MID-ATLANTIC CLIMBERS

Local climbing organization committed to supporting regional recreation areas

2012-01-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

This fall, more than 100 climbers, outdoor enthusiasts and community members gathered in the fall to support two Maryland recreation areas--Northwest Branch recreational park in Silver Spring and the Patapsco Valley State Park north of Ellicott City.

Paul Barringer, a local climber and MAC member who spearheaded planning of the Northwest branch event says that he enjoys the area because it is a little bit of wilderness right in the midst of the suburbs. “As an urban crag, Northwest Branch gets a lot of use--which brings a host of attendant problems like trash, wear and tear on the trail, and graffiti,” he said. Berringer explained that while bouldering at Northwest branch has a low impact on the environment, and access is easy, it is still important for climbers to play a major role in addressing problems in the area. “It's also great to have the opportunity to make a contribution and meet new people.”

According to MAC President Chris Irwin, both Northwest Branch and Illchester rock, the site of the season’s second adopt-a-crag, could be considered urban parks due to geographic proximity to high population areas, and increasingly high strain on the resources including the climbing areas. “Illchester rock in Patapsco and Northwest Branch are both right off of the highway, close to where people live, and they get a lot of use,” he said. “It is important for us as climbers and as environmental stewards to make sure we have the smallest impact on the natural environment possible,” he said describing several of the projects at the Illchester adopt-a-crag including construction of a retaining wall at the base of the cliff and stairway rehabilitation.

Describing the work completed at Illchester rock by MAC volunteers, Patapsco State Park Ranger and volunteer coordinator Robert Eckhardt said, “This kind of project costs me a lot, and for each of you to come out and do a little bit means a lot. The stairs look great, the retaining wall looks great, you really should be proud.”

Berringer, Irwin and MAC are looking forward to playing a major role in the stewardship of Northwest Branch and Illchester rock in the future and the group has several events planned in the coming months.

Mid Atlantic Climbers is in the process of scheduling follow-up projects at both areas, so that local climbers can continue to show their support for local areas.

Thanks and Announcements

2011-10-18T11:27:00.001-07:00

To our very dear supporters and friends:

I want to thank you for your continued support through the past four years. We have managed to make an impact in the Mid-Atlantic Region and will continue to do so for some time only through supporters and friends like you.

Over the past couple of months, there have been some changes that I’d like to address. In April, Ocean Eiler, MAC President, decided to step down as president. I will respect his privacy and just let you know it was a hard decision for him to step down as president. While he has stepped down, he will continue to volunteer and support MAC in our future endeavors. I have no doubt that we will be seeing him at many events moving forward with his signature smile. We will miss him in the core leadership group, as he has been the face of MAC for the past two years and one of the faces of DC Metro Climbing for some time before. Best wishes to you, O.

With the departure of Ocean, we started searching for folks to take on new roles to keep MAC going. Starting with the search for a new leader, MAC has selected Chris Irwin, as the new president. Chris has accepted and has started in his role as president, effective immediately. For those that don’t know Chris. He was one of the founding members of Mid-Atlantic Climbers and has been guiding and climbing in the area for quite a long time. He knows the area and knows many of the people in the area and has a general excitement to get people motivated to help the local areas. He's a skilled educator and a great public speaker. He’s also one of the most approachable people I’ve ever met, which makes me very happy that he’s taking the role.

Now that we have Chris in place, we are also seeking folks to fill other roles with MAC. There are core team roles and roles for folks that just want to help every once in a while. There’s plenty to do in the Mid-Atlantic Region and we would like to engage you in accomplishing the goals of ensuring climbing and access to some of the precious places in the mid-Atlantic Region. For more information, please contact us at midatlanticclimbers@gmail.com.

Thanks again for your support and I hope to see you in and around a local crag.
Fred B. Wilson
Board Member-At-Large

Mid-Atlantic Climbers Happy Hour

2011-07-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Attention climbers! Enjoy a happy hour with friends while supporting local climbing. A percentage of food and alcohol purchases (between 5-9pm) will go to Mid-Atlantic Climbers. We'll be raffling off some great gear so stop by and enjoy a cold one!

RSVP at our Facebook event.

Sugarloaf Clean & Climb - 06/18/2011

2011-06-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Our friends the Mountaineering Section of the Potomac Appalachian Mountain Club (PATC) are hosting a cleanup event at Sugarloaf Mountain near Comus, Maryland. The focus of the event will be trash removal from the base of the Boy Scout Ledges and Middle Earth climbing areas. After a morning of good deeds, folks are encouraged to stay and climb!

