ROCKtober THERAPY 2017 - Back to the Basics

It would be cool if we could camp on the sand flats that lead you to behind the rocks (directly across from the road to Area BFE). Ive seen people camping down in that area before but not sure what the deal is with it.

Past that it would be like hell trying to get an entire group into a camping area.

 

that area is high on our list...i just need to get with BLM and figure out what needs to be done to make everyone happy

 

nice i have a few contacts with the local BLM so i might ask a question or two and see how far they reach.

 

well, we're waiting

 

BLM can be tricky. The permit process can take 6 months or more depending on the field office. At the very least applications have to made 6 months out.

They want 3% of your take if they deem it a commercial operation. Which having sponsors with booths can make it.

They expect maps, operating plans and insurance.

Oh and they are getting screwed by the new administration with staffing and budget cuts.

Our local CO office has become much more grumpy with us for MTB events as a result.

If BFE won't come to the party. it may be easier to try to negotiate a rate with the private camp grounds like the one across the road from the entrance to Prittchet.

 

other option is to take over kens lake campground

sounds like there's a marathon the original weekend we were planning on, so it might get busy there...or we push to the weekend after....

 

Weekend after

 

@NYCO Personally I would rather pay to BLM and insurance (if they deem it Commercial) than to deal with the private places that will hose us over.........

 

Yup.

 

There is a fair sized camping area next to the Dewey Bridge. It would be a little tight if there is a turnout like last year.

 

if we were to do an established campground, we were leaning toward kens lake...there are many spots there that could potentially hold all of us...

 

It's all very well to state your preference.

But it's a massive amount of work to get permitted by BLM. Especially for a new event. Especially when you live out of state. And realistically it's probably already too late.

I believe Insurance has to be in place weather it's deemed commercial use or not. The US Gov needs to be covered in any case.

I already mentioned that maps and a plan need to be submitted. That should include a description of why the site is suitable for the purpose, min & max group sizes, descriptions of any commercial vendors operating, how your event will comply with environmental protection statues (which means you need to know them), how many of the organisers have first aid credentials, what the first aid equipment is, what the evacuation plan & equipment is including communications, what environmental hazards exist - exposure, flash flood, etc and how you plan to manage them, plans for human waste, trash and washing etc., demonstrate how you will comply with other federal, state and local laws pertaining to your activity, including but not limited to: If you are going to serve any food or beverage to participants, show compliance with State Law regarding food service sanitation (note: that we have had vendor sponsored food at the last few).

BLM may do spot checks during the event to ensure compliance (probably more likely in the case of the first year of an event).

The organiser must submit a post use report.

Performance of the event will be evaluated. Results of these evaluations will be used to make decisions on permit renewals and disciplinary actions.

Which bring up another point.

From an organizers personal liability point of view, private may be better.

BLM has law enforcement powers, so if some clown does something stupid, like destroy some habitat, burn something down, vandalise something, or bring guns and start shooting shit and it's discovered after the fact, they could come after the organisers and have the full weight of the US gov and law enforcement (criminal law).

A private place is more likely to tell individuals to stop, if that doesn't work calls the cops. In either case the organizer is not as likely to be held responsible. If damage is discovered after the event, the remedy is for the private parties to use civil law. Civil prosecution can be insured against, and there is no threat of jail time.

Basically in my experience this is too much for a single individual to take on and more importantly some formal organization needs to be used to limit liability.

And it allows "the man" to get all up in our shit.

A private place may charge us more, but we'd be covered by their insurance and their "environmental impact" thresholds are likely very different.

I'd rather have a private land owner pissed off at us than law enforcement. The consequence on public lands are much higher too.

Let's face it, at Rock therapy at some point someone always gets behind the wheel after a few drinks (not naming any names). If we are on public land and that clown crashes or a LEO happens by then he could be facing jail time. Pretty different story on private land.

 

TLDR


*whether

 

I see what you did their. Your just going to have to except that you're nitpicking will have no affect on me and I could care less.

 

You know the more we talk the better this sounds. As for the biking thing if we just show up a week early then we can crowd the camp sight quick. Other bonuses is the bathrooms are already there and so are fire pits. Little trick I learned last year is you can put two trucks and 4 tents per spot. If you trailered there you can park your taco on the trailer and it still counts as just one rig so you can share a spot with another person or just pay a little extra for the spare vehicle.

 

Seriously who doesn't want to show up early anyways

 

We'll be leaving NJ Fri night or Sat morning. Plenty of time to get there early before Wed.

I figure we'll set up camp wherever camp is going to be. Then, do some easy scenic stuff until the event begins. OR wheel with some other early arrivals. Playing it by ear.

 

If it helps, I'm personal friends w/ Val, the new manager of Area BFE. Did not know there were changes made and fees charged. I ASSume it was for reasons like two years ago when there was some sort of concert/festival in progress when we arrived.

I can go to Val if needed. Just let me know if Area BFE is in the plans and if you need a go between. I'm sure if you've been in contact with her, she's been 100% and gave you all the info and reasons. She's very reasonable, has been in our community for years and knows just about everyone in the community. And likely why she was pursued to take the job of managing Area BFE. Also, If memory serves, there is only one owner of Area BFE now as well. It's future should be secure, even if it's changed it's purpose.

 

We too know Val and Bob has been in contact with her but thank you for volunteering to assist. Much appreciated good sir!