Cave Rock decision delayed

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1998 | 10:41 a.m.

While the forest service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit had indicated an initial decision would be ready in August, officials now say it may be January 1999 before the action.

Cave Rock is an ancient volcanic rock formation on the East Shore which has become an issue of controversy involving rock climbers and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. While the Washoe Tribe sees the area as a powerful spiritual place, rock climbers enjoy the variety of difficult climbing routes it offers.

The Forest Service says more information needs to be gathered by the forest service regarding how the wide variety of government agencies involved in the area will be affected by the action.

Last year, the forest service ordered all rock climbing at the site halted because of Cave Rock's cultural significance to the Washoe, then lifted the ban because of the outcry from rock climbers.

A series of workshops were held this year to gain input from both sides.

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