Sugarloaf Clean & Climb
Saturday June 18th, 2011
9am

This is a great opportunity to give back to a local crag, meet some new friends and get your climb on!

Full Event Details can be found on the event page.
Contact the event coordinator at edwin.bachetti [at] gmail.com to sign up or for questions.

Photo Contest

2011-06-03T09:33:00.001-07:00

Mid Atlantic Climbers Photo Contest
with prizes every month and grand prizes!

June 1st - August 31st, 2011

We would like to see your best photographs of the Mid-Atlantic Region, whether doing work, climbing or just hanging around. Help us promote the area and the organizations that want to give back to our climbing community.

Grand Prizes:

1st grand prize – Mounted, matted and framed 8x10 of the winning photo, winning photo featured on the Mid Atlantic Climbers Webpage, and a MAC T-Shirt
2nd grand prize – Mounted 8x10 and a MAC T-Shirt
3rd grand prize – MAC T-Shirt

Monthly Prizes:

1st - Printed shot along with a shot mounted and a MAC T-Shirt
2nd – Printed photo and a MAC T-Shirt
3rd – MAC T-Shirt

Theme:
Mid-Atlantic Climbers is looking to promote the fact that we have a strong climbing community along with our very beautiful and picturesque landscape.

Rules:
You may enter up to five of your best shots, so choose strategically and choose wisely. While one person can win 1st prize in the monthly contest all three months, they cannot win multiple times in the overall competition.

Submissions should be sent to midatlanticclimbers@gmail.com

Judging:
The judging will be by both popular vote and a panel of objective judges. As all pictures will be posted on the Mid Atlantic Climbers' Facebook page, the picture with the most “Likes” will be awarded 5 points; 4 for the second most popular, on down to 1 point for 5th place.

Our panel of judges will also evaluate and award their choices for 1st through 5th on the same point scale. Total points determines winner. If there should be a tie, the judges suggestion will outweigh the popular vote.

Sponsors:
A special thank you goes out to our friends at Erickson & Ripper Gallery for helping with this contest. All panel judging, framing and mounting will be provided by them. Please visit them at their galleries in Old Town Alexandria and Del Ray.

Access Update: Dead Tree Wall and Summit Crag Rock Climbing Closures Lifted

2011-05-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

The temporary rock climbing closure of the Dead Tree Wall and Summit Crag climbing areas on Old Rag Mountain has been lifted. The Peregrine Falcons are no longer nesting in this area.

Thanks to everyone's cooperation. Climb hard!

Keepin' The Hits Coming - Ilchester Cleanup Recap

2011-05-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Thank Goodness for Good Weather

Hot off the heels of last month’s epic Rockfest 2011, Mid-Atlantic Climbers enjoyed beautiful weather Saturday May 7th at the first ever Adopt-a-Crag at the Ilchester Crag in Patapsco State Park.

Twenty-five volunteers came together and scoured the hillside beneath the cliff, removing a ton of broken glass and trash. Not content with this, volunteers then trekked down to Bloede's Dam and up Hilltop Road for more; finding such gems as a car door, a filthy mattress and creepy children's toys.

Where and What is Ilchester?

Located just outside of Ellicott City, Ilchester is a popular after work spot. And its preeminent route, Blue Rose 5.8+ is a classic sandbag that is famous in the DC area for spitting people off. Unfortunately, the same accessibility is what has lured late-night partiers, trash dumpers and weak-sauce grafitti 'artists' to the cliff.

So Why are Climbers Picking Up Trash?

Events like this are a way for the climbing community to show Patapsco State Park and other land managers that climbers invested in the outdoor resource. It helps to establish a positive relationship between the park and our user group.

Mid Atlantic Climbers would like to thank our sponsors: Earth Treks and Osprey, our team leaders and of course, everyone who gave up a morning of climbing to give back to the community.!

ROCKFEST Recap

2011-05-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

It was amazing; 33 MPH wind, 18 hours of rain, 2 tornado warnings. Despite these extreme conditions, Rockfest 2011 was a great success. As one enthusiastic volunteer put it, "Rockfest, not just a service day but an adventure." Rockfest 2011 ranks as one of the most memorable events in Mid-Atlantic Climbers history.

Nearly 50 volunteers arrived Friday evening and Saturday morning, dressed to the nines in rain gear, committed to the cleaning up Shenandoah National Park. Together we managed to brave the weather and scour 12 ares for trash. Teams spread out to cover overlooks and parking areas along Skyline drive, as well as various high traffic spots on the White Oak Canyon, Little Stony Man and Stony Man trails.

