Summits-on-the-Air. Puerto Rico (KP4) Association Reference Manual. an original concept by G3WGV and developed with G3CWI

Transcription

1 Summits on the Air Puerto Rico (KP4) Association Reference Manual Document Reference Issue number 2.0 Date of issue 24 September 2014 Participation start date 1 st September 2014 Authorised by SOTA MT Date: 1 st September 2014 Association Manager Summits-on-the-Air Hector Morales, NP3IR an original concept by G3WGV and developed with G3CWI Notice Summits on the Air SOTA and the SOTA logo are trademarks of the Programme. This document is copyright of the Programme. All other trademarks and copyrights referenced herein are acknowledged. 1

2 Table of contents. 1 ASSOCIATION REFERENCE DATA PROGRAMME DERIVATION GENERAL INFORMATION RIGHTS OF WAY AND ACCESS ISSUES MAPS AND NAVIGATION SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Environmental Issues AWARDS DISCLAIMER SUMMIT REFERENCE DATA REGION REFERENCE Cordillera West Regional notes Table of summits REGION REFERENCE Cordillera Central Regional notes Table of summits REGION REFERENCE Cordillera East Regional notes Table of summits REGION REFERENCE Culebra Island Regional notes Table of summits REGION REFERENCE Vieques Island Regional notes Table of summits Change Control Date Version Details 1 st September First formal issue of this document 24 September Change in Points 2

3 1 Association Reference Data Association Puerto Rico KP4 Commencement date 1 September 2014 Regions Cordillera West (CW-xxx) Cordillera Central (CC-xxx) Cordillera East (CE-xxx) Culebra Island (CU-xxx) Vieques Island (VQ-xxx) Association parameters 1 Summit operation criteria Band 1, score 1 point Band 2, score 2 points Band 3, score 4 points Band 4, score 6 points Band 5, score 8 points Operation must be within 25m vertically of the summit Summit altitude < 500 m ASL Summit altitude = >500 m ASL to <650m Summit altitude =>650 m ASL to <800 m ASL Summit altitude =>800 m ASL to <950 m ASL Summit altitude =>950 m ASL to <1050 m ASL Summit altitude =>1050 m ASL Band 6, score 10 points Seasonal bonus No Bonus rationale N/A Bonus N/A Bonus period dates N/A Association sponsored awards None Association Manager Hector A. Morales NP3IR np3irpr@gmail.com 3

4 1.1 Programme_derivation KP4 SOTA is an extension of similar programmes already active in other countries. The summit database is unlikely to be complete. If you find a summit which you d like to add to SOTA- KP4, or you find a mistake in this ARM please contact the Association Manager. Summits cannot be counted for points until a reference number has been allocated by the Association Manager. 1 See General Rules for parameter definitions 1.2 General information The KP4 SOTA Association covers summits within Puerto Rico, this includes the mainland, Vieques Island and Culebra Island. Desecheo Island is not included due to access restrictions. Mona Island is also not included because it has no SOTA summits. Puerto Rico (Spanish for "rich port") is an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands, the largest of which are Vieques, Culebra, and Mona. The main island of Puerto Rico is, by land area the smallest of the Greater Antilles. It ranks third in population among that group of four islands, which include Cuba, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), and Jamaica. Due to its location, Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate and is subject to hot weather all-year-round. The national language is Spanish but English is recognized as an official language as well. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has an area of 13,790 square kilometers (5,320 sq mi), of which 8,870 km 2 (3,420 sq mi) is land and 4,921 km 2 (1,900 sq mi) is water. The maximum length of the main island from east to west is 180 km (110 mi), and the maximum width from north to south is 65 km (40 mi). The island is mostly mountainous with large coastal areas in the north and south. The main mountain range is called "La Cordillera Central" (The Central Range). The highest elevation in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta 1,339 meters (4,393 ft), is located in this range. Another important peak is El Yunque, one of the highest in the Sierra de Luquillo at the El Yunque National Forest, with an elevation of 1,065 m (3,494 ft). Although English is spoken in the tourist areas, once you leave those areas, Spanish is the language of choice. 4

