This is just to pass on some information about
from the FPOA board president Ron Dammann.
Ron called me this evening after I had sent an email
to several FPOA board members asking about
the FPOA, the park service, and observing at the Peak.
Ron said he had seen some of the messages on TAC.
I hope in the future he or any of the other board members
will feel free to get on TAC and join in the conversation.
I think this would be better than you getting second hand
information from me.
Per Ron people can observe next to the observatory
but no where else behind the ranger's house. He modified
this later saying the ranger may allow one or two people
to set along the fence (across the road from the work shed)
if they see him (the ranger) about using the are first.
Observers don't need to make reservations to use the area
next to the observatory. Ron suggested if you want to set up
by the observatory on an off night to call the park and leave
a message.
The last FPOA board meeting was Oct 9th '99. The next meeting
is planed for sometime in February. At each FPOA board meeting
there is a park representative (Mary Pass).
The FPOA newsletter will start being posted again but no date
certain.
I suggested to Ron that the FPOA list the dates of their board meetings
plus other useful information on the FPOA website. I also suggested
they make use of the FPOA email list. And, that they join in on discussions
on the TAC list.
IMO, observers interested in using Fremont Peak for astronomy
should attend FPOA board meetings and get involved in what
the park service is doing for, or to, observing at the Peak. I feel we
have lost a good sized piece of prime observing ground. I don't find
the attitude of the ranger or the supervising ranger as astronomer
friendly as the most recent past ranger and supervising ranger.
So, you can be passive or you can be active. I am for being active
and pushing (in a nice way) for what you want.
Thank you for the phone call Ron. I hope you and other FPOA
board members will speak out on the TAC list.
Clear skies,
Rich