little piece of (thankfully...for now) fiction.

Hook, line and STINKER! Ha Ha!

I agree with you about this bogus law...also about the continued support of the current federal administration of the rule allowing mining companies to dump on federal lands without any cost to the miners. WTF!

Oh, wait, I started off this post laughing. Guess I gotta keep it that way!