This was posted on RVHPA and I am forwarding it to Sonoma Wings as I remember you guys fly there.
Wes
Hello Everybody,
This is an open request for assistance from any pilot who either flies Slide or
think they may some day.
History:
Launching at Slide has historically been done at various points, but the pad is
what most people are familiar with. Mt. Rose Ski area has begun capital
improvements building a lodge on the pad. Obviously this has closed the pad and
being the independent pilots we are - we moved down the road to launch.
Currently the majority of local pilots feel this new location is not safe
regardless of skill set. Ideally we would like to establish a new launch on the
knoll above the road where there is more clearance from the hill and much less
obstructions. This tiny tiny parcel of land needs improvements of brush clearing
and belongs to the Washoe County Parks Department. Currently the Parks
Department has established a short 1-2 km trail that dead heads to a scenic
overlook. The Parks department was contacted with a comprehensive proposal to
develop the site and re-brand the park into a flight park. The Washoe County
Assistant director is responsible for the park. He praised the comprehensive
proposal and did not see a problem moving forward.
The Problem:
EEEEEK go the brakes! Expecting a return call to begin moving forward I got the
bad news of user conflict of the existing defined trail use and report of a
pre-eisiting use request from hang gliders. We were welcomed to continue our
request to the Parks Commission, oh yeah... We responded with all the best
positive behavior and requested a meeting to better understand our proposal and
their concerns. This request and return calls have all gone unresponsive.
The Suggested Path and Help Requested:
Our local pilot numbers are small and the number of pilots involved are less. I
want to keep communication positive as long as possible and have drafted a form
letter describing our position and request to meet. It would be great if you
would help promote our proposal. To add some accountability I would like this
sent to;
The assistant director not being responsive: Eric Crump
mailto:ecrump@... 775-823-6615 office 775-843-6666 mobile
The Director who shot this down: Doug Doolittle
mailto:ddoolittle@... 775-823-6500 office
The 2nd District Commissioner David Humke: mailto:dhumke@...
775-328-2005
The Parks Commission recording secretary: mailto:jschultz@...
775-823-6500
Here is our draft letter. It would be great if you would complete the form and
email it and call the persons involved. If you need more information please feel
free contacting me directly.
Mucho Gracias,
Stephan
775.843.6535
stephanhaase (at) gmail dot com
The letter
November 5, 2009
Doug Doolittle
Director
Washoe County Parks
2601 Plumas St
Reno, Nevada 89501
Director Doolittle,
I am writing to express my interest in Washoe County Parks participating in
improvements affecting safety for paragliding at Slide Mountain.
As a recognized trained paraglider pilot I have enjoyed free flight paragliding
at Slide Mountain for years. Previously we utilized land with Mt. Rose Ski
Resort for our activity. This year capital improvements at Mt. Rose Ski have
eliminated the launch site. Subsequently we have moved our launch site within
the NDOT road right-of-way. This is the only option to continue flying this
location and it is least desirable from a safety consideration.
It has come to my attention that Washoe County manages a parcel of land that
provides an ideal and much improved launch for safety. I would encourage and
request that your office meet and cooperate with local pilots to review the
feasibility of accommodating our safety request and re-define the user group to
include a flight park. Included below is a single point of contact whom we have
designated to represent our collective interest;
Stephan Haase
PO Box 3826
Stateline, NV 89449
775-843-6535
stephanhaase@...
Sincerely yours,
ENTER YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS HERE
¬cc:
Eric Crump, Assistant Director
Washoe County Commissioners
Open Space and Regional Park Commission
Wes
Hello Everybody,
This is an open request for assistance from any pilot who either flies Slide or
think they may some day.
History:
Launching at Slide has historically been done at various points, but the pad is
what most people are familiar with. Mt. Rose Ski area has begun capital
improvements building a lodge on the pad. Obviously this has closed the pad and
being the independent pilots we are - we moved down the road to launch.
Currently the majority of local pilots feel this new location is not safe
regardless of skill set. Ideally we would like to establish a new launch on the
knoll above the road where there is more clearance from the hill and much less
obstructions. This tiny tiny parcel of land needs improvements of brush clearing
and belongs to the Washoe County Parks Department. Currently the Parks
Department has established a short 1-2 km trail that dead heads to a scenic
overlook. The Parks department was contacted with a comprehensive proposal to
develop the site and re-brand the park into a flight park. The Washoe County
Assistant director is responsible for the park. He praised the comprehensive
proposal and did not see a problem moving forward.
The Problem:
EEEEEK go the brakes! Expecting a return call to begin moving forward I got the
bad news of user conflict of the existing defined trail use and report of a
pre-eisiting use request from hang gliders. We were welcomed to continue our
request to the Parks Commission, oh yeah... We responded with all the best
positive behavior and requested a meeting to better understand our proposal and
their concerns. This request and return calls have all gone unresponsive.
The Suggested Path and Help Requested:
Our local pilot numbers are small and the number of pilots involved are less. I
want to keep communication positive as long as possible and have drafted a form
letter describing our position and request to meet. It would be great if you
would help promote our proposal. To add some accountability I would like this
sent to;
The assistant director not being responsive: Eric Crump
mailto:ecrump@... 775-823-6615 office 775-843-6666 mobile
The Director who shot this down: Doug Doolittle
mailto:ddoolittle@... 775-823-6500 office
The 2nd District Commissioner David Humke: mailto:dhumke@...
775-328-2005
The Parks Commission recording secretary: mailto:jschultz@...
775-823-6500
Here is our draft letter. It would be great if you would complete the form and
email it and call the persons involved. If you need more information please feel
free contacting me directly.
Mucho Gracias,
Stephan
775.843.6535
stephanhaase (at) gmail dot com
The letter
November 5, 2009
Doug Doolittle
Director
Washoe County Parks
2601 Plumas St
Reno, Nevada 89501
Director Doolittle,
I am writing to express my interest in Washoe County Parks participating in
improvements affecting safety for paragliding at Slide Mountain.
As a recognized trained paraglider pilot I have enjoyed free flight paragliding
at Slide Mountain for years. Previously we utilized land with Mt. Rose Ski
Resort for our activity. This year capital improvements at Mt. Rose Ski have
eliminated the launch site. Subsequently we have moved our launch site within
the NDOT road right-of-way. This is the only option to continue flying this
location and it is least desirable from a safety consideration.
It has come to my attention that Washoe County manages a parcel of land that
provides an ideal and much improved launch for safety. I would encourage and
request that your office meet and cooperate with local pilots to review the
feasibility of accommodating our safety request and re-define the user group to
include a flight park. Included below is a single point of contact whom we have
designated to represent our collective interest;
Stephan Haase
PO Box 3826
Stateline, NV 89449
775-843-6535
stephanhaase@...
Sincerely yours,
ENTER YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS HERE
¬cc:
Eric Crump, Assistant Director
Washoe County Commissioners
Open Space and Regional Park Commission
