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12-07-2006, 09:04 AM
CRAIG HILL; The News Tribune
Published: December 7th, 2006 01:00 AM
One month after flooding brought unprecedented damage to Mount Rainier National Park, even the rare bits of good news are tainted for the small gateway community of Ashford.
The town most economically dependent on the park learned Wednesday that there should be limited access to Rainier in time for the traditional Christmas rush. That was offset by the announcement that the park won’t reopen for vehicle access any sooner than March.
There will be no access to Paradise and its popular snowplay area and Nordic skiing this winter.
Twenty-eight Ashford business owners and park officials packed into the guide lounge at Rainier Mountaineering Inc. on Wednesday afternoon to brainstorm ideas for weathering a slow winter.
After nearly two hours of volleying ideas, park superintendent Dave Uberuaga said several suggestions should be implemented by Dec. 15.
The most promising ideas include enhanced guided tours of the flood damage and access to hiking, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on the Westside Road. The park will also consider public access to Longmire via shuttles.
full article http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/6270156p-5471175c.html
Published: December 7th, 2006 01:00 AM
One month after flooding brought unprecedented damage to Mount Rainier National Park, even the rare bits of good news are tainted for the small gateway community of Ashford.
The town most economically dependent on the park learned Wednesday that there should be limited access to Rainier in time for the traditional Christmas rush. That was offset by the announcement that the park won’t reopen for vehicle access any sooner than March.
There will be no access to Paradise and its popular snowplay area and Nordic skiing this winter.
Twenty-eight Ashford business owners and park officials packed into the guide lounge at Rainier Mountaineering Inc. on Wednesday afternoon to brainstorm ideas for weathering a slow winter.
After nearly two hours of volleying ideas, park superintendent Dave Uberuaga said several suggestions should be implemented by Dec. 15.
The most promising ideas include enhanced guided tours of the flood damage and access to hiking, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on the Westside Road. The park will also consider public access to Longmire via shuttles.
full article http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/6270156p-5471175c.html