-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Simonson [mailto:Eric@MountainGuides.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 2:29 PM
To: Jeff Smoot
Subject: Eric Simonson alert re: Mt. Rainier


Dear Climbers and Friends:

I'm a 30-year veteran of guiding at Mt. Rainier and I'm contacting you
to ask for your help BEFORE NOVEMBER 25th.

Mt. Rainier National Park has proposed a range of alternatives for
future climbing in their newly issued Draft Commercial Services Plan. I
ask you to please voice your support for Guided Climbing Alternative 3,
which is their "Preferred Alternative". This innovative proposal creates
groundbreaking opportunities for climbers on Mt. Rainier.

The Park's Guided Climbing Alternative 3 will:

* Allow three guide services to share equally in commercial guiding
concessions on Mt. Rainier. (This replaces the virtual monopoly
historically held by one guide service and will stimulate innovation and
healthy competition among guide services.)

* Issue a limited number of "single use permits" to certified guides not
affiliated with the concessionaires. (This will allow other guides to
climb on Rainier with their own clientele.)

* Create "commercial-free zones" on selected routes on Mt. Rainier.
(This will allow private parties the opportunity to climb in greater
solitude if they prefer.)

* Cap the total volume of future commercial climbing on Mt. Rainier at
current levels. (This will help preserve and protect the environment
that both guided and non-guided parties will share and enjoy.)

Please voice your support for Guided Climbing Alternative 3 via an email
to the Superintendent of Mt. Rainier National Park at:

Mora_commercial_services@nps.gov

or a letter to:

Superintendent
Mt. Rainier National Park
Commercial Services Plan Comments
Tahoma Woods, Star Route
Ashford, WA 98304

Your email and letters will be included in the Park's tabulation of
public opinion, and every voice will count!  The public comment period
for this draft plan ends on November 25, 2003.

Thanks for joining me in supporting Mt. Rainier National Park's
innovative proposal.

Best regards,

Eric Simonson
Co-owner of:
International Mountain Guides, Inc.
Mt. Rainier Alpine Guides, LLC
eric@mountainguides.com










































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