Last public meeting held on Cave Rock

Friday, May 29, 1998 | 2:51 a.m.

Don Lane, recreation specialist with the Forest Service, said the agency will now produce a plan on acceptable uses for the volcanic rock, which is cut through by U.S. 50 tunnels on Tahoe's east shore.

"We have listened to the public, have tried to summarize what we heard, and are now ready to take the first formal step and analysis by developing a formal plan," he said.

"There is a concern about the cultural values, but it is also public land so there are certain laws that have to be adhered to," Lane added. "Hopefully the framework for a future plan will be done in a few weeks."

"We have found out in recent months just how important it is to the Washoe people, both culturally and spiritually," Lane said. "To the Washoe Tribe, Cave Rock is a sacred place."

The rock also is popular with climbers, although an order last December has prohibited the installation of any new climbing bolts.

Steve Wyatt, a member of the Indian Peoples' Committee to Save Cave Rock, said it was time to conclude the informal meetings that began in January because the same issues were being discussed over and over again.

"I want to continue meeting with everyone, but the talks are no good as long as the climbers continue to climb Cave Rock," Wyatt added.

Once the plan is completed, the Forest Service will hold a public hearing to get any final comment. That will be followed by an environmental impact statement on Cave Rock.