Frequently Asked Questions

A -- Protection of raptors is important. As outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, the ACSD cares deeply about these creatures and wants for them to thrive. Unfortunately, though the CNF Raptor Nesting Closure Proposal shows the climbing cliffs of Eagle Peak and Corte Madera to be golden eagle 'nesting locations' in their proposal and on their maps, this is simply not true. If golden eagles were actively nesting at these cliffs as the CNF has suggested, the ACSD would not be opposed to closures of 330 feet for active nests per the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

Q -- Why does ACSD oppose the proposed closures?

A -- The primary reasons are summarized in ACSD's Formal Statement of Complaint:

The Allied Climbers of San Diego feel it is inappropriate for the Cleveland National Forest to deny well established recreational climbing in order to create seasonal raptor nesting habitat preserves where no such preserves previously existed, when golden eagles are not nesting in close proximity or within the
viewshed of our activities, and when prairie falcons nesting nearby continue to do so successfully.

ACSD’s three Points of Contention:
1) Eagles are not nesting on the cliff faces of Corte Madera and Eagle Peak where climbing takes place, yet the Cleveland National Forest (CNF) has continued to mislead the public to believe this is the case with their generalized representation of these cliffs as nesting locations in their closure proposals.
* As users of these areas, we know golden eagles are not nesting on the cliff faces we climb, and that there are no golden eagles’ nests within the viewshed of our activities. In fact, Jeff Wells, Senior CNF Biologist responsible for the proposals, stated during a recent CNF open house forum that no eagles are nesting at Corte Madera and Eagle Peak, but that under this closure he hopes they will in the future.

2) The CNF closure proposals are for blanket coverage of entire cliff areas rather than acceptable closures for individually identified active golden eagle nests. Though ACSD has requested the CNF to do so, they have not yet provided any helpful information as to where supposed nests actually exist.
* Climbers respect and avoid active nests near climbing areas. If the CNF would simply identify the supposed golden eagle nests (climbers are aware of none within the viewshed of the cliffs we climb), through joint monitoring by the CNF, the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI), and trained representatives of the climbing community, climbers would be more than willing to respect and help enforce appropriate buffer zones of non-recreation per USFWS BGEPA guidelines for each eagle nest as it becomes active.

3) The CNF continues to circumvent the US Forest Service Land Management Plan (LMP), adopted in 2005, by not completing clearly identified necessary steps required BEFORE closing Public Lands.
* Part III, Appendix D of the LMP clearly states, in the event the CNF perceives a conflict between uses and resources, that management actions are to be implemented in the following order: 1) Education 2) Perimeter Control 3) Management Presence 4) Direct Action (i.e. closures). Steps 1-3 have not been attempted. The LMP does allow the CNF to bypass steps 1-3, but only if “analysis clearly indicates the need for immediate action”. This analysis does not exist. Current GE and PF population levels and trends, and their non-threatened or endangered status, clearly suggests that immediate action is not necessary. The CNF should follow their Land Management Plan (steps 1-3) before proposing closures.

Q -- What the heck is an Environmental Assessment (EA)?

A -- Per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) when any federal agency, like the Cleveland National Forest, wants to implement an action or "project", they must analyze, plan, and consider any environmental effects associated with the action and its alternatives. Projects may be categorically excluded from further NEPA study if they are determined to have no significant effect on the environment. Projects that may have a significant effect may be studied through an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EA is a brief summary of the purpose and need for an action, alternatives to that action, impacts of the proposed action and alternatives, and parties notified. An EIS is a more detailed and thorough analysis of the action and is often required of controversial or large projects with significant impacts to the environment. The prepared environmental document helps decision makers consider all environmental impacts before implementing a project.

Q -- Who are you guys?

A -- Guys and gals, actually. Fifteen of us got together and started this group. To be totally honest, we don't have a whole lot in common except our love for climbing and a passionate interest in making San Diego a better place to climb. Learn more about what brought us together and who we are individually on the Who We Are page.

Q -- What are the benefits of being an ACSD member?

A -- Why be a member? All members enjoy the following benefits:

1. Up to date and accurate information on local access issues and what you can do to help.
2. Be a part of a forward thinking organization where you can voice your opinions and ideas at member meetings.
3. Those who wish may become voting members, giving them the opportunity to nominate candidates for office and ratify officer selections made by the board of directors.
4. Environmentally responsible and legally ethical positions on closure proposals.
5. Your contribution is tax deductible.
6. Receive notification on local clean ups, trail work days, and climbing events.
7. Because we are a local group, you will see, first hand, what your contribution and membership are working toward.
8. Local climbing information with eventual access to online guides and route info.
9. Stay tuned as the list of member benefits will continue to grow…

Q -- What are the obligations of being an ACSD member?

A -- Membership involves a $15 minimum annual, tax-deductible donation.

You have a choice of membership responsibilities. You decide whether you want to be a voting or non-voting member.

A. Voting and Non-voting members should have a desire to uphold our Mission Statement and be environmentally responsible stewards as they head out into the outdoors for whatever reason, whether it’s climbing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, etc.
B. Voting members achieve the right to vote on the ratification of officers at our annual meetings by attending two regular membership meetings and one event annually.