Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: NPS denies Madison Co's request re Rapidan area

I have pretty limited ability to comment given I've only been to the Rapidan once. But in that one trip (a guided trip where I rode with the guide in his pickup), I had a few observations that I believe are fairly applicable. I wouldn't dare bring a non-4WD or high ground clearance vehicle up the road we used, although I saw one at the top. I saw no fewer than four pickup truck drivers choose not to use a bridge to cross the stream, and instead chose drive off the road and speed through river (instead of at least slowly fording it). This was in the brief periods of time that I was actually even near a crossing. Additionally, I saw at least three groups of ATV and/or dirt bike riders that were constantly leaving the trails and trampling vegetation, spraying dirt into the river as their wheels spun, as well as driving across, along, and in the stream. It was unfortunate seeing the blatant disregard for our natural resources. These are all environmentally destructive activities that would be close to impossible, if not completely impossible, with a "normal" car.

The NPS Superintendent cited his responsibility to protect natural resources as one of his reasons for rejecting the request. At the end of the day, he's right - making an area less difficult to access will, in theory, increase the environmental damage due to human interaction. But if he really is concerned about protecting this natural resource, perhaps he should also consider either improving enforcement of existing rules (if they exist) for those that "can" access that area, or re-assessing what rules should be in place to minimize the inappropriate behavior I noted above.

On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 1:05 PM, Brendan <brendanlilly@gmail.com> wrote:

agree with much of what has been said... as much as i would love to use this access point, i think it's for the best that they keep it closed. 

On Monday, August 5, 2013 11:36:51 AM UTC-4, Dave Jamieson wrote:

I often weep for the undercarriage of my '98 Civic, but in this case I'm glad they decided not to improve the road. I'd rather roll the dice on my trips up there than deal with the increased traffic so close to the stream. Just to add to what Gene said: Like a lot of anglers, I get incredibly impatient once fishable water is finally in sight. You really need to resist that here. Take it really slow negotiating the holes in that road if you don't have a pickup or SUV.

On Monday, August 5, 2013 9:28:09 AM UTC-4, TurbineBlade wrote:

I concede the argument --  since NPS already made the call it's pointless anyway.

For anyone considering driving up there in a small passenger vehicle: I personally don't recommend it -- unless you know your vehicle very well and know which sides of the road to teeter over to as you drive it (not that this will work if you happen to pass someone). I would say that getting high-centered and damaging your oil pan is as much a "character builder" as contracting Onchocerciasis, but without all the rad scars. 

Gene

On Saturday, August 3, 2013 4:06:28 PM UTC-4, Gs Feder wrote:

http://www.nps.gov/shen/parknews/national-park-service-denies-madison-county-request-to-establish-new-park-entrance-on-rapidan-road.htm

Cheers, 

-- Greg

Sent from my iPhone

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