AND THERE YOU GO AGAIN!!! Making perfectly good sense!
OK after much thought; here goes.
The lot needs expanded pure and simple.
The lot goes from track to track from the railroad that was abandoned there.
The trackbed will no doubt, be dedicated to the bicycle guys. This is due to the pending lawsuit and what this means to the snowmobilers, is that the eastern edge of the lot that belongs to private individuals, will probably be quit claimed back to the government and what that means is that the lot boundary will extend to the base of the railroad track bed. So knock down the hill on the west and move the material base to the east and you can expand the lot to the east while making new area to the west. If this requires a study, so be it. It can be done.
So now you have a bigger lot. You then set off and mark areas as UNITS. Lets call them "A, B, and C," units. A unit is one space of parking.
"A" UNITS contain the smallest amount of square footage. Charge the minimum amount per day for parking in this unit. Seasonal pass can apply. Cars, SUVs, Pickups with small trailers can day park here. NO CAMPING or overnight(example $5 daily)
"B" UNITS are a little larger for the bigger units, (RV, Motorhome, large trucks with large trailers, or a certain length of attached units). NO CAMPING or overnight
Seasonal pass can apply. additional size means additional cost (example $10 Daily)
"C" UNITS are the largest and allows for overnighters. If you cannot fit anywhere else, this is where you belong. If you are staying overnight, this is where you belong. If you can squeeze two small pickups and a car and gramma into it, use it. But the biggest (as in everything else) cost the most. $15 a day NO seasonal pass. This is still less than the going rate anywhere else.
Now this needs enforced. Its a no brainer that XMAS and holidays are heavily hit. The forest service, county, state, and perhaps club, can hit the lot and enforce fees. They can spot check during the week and trade off the weekends, say the FS one weekend, the State the following weekend, and the County the next and rotate.
The C Units will get plowed when possible due to the amount of overnighters. Because you created the difficulty in plowing the whole lot in the past, you will have to deal with lack of plowing 'cause you are parked there overnight.
A and B units get plowed regularly because they are day users and gone at night. A contracted or entity employee should be able to do a good job in plowing these units while saving time and keeping costs down.
Violate, get a ticket. Block someone in, get towed or booted. Detach and leave a trailer, better be paid for or it gets impounded.
But in a multipurpose area, if you are using it, you will pay the user fees. This happens in most cases and the way it is.
Last edited:
D
dieseldog800
Member
Now that sounds like an excellent idea! It would have my vote!
Damn Albany Mountain, You have thought this S**t out. Sounds like a great idea. Everybody meet at your place in the morning for breakfast and bring your own shovel! Oh yeah, what are the parking lot cowboys going to do when we level "A Cup Hill". They're gonna be mad. LOL. Seriously, I don't know all the ramifications and legalities, but your plan sounds pretty darn good.
After re-looking
, I missed another C UNIT restriction. There HAS to be a limit (72 hours, 96 hours, whatever) and overnight vehicles need to be occupied overnight.
This keeps people from leaving their stuff up there all season, where they just take off home and return throughout the season.
, I missed another C UNIT restriction. There HAS to be a limit (72 hours, 96 hours, whatever) and overnight vehicles need to be occupied overnight. This keeps people from leaving their stuff up there all season, where they just take off home and return throughout the season.
Albany Mtn- that makes a lot of sense-one question will people read the signs- to know which zone they are in
Albany Mtn- that makes a lot of sense-one question will people read the signs- to know which zone they are in
No doubt it would take constant maintenance keeping the zone boundarys marked. Literacy is another issue that is a whole other subject.
Its certainly difficult to load up 800-1000 miles away knowing absolutely what is going on and what is going to happen. Thats why so many people are getting their answers here on SNOWEST. I guess responsible people will do responsible things, like most people here do.
Albany Mtn. I think the plan is great. Any plan will be contingent upon enforcement of the rules, just like you said, right? Based on the present situation (no room, no enforcement), would it be any different if a new facility was built? I'm not trying to be negative here, your enforcement plan even sounds great and let me add something to it; there needs to be some kind of commitment made by the county authorities and the federal agencies which have jurisdiction in the area. Otherwise, we may just have a larger version of the same problem. That being said, their involvement has to more than just maintaining the lot. I think their commitment to the continuing and ongoing enforcement needs of any plan is the key to its success. Unfortunately, we don't seem to be getting any of that with the exsisting lot. It's kind of like nailing Jello to the wall. So, where do we start?
There is really no room left in Albany, other than expanding the lot. However, if budgets allow (or probably if user fees allow), the Forest Service has within their plan to expand the gravel pit (about 2 miles above Albany) into ORV parking. I was kinda thinking that smaller vehicles could drive up the two miles and park there, leaving the larger units in Albany. User fees would need to pay for the plowing. BUT, how much do you plow? You need to leave enough snow for the sleds accessing the lower lot. This portion of the trail does get hammered anyway and is probably the worst to maintain due to the traffic of sleds. Just a thought but can't see it through all the way.
