Because there has been quite a bit of discussion, I am posting this summary to wrap things up for the Niantic Staff to review. We can keep going in circles about the rules, but I’d rather just provide the facts I have gathered and allow Niantic to review and get back to me.
- The spot is physically gone: If you check the coordinates (33.482163, -116.962340) on the current satellite view (AllTrails, Apple Maps, Google, etc.) that truss structure in the Wayspot photo isn’t even there anymore. It’s just one of the dirt paths and the water. And if you are wondering about those pole-like structures next to the pinned location, those are where I saw the Bald Eagle resting that I mentioned before, they are not the Wayspot. I am under the impression that you cannot have a Wayspot for an object that doesn’t exist.
- It’s a literal safety hazard: This isn’t only about a ‘closed gate’ or restricted access like many here are suggesting. The Rancho California Water District (RCWD) officially stated on the official Vail Lake section of their website that the roads are ‘not usable’ because of winter storm damage (This storm damage has been present for years now, this is NOT seasonal) They aren’t just closed; they are physically destroyed. Keeping this active is a huge liability even for those not driving and encourages people to go into a damaged area that could be dangerous (I provided a link to the article that supports this), likely for something that doesn’t even exist or is extremely well hidden!!
- Land Transition: As someone who has camped this area for multiple years now and has done research, I have learned much from the old Vail Lake Resort days (not the KOA) to the current RCWD possession and KOA and KEI Involvement. I have seen the changes firsthand. This isn’t a “simple hike” or “lake boat launch” anymore; it’s a construction and infrastructure zone with failing roads.
I’m done going back and forth with the community here. I’m just asking Niantic to look at the safety warnings and the fact that the structure is missing and make a call based on the actual criteria themselves.
Thanks.