Expanding the boundaries of the North Cascades National Park, particularly using what are currently Forest Service lands on both sides of the park, would undoubtedly impact existing recreational uses.
"There will likely be some new restrictions associated with park or wilderness status, but most current uses can be accommodated." The Wild Cascades (a publication of NCCC), Spring '09.
Despite vague and misleading assurances from park expansion proponents about some of the potential impacts, many being negative ones, on various existing recreational uses, it is important to remember that down the road, more restrictions could come under an expanded park scenario.
Current recreational uses and potential or definite changes if the park is expanded:
Backpacking/camping: More rules and restrictions, including required permits for overnight trips and group size limitations. With the proposed expansion and predicted increase in visitation, it would be difficult to obtain an overnight permit for certain areas. While some may view permits as a minor inconvenience, others see them as a hassle and a major issue of principle.
Hiking and backcountry camping with dogs: Would be restricted or prohibited altogether. Dogs are frowned upon and generally not allowed in national parks. Currently, many accessible areas off the Highway 20 corridor are ideal for outings with dogs and many folks take advantage of this.
Hunting: Would be restricted or prohibited altogether. "Hunting is allowed in wilderness areas, but not in parks. Unfortunately, there are major safety concerns when hunting occurs in the area with high-use hiking trails." (TWC, Spring '09).
Snowmobiling: Most likely would see restrictions over time on the Highway 20 corridor. Clearly, AALP proponents are not snowmobiling fans despite statements like, "the American Alps Legacy Project has already given a nod to snowmobiles by excluding Harts Pass and Barron Mine" and "the American Alps proposal will accept environmentally compatible access to the Harts Pass road." So after decades of snowmobiling in places like Harts Pass, snowmobilers will be relieved to know they will be able to continue this activity as long as it is "environmentally compatible."
Heli-skiing: Likely end to heli-ski operation (North Cascade Heli, Inc.). AALP backers imply supporting continued heli-skiing until the current ten-year permit comes up for renewal in 2016. But if the park is expanded before then, any Forest Service-issued permit will become null and void, thus voicing support for the continuation of heli-skiing is a moot point. "Incompatible uses, such as downhill skiing and motorized recreation, are also popular and slowly encroaching on pristine non-motorized recreation areas adjacent to the current park" (from NCCC website).
Backcountry skiing: Especially using snowmobile access, could eventually face restrictions. "And so it is with the profusion of high tech ski gear that the back country is not as protected as it used to be, even 10 years ago. I see there is a new usage challenge to consider as we work to protect and enhance our North Cascades" (NCCC board member Tom Hammond, July '10).
Climbing: Would face greater management oversight at popular areas like Washington Pass, including potential fixed anchor bans and route development restrictions.
Mountain biking: Currently, mountain biking options in the proposed expansion areas are limited, but classic outings on the West Fork of the Methow and Cutthroat trails could eventually be closed under Park Service management.
Paragliding: Popular flying areas near Washington Pass would no longer be open to paragliders as this recreational use is not allowed in the park.
Driving the NCH: The current Windshield Wilderness experience will be negatively impacted with the increase in traffic, congestion, noise and motor pollution along the North Cascades Highway (suggested name change to North Cascades Parkway) with the increased visitation promoted by AALP proponents as a result of an expanded national park.
AALP supporters argue that there are long-term concerns (20 to 50 years from now) like mining, logging and hydroelectric projects threatening the "federally unprotected" public lands outside the current park boundaries. Similarly, one can argue that years from now, or less, many types of existing recreational use on these public lands could be impacted, restricted or prohibited to one degree or another, despite assurances that little will change, with a radical land designation change from forest service lands to national park lands as suggested by the American Alps proposal.
