I just phoned C.L. again to ask about a few more questions concerning the
pads and the Peak's closing hours.
C.L. says that the District has built the observing pads for everyone to use
regardless of whether you're a member of the operating concession (FPOA) or
not. But, the District will lean towards scheduling the observing pads for
use and administered by the next concession operating whether it's the PPOA
or not. It's unknown if the new observing pads will continue to remain free
for use or if a small use fee will be mandated. This issue will be
negotiated between the District and the future concessionaire (probably
FPOA) in the next few months. There's some money that the District would
like to see returned to them in return for the recurring utility and
liability insurance costs of these pads. This will be hammered out between
the District and the concessionaire in the current contract renewal process.
The pad use fee should be fairly small in amount, payable to the
concessionaire.
As far as FP's more restrictive access nature as opposed to Coe is
concerened, the District has always thought that the Fremont Peak State Park
closure times are beneficial to the Park's safety and that the written
astronomy "exemption" clause for the public (TAC) allows enough freedom to
do astronomy successfully.
C.L. did feel concerned about anyone arriving passed the locked gate
unannounced at an odd time during the night. This activity will arouse him
to thinking of the possibility of some unsafety going on outside. His job as
a Park Ranger is also to be a peace officer and to keep things safe in the
Park. Don't surprise him with an unscheduled visit in passing the gate. All
visits by everyone, including FPOA members need to be phoned into the San
Juan Bautista Office before traveling up to the Peak. Last Saturday early
morning, an FPOA member passed the gate unscheduled and it required C.L. to
go out at 3-4 am to check it out. He has no problem with our normally
scheduled weekend visits during the normal observing windows that we use on
moonless weekends, but a sporadic early morning visit unannounced might
cause a stir. If you plan on observing passed the gate at an odd hour other
than during our group weekend times, phone the S.J.B. Office and tell them
that's this is happening. Observing in the other parking areas around the
Peak other than weekend times should pose no problem at all. The Ranger on
duty will acknowledge your presence by sunset and Park closing time.
Peter Natscher