Nov. 16, 2004 - Mt Adams Safe for Now

Great discussion. My 2 cents.<br><br>I live in Wa, near the south side of Adams and frequent the "area". The intrusion of improved roads into the area would destroy much of the primitive nature.<br><br>It takes me almost an hour from Cook-Underwood to reach the south side of Adams. That makes 2 hours from Portland.<br><br>For me, to see a large contingent of commuter skiers/riders would be depressing. Obviously I favor a more primitive setting.<br><br>In terms of access to more terrain; that issue will continue to grow as the population moves from the east to the west. A project doubling of the population by 2025 will certainly result in the need for more recreational opportunites (that's why people move here).<br><br>Ironically, the week before the announced feasibility of a Mt Adams development, I was skiing the south side on a glorious day, with superb views of Mt Hood. Breath taking? Perhaps...<br><br>What would happen to the great horse riding trails established along 141 on the way to Trout Lake?<br>These camps and trails are a wonderful resource for the community in the summer, fall and winter.<br><br>I agree with many others, that it would be more feasible to develop the existing terrain with access features (roads) already in place, than to slice through what is currently rural and relatively "pristine".<br><br>The argument of "not being fair" is one that is used too frequently these days. We need to decide "what is right". <br><br>Maybe I am just an old timer, not wanting change....you tell me.<br><br>

I would think that if a resort was built on Adams it would cater more to the Yakima, Tri-Cities, The Dalles folks then Seattle (except for those who would use as a destination resort).  (It would target those locals that currently use White Pass and Bluewood)  <br><br>As for a highway, I read that there was one built (The Mt Adams Highway) running from the Yakima valley, past the east foothills of Adams and dumping out at The Dalles.  When the DOT decided to build Satus Pass the tribe closed the old highway to the public, but use it for themselves and improved on it through the years. I don't know what kind of condition it is in, but it seems that it could be used as an existing access road if this project actually happened..    <br><br> www.yakimamemory.org/articles/mtadams.html

If the tribe really wanted to persue this I really don't see much to stop them.  The government usually does little to stop what the tribes want to do on their land (Casino's as an example), but from all I've read I really doubt the Yakama Indian Tribe will go through with this idea.  It does make for an interesting discussion though.

I would think that if a resort was built on Adams it would cater more to the Yakima, Tri-Cities, The Dalles folks

<br><br>Huh? It would cater to Portland skiers. It'd be 1.5 to 2hrs from Portland.

I live in Wa, near the south side of Adams and frequent the "area".

<br><br>It's the east side not the south side that is being considered for development. Have you ever skied on the east side of Adams in Winter/Spring? Since it's legally closed most likely not.

I would be willing to accept the development of a resort if:<br><br>-no structures of any sort built above treeline, and an absolute minimum of deforestation.<br>-no gambling, golfing, or faux urbanization whatsoever.<br>-no resort-associated lodging.<br>-not a single penny of Washington taxpayer expense.<br>-strict regulations preventing any of these conditions from being altered, ever.<br>

I'll agree to that.