Death By A Thousand Cuts: The Destruction of Subalpine Fir and the Continued Impact of Ski Resort Development on Mt. Ashland
The Unique Ecology, Recreational Values and Conservation Benefit of Mt. Ashland
Mt. Ashland is the highest peak in the Siskiyou Mountains and one of the most popular recreation areas in southwestern Oregon for hiking, camping, mountain biking, botanizing, and recreational driving along Road 20. Well loved, but over developed, the Mt. Ashland area has been suffering a death by a thousand cuts ever since the initial ski resort development in 1964, and impacts are steadily growing on the mountain. Together the concentrated recreational use, the history of road building and grazing, the industrial ski resort development and the development of local communication facilities have all created significant cumulative effects and damage to unique natural habitats, species, and scenic values on the mountain.
Mt. Ashland lies at the edge of the McDonald Peak Inventoried Roadless Area at the headwaters of Ashland Creek, and in the city of Ashland’s municipal watershed. The McDonald Peak...