5 1.3 Rights of way and access issues Open access, cross country travel, and camping are generally permitted on State and National Forest land. Many heavy use areas have restrictions on camping, vehicle access, and trail use. In these cases a permit is usually required and easily obtained. If you plan to use Forest Service maintained roads to access a trailhead, contact the forest s administrative office to be sure you will not face any locked gates. State Parks, National Parks, and nature preserves are usually quite restrictive concerning use. Use only designated parking to access designated trails for travel to designated locations. Obtain all necessary entrance, hiking and camping permits. Desecheo Island is closed to the public. This island refuge is closed to the public due to the presence of unexploded military ordnance. Future access will be limited and will be contingent on cleanup of ordnance and certification that the area is safe for public use. 1.4 Maps and navigation US Geological Survey (USGS) maps are considered the standard for backcountry travel. USGS topographic maps accurately represent the natural and manmade features of the land to stringent National Map Accuracy Standards. USGS maps of the 7½ Minute Series (covering 7½ x 7½ minutes of geographic arc) show most maintained trails and contour intervals of 40 ft. at a scale of 1:24,000. Carrying these maps as a primary or backup source of navigation information is strongly recommended, even if you are familiar with the terrain. USGS maps of the 30 x 60 Minute Series, with a scale of 1:100,000, are commonly referred to as land use maps and are useful in determining what lands are publicly and privately owned, and which government agency is responsible for managing a particular publicly owned area. Please use the link below to find topographic maps for Puerto Rico etc. rea=%24root&layout=6_1_61_48&uiarea=2%29/.do 5

6 SOTA KP4 Association Map Cordillera West Region Map 6

7 Central Region Map Cordillera East Region Map 7

8 PUERTO RICO - FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FLMA) CONTACTS: PR State PRHTA Zulma Marin Cordero Director Federal Aid Liaison mailto:zmarin@dtop.gov.pr , ext: 1911, 1912,1913; direct: PR LPA Federal Coordination Office Nadgie Zea Federal Coordination Chief mailto:nzea@dtop.gov.pr , ext: 1604; direct: PR FHWA FHWA, EFLHD David Payne Access Program Manager david.payne@dot.gov PR State PRHTA Zulma Marin Cordero Director Federal Aid Liaison mailto:zmarin@dtop.gov.pr , ext: 1911, 1912,1913; direct: PR LPA Federal Coordination Office Nadgie Zea Federal Coordination Chief mailto:nzea@dtop.gov.pr , ext: 1604; direct: PR FHWA FHWA, EFLHD David Payne Access Program Manager david.payne@dot.gov PR FLMA FWS Jo Ann Clark Regional Coordinator, Refuge Roads Program mailto:joann_clark@fws.gov

9 PR FLMA FWS Nathan Caldwell US Fish and Wildlife Service Transit and Trails Coordinator PR FLMA USFS Jim Kozik Forest Highway Program Coordinator PR FLMA USFS Rosana Barkawi Transportation System Development and FHWA Liaison Program Manager PR FLMA DOD (non-usace) Jason Cowin Senior Engineer/HND - SDDCTEA mailto:jason.w.cowin.civ@mail.mil