Thanks to all our amazing volunteers, our more than 20 sponsors and a special appreciation to Mark from REI, the Solid Rock Climbers for Christ crew, Leave No Trace and Chuck from Long Trail Brewing Co. Your encouragement, support and dedication really shined.

Service projects like these are not only good for the environment but also for relationship between park users and land managers - ensuring continued access for climbers and non-climbers alike.

Best wishes,

The Mid-Atlantic Climbers

PS - We've got more events already in the pipe, so be sure to stay informed through our blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Illchester Adopt-a-Crag Saturday 5/7/11

2011-04-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Straight off of the heels of Shenandoah Rockfest, Mid Atlantic Climbers and Earthtreks are hosting an Adopt-a-Crag at Illchester crag in the Patapsco Valley State Park.

The focus of this event with be litter removal from the base of the crag, and the hillside down towards the Patapsco River. This is the first event of what should prove to be an ongoing effort to clean up and improve the park area and the Illchester crag.

Illchester Adopt-a-Crag

Saturday, May 7th 2011

8am-12noon

Vounteer picnic to follow courtesy of Patabsco State Park

If you are interested in volunteering please RSVP to the Facebook event page or email Mark Webb, the volunteer coordinator, directly mark@earthtreksclimbing.com

Facebook Contest! Win free stuff!

2011-03-30T08:31:00.001-07:00

We had a crazy idea. We hope you like it!

Post a picture of yourself or a friend wearing an Adopt-a-Crag, Rockfest or Mid Atlantic Climbers T-Shirt on the wall of our event page on Facebook. Everyone who posts a photo will automatically get a free raffle ticket and whoever posts a photo with the most likes will get our new MAC shirt free!

Help us spread the word about the event by forwarding this email to your friends, sharing the event on your wall and encouraging people to enter the contest. You must be present at Rockfest 2011 to win.

Rockfest 2 Is Almost Here!

2011-03-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

We're getting really excited about our upcoming event.

Check out The Rockfest Page for all the details!

Fall 2010 Wrap-up

2010-11-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Fall 2010 has been busy!
Here is some info on what the climbers of the Mid Atlantic region were doing!

Great Falls, VA Adopt-a-Crag 9/25/10
Thanks to everyone who came out! We had over 100 volunteers work to complete many different projects throughout the park. Including:

Building an historic fence
Invasive species removal
Trimming of trails
Building a turnpike and erosion control measures on a popular trail
Hauling out lots of trash from the gorge

Some people have asked, "Why are climbers trimming a horse-trail?" The answer is simple. By being good stewards of the land, it shows the park service that climbers are committed protecting these precious resources, not just climbing. Maintaining a good relationship between climbers and land managers is ultimately what keeps climbing areas open.

UPDATE: Check out our friend Jeremy Bradford's Flikr album from the event!

Earth Treks Gear Swap 9/25/10
Earth Treks Columbia, once again showed their commitment to the climbing community by hosting a Gear Swap. Climbers we invited to bring in their used gear and sell it consignment style; donating 10% of the gear swap sales to Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund. Their efforts raised over $100 which will be split between the two organizations for the purpose of preserving climbing access; locally and across the country.

A big thanks to Eart h Treks for continuing to be so supportive of the local climbing community and caring about preserving the climbing resources!

Access Fund Summit, Fayetteville, WV 10/2/10 and 10/3/10
Representatives from Mid Atlantic Climbers attended this two-day conference with other Local Climbing Organizations (LCOs) from across the country. The goal of this conference was for LCO's to share information on how to preserve climbing resources. The topics of presentations, panels and workshops ranged from Conservation Easements and Land Acquisition, to liability and recreational use statutes, to membership and fundraising for LCOs.

There was also time for a little climbing, and networking with other LCOs:

Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC)
Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC)
Climbing Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania (C3PA)
Climbers Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento (CRAGS)
Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC)
New River Alliance of Climbers (NRAC)

Here is a comprehensive list of Local Climbing Organizations from the Access Fund.

The Summit was sponsored by the Access Fund and the New River Alliance of Climbers with the help of the National Parks Service and local businesses.

UPDATE: Check out this very detailed trip-report written by our friend Renee Ross from CRAGS - also has a couple good pics!

Northwest Branch Adopt-a-Crag 11/13/10

Our last Adopt-a-Crag of the season was another HUGE success. On a perfect fall day and under a beautiful blue sky, 79 volunteers from all over came together to show a local bouldering spot some love.

