After a stormy Saturday, our Sunday outing to Sandrock revealed damage to the area caused not by an act of nature, but instead by the act of man. The installation of a hideous concrete barrier at the park’s property boundary during the past week brought us to a halt in the middle of the road to gawk open-mouthed in surprise. Up in the parking lot a large excavator sat next to the remains of the rock barrier.

At first glance, this seems to be a good thing for Sandrock. The addition of bathrooms, running water, and increased security is something that will benefit the park and its users. However, despite assurances from County officials that Sandrock will be maintained as a natural wilderness area, recent events do not appear to support that.

Initially, the planning for the rebirth of Sandrock as a world-class recreation area was designed by a team assembled by the landowner of the property adjacent to the County’s. This person, who is a climber and purchased the property to insure climbing remains open, owns and operates a successful engineering firm which designs, builds and operates utility systems and public works departments. His vision was of the park as a destination that all user groups could share and enjoy together. He intended to allow his property to be included in the park to expand its size and spread out camping so the cliffline could be restored to a more natural state. To that end, a national caliber expert in landscape planning and design was brought in to assess the property, provide input and assist in developing a master plan to maximizing the park’s potential while minimizing the impact on its natural resources. This expert, who’s impressive resume includes a lifetime of consulting with the National Parks Service including planning for Yosemite Nat’l Park, Glacier Nat’l Park, and Garden of the Gods just to name a few, submitted a proposal to develop a master plan to turn Sandrock into the jewel everyone knows it has the potential to become. The SCC was kept informed about the master plan and fully supported this endeavor. However, recently the County Commission has chosen to terminate the relationship with the team, disregard their recommendations and master plan and proceed in an entirely different direction, evident in the unsightly barrier. There is concern that the County only wishes to maximize revenue from the park believing it to be a source of revenue instead of a natural resource that needs to be preserved.

What can you do? Write a letter and send to Melvyn Salter, msalter@cherokeecounty-al.gov, Chairman of Cherokee County Commission. Additional contact are listed on the message board under the crags forum.

A sample letter is posted on the message board under the crags forum that you can send to the Cherokee County Commission. In addition, show your support for the master plan as proposed by the team assembled by Clay Sykes. Urge them that it is in the best interest of the park, all user groups, and local citizens to work in a collaborative manner with the original planning team. Mention that while Clay Sykes was involved we had great confidence the project would be done correctly and the natural resources would be preserved for future generations. In addition, with multiple free climbing areas within a short drive of Sandrock, charging a fee will only serve to push climbers to the free areas and will dramatically decrease the number of people visiting the park.

Now is the time to reach out to every user group and save Sandrock! Call all your friends, talk to people at Sandrock, urge them to write letters, call the commission. Don’t wait or it may be too late….

Michelle Connell - SCC Boardmember