MRNP: Bold as brass, up your ...

1:45 p.m., a leisurely finish to plowing the parking lot at Paradise.

This is exactly the kind of performance that has methodically and very effectively driven winter users away, particularly over the past 5-10 years.

I know a lot of people, including myself, who used to frequent the park but no longer do, thanks to the dancing opening times. This was rarely a problem a decade ago, yet has become so commonplace that its leading to record decreases in winter visits.

Current management clearly displays a unique inability to manage the resource. It's incredibly frustrating that such an amazing jewel is going to waste, especially considering the limited upper elevation access points here in western Washington.

This is exactly the kind of performance that has methodically and very effectively driven winter users away, particularly over the past 5-10 years. 

I know a lot of people, including myself, who used to frequent the park but no longer do, thanks to the dancing opening times.  This was rarely a problem a decade ago....

this is the case for myself and a few other touring friends. We used to do annual trips at Paradise or Tattoosh. Lots of fun skiing and good times camping. Havn't done this in years at MRNP though, the last couple times we planned it logistics proved easier elsewhere, esp coming from Portland. Since then I dont really think of MRNP anymore for my first choice in wilderness recreation, especially in winter. Its almost if they are managing the national parks like summer theme parks and all but shut them down in the winter.

It is really a sad, sad story.  I've heard that the current federal budget impass has caused many agencies, including the Forest Service, to put as much spending, including previous budgeted and planned expenses, on hold - because they don't know if or how much subsequent funding will come.  This might be the underlying cause of MRNP's plowing retreat.  Unfortunately if it is they're just papering over their rationale and shooting themselves in the foot.

Remember these episodes when the "push" to expand the North Cascade Park is once again resumed.  Do we want more or our mountains consumed by a park service unable or unwilling to provide services we already have?  I don't think so.  Especially if such land is already well protected and preserved, but just not in the warm and fuzzy embrace of the national park disservice.

Speaking of priorities ...

I wonder how many road plowings you can get for $700k... someone bring that up at the next open meeting.

The upgrades only benefit a small set; concessionaire guides and their paying clientele with funding coming from "franchise fees".

"Four new toilets will replace five existing toilets," because less is more, right?