08/30/2010

Forest Service Recommends Extending Closure of Williamson Rock

Date: 8/31/2010

Since 2004, the Angeles National Forest has banned climbing at Williamson Rock due to conflicts with critical habitat of the endangered Mountain Yellow Legged Frog. A 2009 wildfire complicated matters further when portions of the forest, including the frog’s critical habitat, were burned. Angeles National Forest recently proposed extending the current closure at Williamson Rock for three more years to continue monitoring the endangered frog species. According to the AngelesNational Forest, this action is needed “while neighboring [mountain yellow-legged frog] population segments are given time to rebound from the effects of wildfire and consequent watershed emergency.”

The Access Fund and our partners, Friends of Williamson Rock and Allied Climbers of San Diego, are working to assess whether the extended closure is warranted and to ensure that the US Forest Service study alternate approach trails to the popular crag that would allow climbing access and also protect sensitive wildlife habitat.

Please take a moment to show your support by urging the US Forest Service to study alternate approach trails to Williamson Rock.

Your comments, which must be submitted by October 1^st, may be sent to:

Darrell Vance

Attn: Williamson Rock Environmental Assessment

701 N. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia, CA 91006

Email: [email protected]

For more information, please visit Friends of Williamson Rock or email Jason Keith at [email protected].