10 1.5 Safety considerations Mountaineering is an inherently risky endeavor. The consequences of thoughtless actions can be tragic. While the risks you assume by participating in SOTA activities can never be dismissed, they can be greatly diminished through knowledge, preparation and experience. Mountain roads are often unstable and subject to temporary closure. The condition of access roads through forest and park lands should be confirmed by contacting the managing agency. The climate of Puerto Rico falls into the tropical climatic zone. Temperatures are moderate year round, averaging near 80 F (27 C) in lower elevations and 70 F (21 C) in the mountains. Easterly trade winds pass across the island year round. Puerto Rico has a rainy season which stretches from April into November. The mountains of the Cordillera Central are the main cause of the variations in the temperature and rainfall that occur over very short distances. The mountains can also cause wide variation in local wind speed and direction due to their sheltering and channeling effects adding to the climatic variation. About a quarter of the annual rainfall for Puerto Rico, on average, occurs during tropical cyclones, which are more frequent during La Niña events. Puerto Rico experiences the Atlantic hurricane season, similar to the remainder of the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic oceans. On average, a quarter of its annual rainfall is contributed from tropical cyclones, which is more prevalent during periods of La Niña than El Niño. A cyclone of tropical storm strength passes near Puerto Rico, on average, every 5 years. A hurricane passes in the vicinity of the island, on average, every 11 years Summer is hot and humid, with Thunderstorms in the afternoon, especially in August and September, trade winds bring cool summer breezes in the north and east of Puerto Rico. Autumn Is the peak of the hurricane season, especially in September. It is very rainy in the autumn months, with frequent strong thunderstorms on the west coast and a lot of tropical waves and low pressure. Winter, in December cold fronts from the north cooling down temperatures and humidity, giving way to a more dry and pleasant climate. Spring The Spring time usually start Dry and pleasant, March is the driest month in Puerto Rico with little precipitation in some part of the Island. In May starts the rainy season again, with frequent showers and thunderstorms. To view the current weather for Puerto Rico or to obtain additional weather related information, please use the link below. Desecheo Island is closed to the public. This island refuge is closed to the public due to the presence of unexploded military ordnance. Future access will be limited and will be contingent on cleanup of ordnance and certification that the area is safe for public use. 10

11 1.6 Environmental considerations FOLLOW ALL POSTED FIRE RESTRICTIONS OR YOU MAY END UP IN PRISON. This is not an exaggeration. Desecheo Island is closed to the public. This island refuge is closed to the public due to the presence of unexploded military ordnance. Future access will be limited and will be contingent on cleanup of ordnance and certification that the area is safe for public use. Check with the administering agencies and NEVER violate these restrictions. For additional information about Desecheo Island please contact: Susan Silander, Project Leader Caribbean Islands NWR Complex Desecheo NWR P.O. Box 510 Boquerón, PR Phone: 787/ Fax: 787/ Awards There are no Association-specific awards at this time. 1.8 Disclaimer Hiking, hill-walking and rock-climbing are potentially dangerous activities. The SOTA Management Team and their associates assume no responsibility for accidents. Participants must be competent to undertake their proposed Expedition and must carry suitable equipment, taking account of the terrain, weather conditions, etc. Activators take part in the Programme entirely at their own risk and the Programme in its entirety shall accept no responsibility for injury, loss of life or any other loss. Activators are reminded that hill climbing is an inherently hazardous activity. Accidents can and do happen in the mountains and the risk is neither increased nor mitigated by the SOTA programme. Each participant does so at his or her own risk, and must decide, on the basis of their own ability, whether an objective is achievable. The listing of a summit in the reference does not mean that it is easy to reach, and it is always worth seeking local advice for all but the simplest of the expeditions. 11

12 1.9 Summit Definition All summits for the KP4 Association use the SOTA definition of a summit, which can be found in the General Rules document. For those Associations where maps use feet rather than meters for elevation (such as the United States of America), a value of 500 feet is used as the near-equivalent of 150 meters Geologic areas referenced in Regional Notes All Puerto Rico SOTA KP4 Summit Association Information was taken from the highest elevation point with the required prominence. All prominence points were derived from GIS analysis software using SRTM digital elevation data analysis and visualized on a Google Earth Map. 12

13 2. Summit Reference Data 2.1 Region Reference Cordillera West - CW Association Region Region manager Puerto Rico (KP4) Cordillera West (KP4/CW-xxx) Refer to Association Manager Regional notes The summits of the Cordillera West Region (CW) include parts of:. Mayaguez District Ponce District Arecibo District Table of CW Summits Ref. Summit Name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Prom. (m) Latitude Longitude Valid From (D/M/Y) Valid To (D/M/Y) Score KP4/CW-001 Monte Guilarte /01/ KP4/CW-002 Portugues West /01/ KP4/CW-003 Cerro Roncador /01/ KP4/CW-004 Maricao South /01/ KP4/CW-005 S /01/ KP4/CW-006 Maricao North /01/ KP4/CW-007 Aguada South /01/ KP4/CW-008 Penuelas South /01/ KP4/CW-009 Cerro Gordo /01/ KP4/CW-010 Cerro Mariquita /01/ KP4/CW-011 Guayanilla North /01/ KP4/CW-012 Monte Grande /01/ KP4/CW-013 Barina South /01/