In the end, we hauled more than 30 big bags of trash and over a dozen bags of recyclables out of the woods. Not to mention: four tires, a big pipe and a couple of chairs. After the cleanup, we had an interesting presentation on the geology and flora/fauna in the park from Montgomery County Park Commission biologist Doug Redmond. And of course, the obligatory bouldering sesh.

Thanks to all our great volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to work hard and give something back to the community.

Thanks also to our sponsors- we couldn’t have done it without you!

The SCC's $250k Grant proposal on Pepsi Refresh Project

2010-11-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wish you had more money to donate to a good cause?
Of course we do! Now you can help the Southeastern Climbers Coalition win $250,000 to open up two climbing areas in the Southeast!

As many of you know, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition has been doing some amazing things to preserve climbing in the South. They've had some huge success with Boat Rock and Yellow Bluff and now they have their eyes on 2 other climbing areas. But they need your help.

The SCC is competing to win $250,000 in grant money from the Pepsi Refresh Project. Help spread the word and get people to vote! You can vote every day!

Not convinced? Check out this awesome video the SCC put together:

Northwest Branch Adopt-a-Crag

2010-10-25T16:21:00.001-07:00

Northwest Branch has some great boulders with sharp crimps, quartz crystals and unfortunately some graffiti.

If you haven't been, it’s a beautiful wooded and boulder-strewn ravine, nestled between suburban neighborhoods in Silver Spring, MD.

Come out and help to preserve and protect this local climbing resource as we clean up trash and debris, and do trail maintenance.

NORTHWEST BRANCH
ADOPT-A-CRAG:
Saturday November 13th, 2010
8am to 12:00pm

After a morning of hard work, we’ll give away some door prizes, and have a presentation on the geology of the area. Bring your shoe's and chalk (pad's if you have them) and sample some of the local stone.

What to Bring:
Sturdy Shoes, Work Gloves, Water Bottle, Climbing Shoes for bouldering after Clean-Up

Sponsors:
Mid-Atlantic Climbers, Earth Treks, Patagonia, REI, Starbucks, Alice Ferguson Foundation and of course the Access Fund the people who created Adopt-a-Crags.

Event held in conjunction with the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission

To preregister, please email: adoptacrag@midatlanticclimbers.org

Free Film screening at PATAGONIA store in Georgetown Sun 9/12

2010-09-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Mid Atlantic Climbers would like to invite you to a free screening Magnolia Pictures's "180 South" at PATAGONIA store in Georgetown.

The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.

Mid Atlantic Climbers will be hosting an Information Table to provide you with info
about:
- upcoming Adopt-a-Crag projects
- local access issues and,
-opportunities to volunteer
- buy a t-shirt or AF/MAC membership to support the cause.

So stop by, say hello and enjoy the film!

"180 South" by Chris Malloy and Magnolia Pictures
Sunday, September 12th, 2010
6pm

PATAGONIA Store

1048 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20007

Great Falls Adopt-a-Crag 2010

2010-08-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Fall!

Fall brings crisp temperatures and good friction, the Triple Crown, and of course...

The 8th Annual Mid Atlantic Climbers Great Falls Adop-a-Crag!

This year, the Adopt-a-Crag coincides with National Public Lands day. Our efforts to preserve our local climbing resource will be mirrored by thousand of projects and volunteers all across the country.

At Great Falls National Park, VA we will be focusing our efforts on trash-removal at the climbing sites and along the riverbank, as well as re-blazing (marking) trails.

After a morning of hardwork, we'll get together for a bar-be-que and local climbing legend John Greggory will present a discussion on the history of climbing along the Potomac River. We'll also have some door prizes and a gift for every volunteer (Hint: its not a t-shirt this year).

Make sure you bring work clothes, gloves and water for the morning, an appetite for the BBQ, and climbing gear for the afternoon!

The 8th Annual Mid Atlantic Climbers Adop-a-Crag!
Location: Great Falls Nat'l Park, VA

Saturday, September 25th 2010

Check-in 8am
9-12noon

please RSVP with the number of volunteers in your party to adoptacrag@midatlanticclimbers.org

Free Training Clinic with Paul Robinson

2010-06-25T03:23:00.000-07:00

You may have heard that Paul Robinson has been in town throwin down at Earth Treks Timonium...

We just got word that Paul will be hosting a Free System Board Training Clinic, next week! Its free to ET members, but its going to fill up VERY FAST! This will be a great opportunity for some local climbers to see what it takes to bring their climbing to the next level.

