RMC Use Permit Renewed for 10 years

[SherpaKroto]

I received this information today from Patricia Nasta of the USFS on behalf of Katherine Stuart, District Ranger. It is certainly good news for those of us who have spent a lifetime enjoying these facilities.

Dear Interested Citizen:

Thank you for your interest and participation in our environmental analysis
regarding the renewal of the special use permit for the Randolph Mountain
Club’s (RMC’s) facilities -- Crag Camp, Gray Knob, Log Cabin, and the
Perch -- on Mount Adams. Early in our analysis, you requested to be
informed of my decision once the environmental analysis is complete.

After conducting an environmental analysis and seeking public comment on
the Randolph Mountain Club’s request to renew their special use permit to
operate the four backcountry facilities in the White Mountain National
Forest, I have decided to renew their special use permit for a tenure of 10
years. The special use permit authorizes the Randolph Mountain Club to
occupy National Forest System lands to provide recreation opportunities to
visitors in the White Mountain National Forest.

The majority of the public comment respondents supported the renewal of
RMC’s special use permit. Supportive comments were varied in nature, but
many addressed the contributions and stewardship of the Randolph Mountain
Club, the safe haven the camps provide at high elevations; and the historic
value of the camps. Other responses were supportive but included
suggestions and concerns. Several respondents suggested lengths for the
permits, either shorter or the maximum. There were some requests for
further analysis to address resource issues and recreation uses, and some
asked for less, or expedited, analysis. One person opposed the permit
renewal.

The RMC has owned, maintained and operated Crag Camp, Grey Knob, Log Cabin,
and the Perch successfully to the benefit of the White Mountain National
Forest. With no compelling reasons such as financial insolvency or poor
performance, and with support expressed by those who participated in the
environmental analysis, I believe a decision to renew the permit is in the
government’s best interest.

An analysis of the resource conditions revealed no extraordinary
circumstances that would require further environmental analysis.

The environmental analysis included on-site surveys for rare plants and
heritage resources, and also determined if any extraordinary circumstances
exist that could result in significant effects to the environment. In
accordance with FSH 1909.15 Chapter 30, the following specific resource
conditions were examined:
· Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated
critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical
habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species.
· Floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds
· Congressionally Designated Areas
· Inventoried Roadless Areas
· Research Natural Areas (RNAs)
· American Indians and Alaska Native Religious or Cultural
Sites/Archaeological Sites, or Historic Properties or Areas

Our analysis of the resource conditions revealed no extraordinary
circumstances that would require further environmental analysis, and
concluded that no significant environmental effects are expected from
renewing RMC’s special use permit.

I also confirmed that renewal of the permit and the authorized activities
are in keeping with Forest Plan direction and are consistent with
regulations governing special uses on national forest lands found is Forest
Service Manual 2700.

Renewal of RMC’s special use permit may proceed immediately. A new permit
is expected to take effect by January 1, 2006.

This decision is not subject to administrative review or appeal, pursuant
to 36 CFR 215.8.

The full Decision Memo may be viewed on the on the web at
www.fe.fed.us/r9/white, or is available by contacting our office. If you
have any further questions or comments about the analysis, please contact
me or Marianne Leberman, Special Use Permit Administrator, at the address
and phone number above, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Thanks again for your interest in the White Mountain National Forest.

Sincerely,

s/s Katherine W. Stuart
KATHERINE W. STUART
District Ranger

 

[spencer]

That's terrific! I haven't spent a ton of time on that side of the hills, but when I have been there, I've had great experiences.

RMC is top-notch!

spencer

 

[MadRiver]

As a recent club member, I am thrilled that the FS has seen fit to renew their special use permit and look forward to ten more years of “affordable” lodging on Mt. Adams.

 

[MichaelJ]

Wonderful news!

I guess it's time to head to up to Crag Camp again.

 

[mtnpa]

Great news! I've hiked in this area since I was a boy. Mtnmama and I have stayed at the Perch and Gray Knob. These trails and facilities are maintained as well as any I've ever seen. RMC rules

 

[ChrisB]

No place like these great facilities.

Glad to see the RMC's good work recognized and rewarded.

On a recent visit to Crag I was once again impressed by the peacefull, low-key, and simple nature of this wonderful cabin.

Long Live the RMC!!!

cb

 

[the starchild]

woooo-haaaaa!

i visited the northern presi's and the RMC facilities for the first time this past weekend and was super impressed. The prices for staying in a cabin were extremely cheap and the locations are great. $5 for the perch??? anytime my friends, anytime!

 

[dave.m]

What fantastic news.

I'm just trying to get my head around the fact that there would be a possibility that they wouldn't get renewed.

Waita minute.... what am I saying? Did I imply that Crag is nice. It isn't. It's infested with rats. And bed bugs too. Nasty horrible place. Yessir, if you want to stay in the northern presis you should stay at Madison Hut. Much, much nicer.

Vail - Almost as nice as Madison Hut

 

[RGF1]

What fantastic news.

I'm just trying to get my head around the fact that there would be a possibility that they wouldn't get renewed.

Waita minute.... what am I saying? Did I imply that Crag is nice. It isn't. It's infested with rats. And bed bugs too. Nasty horrible place. Yessir, if you want to stay in the northern presis you should stay at Madison Hut. Much, much nicer.

Vail - Almost as nice as Madison Hut

I had little doubt they would get renewed. !! this is not surprising but great news !
Yes your right Crag is horrible the veiw sucks Madison is a much better place In fact it is better than any of the high end Hotels in Aspen .
the worst of all horrors you have to cook for your self You get meet all sorts of sweaty hikers with the tree rats and thier pals , a evil fox and the elusive Crag Creature !
Dave M I should Give a reddie just for letting out the secret oopss I already let out that secret that . Oh yeah spur trail is dull and boring too .

 

[the starchild]

i visited the northern presi's and the RMC facilities for the first time this past weekend and was super impressed. The prices for staying in a cabin were extremely cheap and the locations are great. $5 for the perch??? anytime my friends, anytime!

ummm yeah, whoooops, yeah y'all, it REALLY sucks! Ignore my previous post; it was just the alcohol talking. plus it dented my budget, gave me nightmares and the views are non-existant.

boooooo!