Enforcement is always on top of my list and I always ask the question. I asked the same about the ORV lot and the ATV trails, the Forest Service replied: While adequate law enforcement remains a significant concern for the District, the designation of a new motorized trail system will bring with it increased funding to maintain and patrol the trails through internal allocation procedures and through the availability of partnership funds. Currently, the Wyoming State Trails program provides the Laramie District with funding for one seasonal Forest Protection Officer during the winter season and one during
the summer season to assist in compliance efforts aimed at snowmobile users and ORV users.
Designating a summer motorized trail system would enable the District to obtain even more
funding through the State Trails Program for enforcement, as well as trail maintenance. The
District anticipates having both a dedicated ORV trail crew and ORV patrol crew; consequently,
there will be a much larger Forest Service presence on the trail system than anywhere else on
the District. Additionally, the District will be seeking opportunities to have much of the trail
system “adopted” by local ORV user groups which will add to the compliance-related efforts on the trails. While the possibility will, of course, remain for illegal motorized use to occur within
the vicinities of the trail system, we anticipate that with the substantial degree of regulatory
enforcement planned, violations will be kept to a minimum. If and when they do occur, the
regular Forest Service and volunteer presence on the trails will enable corrective measures to be
taken in a prompt and effective manner. In sum, of all the areas on the eastern Snowy Range
where unauthorized motorized use occurs and causes impacts to resources, it may be reasonably
anticipated that, given the increased law enforcement capabilities the District will have at its
disposal following the designation of an ORV trail system, the proposed ORV trails and areas
adjacent to them will realize one of the highest rates of regulatory compliance.
The Wyoming trails kinda confirmed this. I believe it when I see it.
But as I said before, so little paradise for so many people. Albany has only so much capacity.
Last edited:
I know where that pit is; right before you hit the "Y" in the road. We used to climb that hill on the west edge. Wow, that's a long way up there. You would have to plow one lane like what happens directly outside Albany before you turn right and head up the hill. Can you imagine how crazy that would be with trucks, trailers, and sleds trying to get down in the afternoon? What about those going in opposite directions during the day. I think the width of the road and the fact most of it is cut into the side of the mountain may preclude that lot from ever being utilized. Hell of a scary grade to be negosiating in inclimate weather. Maybe not. I don't know. Maybe the answer is to look at expanding other parking areas to alleviate the overcrowding. Just a thought.
I'd have to agree.
On the question on the your post before, I suppose let these ideas cook for awhile as defects will be pointed out and if any ideas make sense, start a petition. And get it, at least, to each of the Forest service and the Wyoming Trails (and either may watch the forum). Good time to present it would be at (what I am assuming) a meeting between the Forest Service and the Wyoming Trails that probably happens annually.
Question from a non-resident:
Obviously Albany is a popular spot and the congestion reflects it. What about the other places to park, Greenrock, Chains end, etc? Do they see the same level of congestion or is there something inherently different with the Albany lot. Geographically, a majority, or a least good portion, of the riding area is the furthest from that lot. Or is the influx of people from that side of the mountain that big?
Just some questions that might jar some more productive discussion. Albany Moutain has an interesting proposal, but I agree without the enforcement it may just be a larger version of the current problem.
Obviously Albany is a popular spot and the congestion reflects it. What about the other places to park, Greenrock, Chains end, etc? Do they see the same level of congestion or is there something inherently different with the Albany lot. Geographically, a majority, or a least good portion, of the riding area is the furthest from that lot. Or is the influx of people from that side of the mountain that big?
Just some questions that might jar some more productive discussion. Albany Moutain has an interesting proposal, but I agree without the enforcement it may just be a larger version of the current problem.
O
Ollie
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Greenrock is a parking nightmare. Makes Albany look like an empty lot. Chains end is on the other side of the mountain. it gets pretty full on the weekends but during the week is the place to park if possible. There are proposals to move greenrock and enlarge it as well as enlarging the chains end lot.
As for education about parking in Albany Mountain's post, the state could very easily add a section onto their web page showing exactly how parking is done at each of the state controlled lots. Give diagrams, written instructions, costs associated with it and such. Then post it in the lot also. i would add another sign at the entrance in BIG BOLD LETTERS telling people to check the main board for parking instructions. Then just enforce it. Ticket enough people and the word will get out.
To Ollie's point:
Not to add any extra burden to the places selling the out of state trail permits (not saying the problem is entirely out of state people. Don't need to throw gas on that fire again!!), but what if they were to hand out a "map" that explained the parking at each area.
Or what if there was an inset on the trail map for each area, if there isn't already.
Not to add any extra burden to the places selling the out of state trail permits (not saying the problem is entirely out of state people. Don't need to throw gas on that fire again!!), but what if they were to hand out a "map" that explained the parking at each area.
