Let's talk about a different kind of access

Let' talk about a different kind of access. Handicapped access. Ooooo--another hot topic.

Specifically, let's talk about the stone walkway and retaining wall at Big Spring. Did anybody see a public comment period? I didn't. Did anybody see an analysis between safety and access? I didn't. I know that at Old Faithful and many of the other boardwalk accessible thermal features at Yellowstone most of the walkways have about a 2 inch lip or curb. Other than that, the view remains unobstructed. I feel safe to guess that Yellowstone has more opportunities for accidents than Big Spring. Visitors per linear foot times hazardous features. I estimate it is about 10 gazillion to one.

Purportedly in the name of safety, OSNR builds a retaining wall around Big Spring. The problem with that is--you guessed--if you are in a wheelchair--you can't see the spring. Doesn't that sorta miss the point of going to, say, Big Spring????

I didn't see a cultural analysis either. Was some of that work CCC work that should have been preserved?

When I last looked, last night, the EA from maybe 2006 for the horse stuff was still on the ONSR website, but other than Chilton Creek, I don't see a more recent EA. I know that walkway and stone wall are more recent than 2006--well, at least I would bet on paycheck that they are.

I continue to work on my 404 compliance issues. My current interests are allegations of county roads being bulldozed in the park, watershed disturbance, Big Spring construction, and that stupid concrete boat ramp at Waymeyer.

Please help me. If you have specific information on 404 violations, I want to know.