Cave Rock report deadline missed

Agency officials aren't estimating how long of a delay there will be in producing the document - the next step in determining the future of the volcanic rock formation on Tahoe's east shore.

A final decision is expected by the end of the year on uses for the rock, a favorite with climbers but revered as a spiritual site by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California .

A proposal in January called for elimination of about 20 percent of the bolts driven into the rock by climbers, and a ban on any new bolts. Maintenance of the existing routes could continue, but additional recreational use of the area would be discouraged.

Climbers were willing to compromise, provided that they still be allowed to go there. They also stressed that all recreational activities at the rock were at stake.

The Washoe Tribe objected to the proposed action. To the tribe, whose elders traditionally traveled to the rock for spiritual purposes, there's no compromise on the issue.

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