South Skyline Association

UPDATE ON CASTLE ROCK PLAN
Camping, Waterman Gap, Trails, Lawsuit

In October the State Parks Commission approved allowing a very limited amount of walk-in camping, some 20 sites or so, to be eventually located in the Partridge Farm area near the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club. This was done as an amendment to the General Plan adopted last March.

It will be a long time before any such camping is actually constructed, however, if ever. A formal proposal and specific plans would have to be developed, funding obtained from the legislature, an EIR prepared and additional hearings held.

In September the San Lorenzo Valley Water District decided to sell their 1500+/- acre Waterman Gap property for eventual addition to the southwest side of the Park. The actual sale was to the Sempervirens Fund who will re-sell it to the State once the legislature appropriates funds. This process usually takes several years. A petition drive opposing the sale was launched in the Boulder Creek area but was unable to obtain sufficient valid signatures.

This addition will increase the size of the Park by about 50% and has the potential to provide Park attractions on the Highway 9 side along the San Lorenzo River.

The Trails Plan committee headed by Bo Gimbal is continuing its work. They have made several field trips, discussed a number of proposals and are beginning the writing task. The Rock Climbing Plan committee headed by Stu Langdoc is also making excellent progress.

Shortly after the General Plan was adopted last March, the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit to force the State to further strengthen the already strong environmental protection measures in the Plan. Parks staff is trying to negotiate a compromise at the same time the suit proceeds through the courts.