Twenty-three members of the Colorado Hut & Yurt Alliance met in Crested Butte on April 3 to discuss a range of issues of common interest. Following is an abstract of the minutes of the meeting:
- U.S. Forest Service Over-Snow Vehicle Rule (OSV Rule) – Discussion led by Julie Mach of the Colorado Mountain Club and Backcountry Snowsports Initiative emphasized the importance of hut and yurt owners providing good information to USFS decision-makers on specific non-motorized routes and play areas by using a new web-based platform at http://www.powderpoint.com. Since rules will be implemented locally the group deemed it important to engage in local discussions to ensure their interests are understood and protected.
- Colorado Search and Rescue – Scott Messina of Mountain Rescue Aspen and 10th Mountain Division led a discussion on collaboration with with local SAR organizations and provided a Pre-Plan format that owners could adapt to their local needs. There was discussion of the efficacy of various devices for backcountry communication.
- Alliance Website – Ben Dodge of 10th Mountain Division provided an update and solicited suggestions for further development of the website, which is designed to improve marketing for members and to provide useful information to prospective customers. Suggestions included: integrating graphs to show elevation gain/loss for specific routes, increased use of social media, and adding avalanche and snow safety warnings.
- Colorado Avalanche Information Center – Mark Mueller, CAIC & CO Department of Transportation, discussed initiatives of interest to the membership: a. updating the CAIC database to include locations of Colorado huts and yurts, b. requested feedback on an informational poster under development for distribution at huts/yurts, and an Avalanche Center App under development. There was discussion of how best to provide avalanche education courses at the huts, and of partnerships with outfitters and guides.
- Alliance Organizational Framework – Discussion included:
- Business structure – The group identified preferred characteristics in developing an organizational framework: legal protection, recognition, a level playing field with equal representation for all hut and yurt owners. Discussion of possible models.
- Functions of Alliance – Priorities identified included travel management (issues in getting around safely in the backcountry, including OSV Rules considerations), promotion, communication between owners/key agencies/stakeholders, and maintaining standards.
- Staff – Discussion of a volunteer board and, if the organization grows substantially, possibly hiring a staff person. Discussion of possible models and partnerships.
- Governance – A volunteer board was identified: Mike Zobbe (Summit Huts Association), Travis Hightower (aspiring hut owner), and Ben Dodge (10th Mountain Division) offered to serve as President, Vice-president, and Secretary respectively until the next meeting. They will serve as an Executive Committee to move forward with essential startup tasks.
- Standards – Suggestion that minimum standards of hut and yurt facilities should align with building codes and commonly-accepted practices.
- Membership dues – An initial fee of $50 per organization was agreed.
- Other topics – Discussion of: a. a perceived decline in hut etiquette and possible remedies; b. hut poaching, c. a survey of hut mechanical systems is nearly complete; and d. well-funded political efforts to develop and pass legislation that could transfer some lands form federal to state management.
–Sam Demas, Editor, h2h