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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Storm blows good fortune toward salmon ... 'Captain Fantastic' director coming home to Ashland ... Advocates push for action on housing costs ... Storm blows good fortune toward salmon ... 'Captain Fantastic' director coming home to Ashland ... Advocates push for action on housing costs ... OUR VIEW Our View: Castles in the sky Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Aug. 10, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Aug. 10, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Ashlanders rightly treasure the hiking trails that meander through the watershed above the city. Another destination known mostly to boulder climbing enthusiasts is the Acid Rock Castles area at the end of Hitt Road above Strawberry Lane. Thanks to a City Council vote last week, the area belongs to the city of Ashland. Perhaps public ownership will mean the site will be better cared for. The Parks Commission first approved the purchase of two lots totaling 46 acres for a negotiated price of $360,000, which is below market value. The commission asked for City Council approval as well, which came last week in a unanimous vote. The boulder-strewn property has been a draw for adventure seekers for years, and is described in detail on internet blogs and websites devoted to rock climbing and Ashland-area recreation. Climbing atop the boulders gives a panoramic view of the city below. In a blog posted on insighttoashland.com in 2014, writer Peter Kleinhenz notes the boulders have been defaced by graffiti and the bases of the most accessible boulders littered with broken glass, cigarette butts and plastic bottles. He also says intensive use appears to be causing erosion on the steep slopes. The city's purchase of the property will provide better connectivity to existing trails. Another reason for the purchase was to allow the Parks Commission's forestry division to conduct healthy forest treatments of the property. Public ownership should also facilitate cleaning up the area, removing graffiti if possible and encouraging more responsible use by the public. DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Aug. 10, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501