Or what if there was an inset on the trail map for each area, if there isn't already.
O
Ollie
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Define "early".
Last saturday we had guys leaving greenrock and going to Albany at 8am because they said the parking was Quote "hellish".
I just spoke to a gentleman by the name of Steve May, who is the new law enforcement officer for the Forest Service in our area (the only one). He said that obviously, due to the popularity of the sport and the lack of room, there will be no short term solution. He also said that due to calls and emails from the general public concerning this on going matter that he has been making an increased number of trips to Albany (he is responsible for the whole area.) and issuing citations for mostly not having the day permit.
This is what I got from my conversation with him: 1.The lot’s primary use (as with the other lots) is daytime use only. They are not for camping or storage. 2. Signage. The signs have no specific designations behind them that define "Overnight Parking" and "Camping" or distinguish between the two. New signs will be addressed at their next meeting. I thought that "No Overnight Parking" would cover all that but Mr. May believes there would be an issue of legality in a court of law. Apparently the new signs will better define the use of the parking lots (and the parking within them? Ollie, I forgot to ask about reinstatement of the burm) so that they can be more legally enforced. 3. Due to lack of man power by both the Forest Service and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department, ongoing and constant supervision will be an issue.
It seemed to me that Mr. May (he seemed pretty genuine on the phone) feels the Forest Service realizes that this problem needs to be addressed and will be taking some steps to help resolve some of the issues. I guess we’ll find out how effective they will be. Apparently this is a summertime issue also. The lot gets used as a camping area and a long term storage facility.
Obviously the Forest Service and the Sheriff’s Department prioritize what issues they need to deal with on many levels and in many different ways. Public outcry, input, and opinion are going to be three of them. The only way they will know your concerns is if you express them no matter which side of the issue you are on. It really benefits all of us. It is their duty and charter to listen so give them a call or send an email. If they don’t reply, send another. That’s what I did. It takes time with these agencies so don’t give up. Let them know your thoughts. If it is a law enforcement concern (not policy), have them send it to Steve May at the Forest Service.
Finally, thanks to Steve May for calling. I have done my level best to represent my conversation with him honestly.
Forest Service 307-745-2300
There is a comment form in the "contact us"section
Albany County Sheriff 307 721 2526 Danny Ponds is the Sheriff, ask for him
This is what I got from my conversation with him: 1.The lot’s primary use (as with the other lots) is daytime use only. They are not for camping or storage. 2. Signage. The signs have no specific designations behind them that define "Overnight Parking" and "Camping" or distinguish between the two. New signs will be addressed at their next meeting. I thought that "No Overnight Parking" would cover all that but Mr. May believes there would be an issue of legality in a court of law. Apparently the new signs will better define the use of the parking lots (and the parking within them? Ollie, I forgot to ask about reinstatement of the burm) so that they can be more legally enforced. 3. Due to lack of man power by both the Forest Service and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department, ongoing and constant supervision will be an issue.
It seemed to me that Mr. May (he seemed pretty genuine on the phone) feels the Forest Service realizes that this problem needs to be addressed and will be taking some steps to help resolve some of the issues. I guess we’ll find out how effective they will be. Apparently this is a summertime issue also. The lot gets used as a camping area and a long term storage facility.
Obviously the Forest Service and the Sheriff’s Department prioritize what issues they need to deal with on many levels and in many different ways. Public outcry, input, and opinion are going to be three of them. The only way they will know your concerns is if you express them no matter which side of the issue you are on. It really benefits all of us. It is their duty and charter to listen so give them a call or send an email. If they don’t reply, send another. That’s what I did. It takes time with these agencies so don’t give up. Let them know your thoughts. If it is a law enforcement concern (not policy), have them send it to Steve May at the Forest Service.
Finally, thanks to Steve May for calling. I have done my level best to represent my conversation with him honestly.
Forest Service 307-745-2300
There is a comment form in the "contact us"section
Albany County Sheriff 307 721 2526 Danny Ponds is the Sheriff, ask for him
Last edited:
I have not been to Albany yet this year going next week, if there is no burm are people parking like normal or is it just chaos?
It depends on the weekend and who shows up first, if the first ones in there know what they are doing the others will follow accordingly.....
O
Ollie
ACCOUNT CLOSED
I kind of expect them to address the greenrock parking first.
It is the most congested and in seious need of help. That and if they upgrade the greenrock parking to accomodate 4 times the current parking, it will cyphin off some of the vehicles from albany. I know of a few people that park at albany and ride all the way back up to the climbing areas just so they don't have to deal with the parking at greenrock.
It is the most congested and in seious need of help. That and if they upgrade the greenrock parking to accomodate 4 times the current parking, it will cyphin off some of the vehicles from albany. I know of a few people that park at albany and ride all the way back up to the climbing areas just so they don't have to deal with the parking at greenrock.
Similar threads