14 2.2 Region Reference Cordillera Central - CC Association Region Region manager Puerto Rico (KP4) Cordillera Central (KP4/CC-xxx) Refer to Association Manager Regional notes The summits of the Cordillera Central Region (CC) include parts of: Ponce District Arecibo District Guayama District San Juan District Bayamon District Table of CC Summits Ref. 14 Summit Name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Prom. (m) Latitude Longitude Valid From (D/M/YY) Valid To (D/M/YY) KP4/CC-001 Cerro de Punta /01/ KP4/CC-002 Tres Picachos South /01/ KP4/CC-003 Cerro El Bolo /01/ KP4/CC-004 S /01/ KP4/CC-005 Vegas Arriba West /01/ KP4/CC-006 Jayuya North /01/ KP4/CC-007 S /01/ KP4/CC-008 S /01/ KP4/CC-009 La Torrecilla /01/ KP4/CC-010 S /01/ KP4/CC-011 Cerro Prieto /01/ KP4/CC-012 Aibonito South /01/ KP4/CC-013 Pellejas East /01/ KP4/CC-014 S /01/ KP4/CC-015 Cerro Viento Caliente /01/ KP4/CC-016 Cerro la Tiza /01/ KP4/CC-017 Cerro Petronila /01/ KP4/CC-018 S /01/ KP4/CC-019 Casa Grande Mtn /01/ KP4/CC-020 S /01/ KP4/CC-021 Cerro de los Cielos /01/ KP4/CC-022 Cerro Marquesa /01/ KP4/CC-023 Cerro La Montería /01/ KP4/CC-024 Cerro Presidio /01/ KP4/CC-025 Collores East /01/ KP4/CC-026 Cupey South /01/ Score

15 KP4/CC-027 Mariano Colon South /01/

16 2.3 Region Reference Cordillera East Association Region Region manager Puerto Rico (KP4) Cordillera East (KP4/CE-xxx) Refer to Association Manager Regional notes The summits of the Cordillera East Region (CE) include parts of: Guayama District Humacao District San Juan District Carolina District Ref Table of CE Summits Summit Name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Prom. (m) Latitude Longitude Valid From (D/M/YY) Valid To (D/M/YY) KP4/CE-001 El Yunque /01/ KP4/CE-002 El Toro /01/ KP4/CE-003 Pico del Este /01/ KP4/CE-004 Cerro La Santa South /01/ KP4/CE-005 Cerro de la Tabla /01/ KP4/CE-006 S /01/ KP4/CE-007 Cerro Tumbado /01/ KP4/CE-008 Cerro Las Piñas /01/ KP4/CE-009 Cerro Yaurel /01/ KP4/CE-010 Yabucoa Mtn /01/ KP4/CE-011 Cerro La Pandura /01/ KP4/CE-012 S /01/ KP4/CE-013 Maunabo South /01/ KP4/CE-014 S /01/ KP4/CE-015 Las Piedras /01/ KP4/CE-016 Gurabo South /01/ KP4/CE-017 S /01/ KP4/CE-018 Cerro Corozal /01/ KP4/CE-019 Caguas North /01/ Score 16

