Representatives of several climbing organizations told the Council the proposed new rules governing climbers on Mt. Erie were too much and could bring and end to some clubs' use of Mt. Erie. Specifically, groups are protesting the city's proposed $5 million liability insurance requirement.
Jason Martin, a guide and programs and expeditions coordinator with the American Alpine Institute in Bellingham, said "it is unprecedented to require $5 million liability coverage." He said it will stop climbing on Mt. Erie.
Dog walkers were also represented at the hearing. Lori Walker said she'd like to see a fenced off area in the forest to walk dogs off-leash. She said she regularly goes to Whidbey with her dog because they have a fenced, forested dog park.
Robert Parry was more general in his criticism, saying "Your planning process is a charade." He said the city would need 3 more police officers to monitor all the restrictions the forest plan is putting into place.
Maggie Sullivan told the City Council that the planning process for the Parks and Forest plans don't represent the community. "Yes," she said, "there was a lot of input, but it wasn't put in the plan." As an example, she pointed out the large number of residents asking to be allowed to walk dogs off-leash in the forest. She said motorcyclists are also valid users of the forest and they, too, should have been a part of the planning process.
Tom Glade, with the environmental group Evergreen Islands, urged the Council to approve the plans as written, adding he opposes efforts by user groups to relax regulations.
The City has received more than 200 pages of written comments on the Forest Plan.
The Parks Comprehensive Plan will be back for City Council discussion on Sept. 21. The Forest Plan will be up for Council discussion on Oct. 5. Both plans should be in line for a vote on Oct. 19. Meanwhile, the city will take additional comment until this Friday.