Such maps released for the first time in decades
The Siskiyou Mountain Club has released detailed topographic maps for the region’s Kalmiopsis and Siskiyou wilderness areas, according to a news release.
A new map for the Siskiyou Wilderness hasn’t been released since 2008, and a new one hasn’t been for the Kalmiopsis since 1988, according to the release. Both wilderness areas straddle the Oregon-California border and host “unique geologic formations, unparalleled biodiversity, ancient forests, a complex of wild and scenic rivers, and a vast network of rugged trails the (Siskiyou Mountain) Club maintains,” the release said.
The maps are 7.5-minute resolution with 40-foot contour intervals, similar to classic U.S. Geological Survey maps. Siskiyou Mountain Club field manager Karly White designed them, a project that started with her building her own maps for personal use. The whole process took “a couple years,” the release said.
“I wanted maps with a lot of detail because I depend on them,” White said. “I’m really happy with how they turned out.”
The club partnered with the William & Heintz Map Corporation of Maryland to have the maps printed. “We could have saved a lot by offshoring, but I wasn’t sending this to China or India,” said the club’s executive director, Gabriel Howe. “It was a significant expense.” William & Heintz are one of just two printers in the United States with the tooling to print this style of map.
The maps can be purchased at the Siskiyou Mountain Club’s website and at their store, 33 N. Third St., Ashland. The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. All proceeds from store purchases go toward trail maintenance.
