Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Fox News
By Trace Gallagher
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - For a number of extreme athletes, Cave Rock (search) is
considered an ideal place to test themselves, but for the Washo Tribe
(search) of California and Nevada near Lake Tahoe the area is among the
group's most sacred places and they don't want it desecrated by rock
climbers.
"All we're asking for is some consideration of our history and interest in
things we love and want to take care of and pass on to our children," said
Brian Wallace, Washo Tribal chairman.
In 1999, the Forest Service (search) limited recreational climbing at Cave
Rock and prohibited placement of any additional climbing irons to protect
the site. But climbers call the site one of the country's premier climbing
spots and said the land should be free for everyone's use.
"The tribe does not own the property," said Paul Minault, an attorney for
Access Fund (search). "It's federal property."
The Forest Service is planning to implement a "management plan" for Cave
Rock in May that will allow hiking and picnicking but prohibit climbing.