17 2.4 Region Reference Culebra Island Association Region Region manager Puerto Rico (KP4) Culebra Island (KP4/CU-xxx) Refer to Association Manager Regional notes Culebra is an archipelago located off the east coast of the mainland. It consists of the main island and twenty-three smaller islands that lie off its coast. The largest of these cays are: Culebrita to the east, Cayo Norte to the northeast, and Cayo Luis Peña and Cayo Lobo to the west. The smaller islands include Cayo Ballena, Cayos Geniqui, Arrecife Culebrita, Las Hermanas, El Mono, Cayo Lobito, Cayo Botijuela, Alcarraza, Los Gemelos, and Piedra Steven. Islands in the archipelago are arid, meaning they have no rivers or streams. All of the fresh water is brought from Puerto Rico via Vieques. Culebra is characterized by an irregular topography resulting in a long intricate shoreline. The island is approximately 7 by 5 miles (11 by 8 km). The coast is marked by cliffs, sandy coral beaches and mangrove forests. Inland, the tallest point on the island is Mount Resaca, with an elevation of 650 feet (198 m), followed by Balcón Hill, with an elevation of 541 feet (164.9 m). The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Rico. It is part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which is a unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Culebra is a popular weekend tourist destination for Mainland Puerto Ricans, Americans and residents of Vieques. Because of the "arid" nature of the island there is no run-off from rivers or streams resulting in very clear waters around the archipelago. Culebra has many beautiful beaches including Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco), rated third best beach in the world for 2014 by Tripadvisor. It can be reached by shuttle buses from the ferry. The beach extends for a mile of white coral sand and is framed beautifully by arid tree-covered hills. The beach is also protected by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as a marine wildlife reserve. Other beaches are only accessible by private car or boats. Of the smaller islands, only Culebrita and Luis Peña permit visitors and can be accessible via water taxis from Culebra. Hiking and nature photography are encouraged on the small islands. However, activities which would disturb the nature reserves are prohibited, e.g. camping, littering and motor vehicles. Camping, however, is allowed on Playa Flamenco throughout the year. Reservations are recommended. The island of Culebra can be reached through private boats, ferry, or airplane. Ferry service is available from Fajardo. Ferries make several trips a day to the main island for an approximate fare of $4.50 (round trip). 17

18 2.4.2 Table of CU Summits Ref. Summit Name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Prom. (m) Latitude Longitude Valid From (D/M/YY) Valid To (D/M/YY) Score KP4/CU-001 Monte Resaca /01/

19 2.5 Region Reference Vieques Island Association Region Region manager Puerto Rico (KP4) Vieques Island (KP4/VQ-xxx) Refer to Association Manager Regional notes Vieques, in full Isla de Vieques, is an island municipality of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean, part of an island grouping sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. Vieques is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and retains strong influences from 400 years of Spanish presence in the island. Vieques lies about 8 miles (13 km) east of the Puerto Rican mainland, and measures about 21 miles (34 km) long by 4 miles (6 km) wide. Its one main town Isabel Segunda (sometimes written "Isabel II"), the administrative center on the northern side of the island. At peak, the population of Vieques is around 14,000. Vieques measures about 21 miles (34 km) east-west, and three to four miles (5 km) north-south. It has a land area of 52 square miles (130 km 2 ) and is located about ten miles (16 km) to the east of Puerto Rico. To the north of Vieques is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south the Caribbean. The island of Culebra is about 10 miles (16 km) north of Vieques, and the US Virgin Islands lie to the east. Vieques and Culebra, together with various small islets, make up the so-called Spanish Virgin Islands, sometimes known as the Passage Islands. The lands previously owned by the Navy have been turned over to the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service and the authorities of Puerto Rico and Vieques for management. The immediate bombing range area on the eastern tip of the island suffers from severe contamination, but the remaining areas are mostly open to the public, including many beautiful beaches that were inaccessible to civilians while the military was conducting training maneuvers. Snorkeling is excellent, especially at Blue Beach (Bahía de la Chiva). Aside from archeological sites, such as La Hueca, and deserted beaches, a unique feature of Vieques is the presence of two pristine bioluminescent bays, including Mosquito Bay. Vieques is also famous for its feral paso fino horses, which roam free over parts of the island. These are descended from stock originally brought by European colonizers. In 2011, Trip Advisor listed Vieques among the Top 25 Beaches in the World, writing, "If you prefer your beaches without the accompanying commercial developments, Isla de Vieques is your tanning turf, with more than 40 beaches and not one traffic light." Vieques is served by Antonio Rivera Rodriguez Airport, which currently accommodates only small propeller-driven aircraft. Services to the island run from San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Ceiba Airport or Isla Grande Airport (20- to 30-minute flight). Flights are also available between Vieques and Saint Croix and Saint Thomas. Also, a ferry runs from Fajardo several times a day. The ferry service is administered by the Autoridad de Transporte Marítimo (ATM) in Puerto Rico. 19

20 Ref Table of VQ Summits Summit Name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Prom. (m) Latitude Longitude Valid From (D/M/YY) Valid To (D/M/YY) KP4/VQ-001 Mt. Pirata /01/ Score 20