More ONP BS / Occupy Hurricane

Votski unfortunately the opening the road to the tunnels or 3rd peak ended along time ago.  Maybe the last millenium, I think early 1990's.  If they would go back to the gates at 3rd peak or even better the "slot" depending on conditions that would be a huge win.  Even double parking.  But apparently its all or nothing-not enough turn around space they say.  No word on how they were able to turn around for all the years before when it operated that way.

Not sure about a $1,000,000 bridge at staircase, but they also have one planned for Crystal Creek on the Appleton Pass trail to make it passable for stock.  Again if funding decisions are now based on visitor numbers, how many stock users in ONP?  Way less than 10,000 per year. 

A favorite line across 3 or more local ONP administrations is "Well, you can't really compare parks, each one is unique."  They use this when I bring up the fact that other parks are able to keep their roads open.

But what about Olympic's uniqueness such as: one of two with a ski area; no other reasonable access to snow for 4+ hours; skiing predates the park-Deer Park was one of the first ski areas in North America; 3 parks in 1  aspect (except in the winter, I guess) etc?  It seems like those are unique aspects that would work in favor of winter access.

As a broader criticism of the NPS the only way to get ahead in NPS management is to move to a new billet in a new park every 3-5 years.  But at each post apparently you are supposed to forget what you learned at the last park?  Neither one of those things make any sense from a management perspective IMO.

Not sure about a $1,000,000 bridge at staircase...

I don't think construction has begun, but funding it was listed as one of the recently retired superintendent's proudest accomplishments:    :
blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure/2012/0...-to-retire-in-march/

this sadly seems to be a losing battle when the feds demand cuts of parks $$$
if a skier was in office we might have had a chance but change is coming.
sorry
bobby

As a broader criticism of the NPS the only way to get ahead in NPS management is to move to a new billet in a new park every 3-5 years.  But at each post apparently you are supposed to forget what you learned at the last park?  Neither one of those things make any sense from a management perspective IMO.

NPS superintendents and other managers have 'safety' as a critical element in their annual performance evaluations.  Basically, the more SARs and auto accidents, the lower their chances of transfer/promotion.  No wonder public access in winter is such a low priority for the National Parks.   

Thanks for commiserating with me on this the last week gang.  Gonna make another run at the ridge tomorrow with Marco and anyone else who's up for it.  We'll see - it is a Wed. and the road was closed today - on second thought, maybe you should just go to Crystal or Baker and save the bitterness and disappointment for me.