Concerned about site conditions

[junkwitch]

Hi, all. Makara here. I have many concerns about the chosen site for this year. The following is intended as constructive criticism to bring up points that may not have been considered. I have lots of experience at living in the wild at high altitudes and these are some issues I've encountered.....

1)I feel we will have many health issues due to the lack of oxygen. There are many out of shape & overweight, or ailing, or disabled people at DF and many even come from sea level. 10,000ft is an unreasonable demand on their bodies. Remember, only 1% of the WORLD'S population lives above 9,000ft. I think there is a reason for this. (maybe that oxygen levels drop drastically above 9000ft) Also, the DF website says it is only a little higher than Wellington and I feel that is a misrepresentation. 1,900ft is more than "a little higher". It is 25% more above sea level than Wellington. People are not going to know what they are in for. Mountain sickness (altitude sickness) is a very real problem. Symptoms are fluid retention, oxygen deprivation, headaches, blood pressure problems, nose bleeds, dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea.

2)There are few trees in Park Co because the winds are so high. This will pose a problem with people's "easy ups" and tents. That time of year sees consistent winds of 7-10mph with gusts throughout the day up to 23mph being the NORM. Also, temperatures at 10,000ft are pretty cold at night and it is not out of the norm for the high country to have snow and or frost in July and August.

3)The lack of shelter from the sun at that altitude will be intolerable for many. In August, the sun is very intense and that altitude provides no protection via atmosphere or trees.

All in all, I feel the "city witches" in our community are not prepared for a week in primitive lands in such harsh conditions. I do hope there is a way to find a more inviting site. Has anyone considered National Forest or BLM land? The Rainbow Gathering has been holding festivals in National Forest for over 30 years, some of which have exceeded 30,000 people. There is no electricity but quiet generators are available and a possible investment. Port-o-johns are being recommended by the Forest Service these days to help decrease the amount of waste left behind to effect wildlife. Dumpsters and toilets are totally do-able. As is nudity, propane fire circles, vending areas, etc. If we can't find a privately owned place to meet, maybe use the land we already own through our citizenship?

Just some thoughts. Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
Makara

[Joseph]

1)I feel we will have many health issues due to the lack of oxygen. There are many out of shape & overweight, or ailing, or disabled people at DF and many even come from sea level. 10,000ft is an unreasonable demand on their bodies. Remember, only 1% of the WORLD'S population lives above 9,000ft. I think there is a reason for this. (maybe that oxygen levels drop drastically above 9000ft) Also, the DF website says it is only a little higher than Wellington and I feel that is a misrepresentation. 1,900ft is more than "a little higher". It is 25% more above sea level than Wellington. People are not going to know what they are in for. Mountain sickness (altitude sickness) is a very real problem. Symptoms are fluid retention, oxygen deprivation, headaches, blood pressure problems, nose bleeds, dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea.

1a) We are all well aware of the altitude but having spoken to several area doctors the increase in elevation poses no more risk than our previous elevation. However, if this is a concern for you we do encourage you to see your own physician and discuss this with them.

2)There are few trees in Park Co because the winds are so high. This will pose a problem with people's "easy ups" and tents. That time of year sees consistent winds of 7-10mph with gusts throughout the day up to 23mph being the NORM. Also, temperatures at 10,000ft are pretty cold at night and it is not out of the norm for the high country to have snow and or frost in July and August.

(2a) While it is true that there are less tress than idea the site has more trees than the majority of lower elevation sites we did look at. The area is also surrounded by trees which will act as a wind barrier and the own has assured us that wind is normally not a problem in the area where we will be. The property has hosted other large events (on another nearby site) and none of them reported any problems Dragonfest is not accustomed to dealing with. A detailed 'prep' list is being constructed to help plan for the best retreat experience possible.

3)The lack of shelter from the sun at that altitude will be intolerable for many. In August, the sun is very intense and that altitude provides no protection via atmosphere or trees.

(3a) Please see the second part of 2a. Dragonfest is also looking at several shade options to help with this problem. However, if Burning Man can run 50000 people in a waterless desert, we think our 'city witches' will do just fine in this location.

BLM and nearly every properly from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs and beyond was called and investigated by 70+ volunteers. We had many great options that would not work for several reasons. We continue to look for that Mount Olympus,Valhalla of all places but until we do we will just have to work with a wonderful site that just meets 90% of our needs.

Joseph Davalt
Dragonfest Board of Directors.

[Flwyd]

about a change in location that addresses these and other concerns.