The best part is that Earthtreks is actively encouraging Donations and all proceeds will go to the Access Fund!

More Details:
Tuesday 6-29-10
Wednesday 6-30-10
At Earthtreks Timonium.
Earthtreks blog
These clinics are free, but only open to Earthtreks members.
It will fill VERY FAST, call to register.

Conrad Anker: The Wildest Dream: The Conquest of Everest

2010-06-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Date: 8/7/2010

Event Location: Bailey's Crossroads REI

Event Fee: Free

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Join American mountaineer Conrad Anker for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the story behind The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest, the new National Geographic film in which he stars. Conrad will share his experiences on Everest, ranging from his discovery of the body of legendary climber George Mallory in 1999, to making the new film - a compelling account of adventure and courage on his recent climb to the top. With spectacular film footage, stunning photos, and thrilling stories, Conrad will show you how he retraced George Mallory's steps to the summit of Everest in an attempt to provide new clues to the enduring mystery of his disappearance.

Conrad will be here at REI Bailey's for a presentation at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 7th.

Address:

Bailey's Crossroads REI

3509 Carlin Springs Rd

Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041

(703) 379-9400

[Source]

Roc Comp Pancake Breakfast!

2010-04-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming out to our Climbers Happy Hour! We raised money that will go right back to your local climbing areas.

If you're headed out to Earth Treks Roc Comp this weekend, look for us.

Friday 4/23 we'll be in the Vendors Village at Earth Treks Columbia. Come visit us and and all of the other reps from your favorite organizations.

Saturday 4/24 we'll be hosting a Pancake Breakfast!

$10

10-Noon at ET, Timonium.

Proceeds will benefit Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund. Then stick around for the awards of the citizen comp, semi-finals and of course finals!

Oh yeah, after-party too!

See you there!

CLIMBERS HAPPY HOUR Fundraiser

2010-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Hour Fundraiser and ROC COMP Kick-off!

How do you kick-off the biggest climbing comp of the year? With a big party!

Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 5pm - 9pm
At the Madam's Organ Bar in the Adam's Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC Get Directions.

Spend some quality time with your fellow climbers and raise money to support local climbing. A percentage of the nights food and alcohol purchases will go to Mid Atlantic Climbers. But there are a few other reasons to come out too!

Mid Atlantic Climbers will be announcing the winner of our T-shirt Design Contest, and awarding the artist a brand spankin' new Metolius Bouldering Pad!

We'll also be raffling off sweet gear!

Check it out! Happy Hour Event on Facebook

This event will also kick-off an awesome weekend of local climbing!

Be sure to check out the Earth Treks ROC COMP Fri 4/23 and Sat 4/24 if you haven't yet heard, this is shaping up to be the event of the year! You just might bump into a celebrity!

ROC COMP info from Earth Treks

ROC COMP Event on Facebook

Action Alert - NY State Parks

2010-03-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Access Alert - NY State Budget Shortfall puts Peter's Kill on the chopping block!

Due to an historic $8 billion budget gap, NY State Governor Paterson recently proposed closing 55 parks and historic sites (Full List), including the Peter's Kill climbing area in Minnewaska State Park.

Take Actions!
We're asking climbers to speak up and let the NY State Parks Dept know that closing parks is not the solution.

The Access Fund has a quick and easy way to voice your opinion and keep these parks open.

Other Resources:
Full article from NY Times
Press Release from NY State Parks Department

HERA/MAC Chili Cook-off

2010-03-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Howdy Ya'll !

The HERA Climb4Life event is starting this weekend and we're proud to be hosting the first-ever Climb4Life climber picnic and chili cook-off!

Where: Carderock Recreation Area, MD
When: Sunday, March 14, 2010
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

This informal gathering at Carderock Recreation Area , MD is a great opportunity to swap stories and belays and to show off your culinary expertise. We'll be sampling chili and giving away some prizes, raffles too.

Bring your climbing gear and check out what Carderock has to offer (top roping and bouldering).

CHILI COOK OFF GUIDELINES:
• Anything goes may the best chili win!
• Participants must bring a closed container to be rested above a catering candle sterno candles
provided) Bring enough for judging and sharing.
• Participants and spectators must bring their own bowls & eating utencils.

Mid Atlantic Climbers is participating in the 5th Annual HERA - Climb4Life Event and you should too!

2010-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last year, the Greater Washington DC community brought together over 450 climbers who helped raise over $60,000 to support Ovarian Cancer Research.

This year HERA Women's Cancer Foundation is bringing the Climb4Life Event to DC - March 13th -19th. With a goal to promote awareness and raise money.

How can I get involved?
Join our team Eyes In The Sky and come out to the HERA events .

From the HERA website:

"Registration Fees:
Your $30 registration fee is a donation to HERA and includes:

Admission to Kick-Off and Climbers' Festival

A goodie bag filled with coupons and gifts

Four days of free climbing at Sportrock: 2 at Sterling, 2
at Alexandria (valid 3/14 - 3/21)

Discounts on classes and memberships at Sportrock

Expert unlimited Power Yoga at Dancing Mind Yoga, (valid 3/13 – 3/21)

Clinics with pro-climbers,

Discounts with REI Outdoor School

A special slideshow presentation by a guest pro-climber

Global Mala Event – 108 Sun Salutations - celebrate life!"

Challenge yourself and help the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation fight ovarian cancer!

By participating in HERA Climb4Life, you can help save lives.

Who Wants a Free Bouldering Pad?

2010-02-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

Mid-Atlantic Climbers (MAC) is looking to you for our next great

T-shirt.

Do you have computer/art skills? Do you have a clever pun, or an idea for a hip design? Imagine seeing folks at the crag wearing your design!

What should the design be about?
Thats entirely up to you, all we ask is that our name and logo are featured.

Why should I enter?
We're giving away a Metoliuos Bouldering pad to the winning design! We will be unvailing the amazing shirt and awarding the winner at our Happy-Hour Fundraiser in Adams Morgan, DC -- more news to come on this event soon!

So how do I get started?
In 3 easy steps:

Download our Contest Zip File (which contains our logo & a handy t-shirt templates)
Create your design(s)
Send in your entry(s) at contest@midatlanticclimbers.org before Midnight on March 25th 2010

We have provided documents for you to work with and guidelines for your entry so please check out the FULL CONTEST RULES on our webpage.

DEADLINE: Complete submissions must be received by Midnight March 25th 2010

Access Fund Memberships Benefit Local Climbing!

2009-11-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Do you want to be able to support local and national climbing access in one easy step?

Of course you do! - and The Access Fund is making it really easy.

Why Should I become a Member?
The Access Fund recently announced a special member rate of $25 with a portion of that going directly to Mid-Atlantic Climbers!

And on top of that, if we bring in the most new memberships by December 18, Mid Atlantic Climbers will win a $1,000 grant for 2010! Money that will be used to fund future service events (like Rockfest and the Adopt-a-Crags events) but also helping to ensure local access at crags across the region.

How do I become a Member?
Fill out this form on the Access Fund's website- be sure to put “Mid Atlantic Climbers” in the Affiliate Organization box!

What are the Member Benefits?
As an Access Fund member, not only do you get the assurance that you’re helping the climbing community, you will also receive discounts on great outdoor gear and merchandise from:

prAna
Mountain Gear
Zeal
Rock & Ice
and others

In addition to discounts on merchandise from the AF store, members also receive the Access Fund's newsletter Vertical Times 3x yearly. And of course, members know they are helping to protect our climbing areas at home and across the country.

Do not delay, become an Access Fund member for only $25 today and support Mid-Atlantic Climbers while you’re at it.

Minnewaska State Park Master Plan: Could open up more climbing at the Gunks!

2009-10-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

On September 30th, 2009 A new Master Plan was completed for Minnewaska State Park, NY. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the park, Minnewaska State Park is located on the Shawangunk Ridge - just down the road from the world-famous climbs of the Gunks.

In recent history, most of the cliffs of Minnewaska have been closed to climbing, despite miles and miles of cliffs and many waterfalls. While the new master plan was drawn up in response to the park's newly aquired lands, it falls short of the hopes of the climbing community.

Here's what the Gunks Climbers Coalition, Board of Directors has to say:

... [the draft Master Plan] includes an extremely limited increase in climbing in the park to a handful of routes above the Peter's Kill at Dickie Barre. The ban within the park on climbing on the Palmaghatt Ravine multiple cliffs, Murrary Hill,Castle Point, Millbrook, Beacon Hill, and Lake Minnewaska cliffs continues. Climbing ban now also extends to the newly acquired lands including Awosting Reserve (Gertrudes Nose), the Shevchenko parcel crags, and Sam's Point. The ban on ice climbing within the park's numerous falls and flows continues as well. The climbing ban at Minnewaska represents the largest ban on climbing on public lands in the country.

emphasis added by MAC
-via http://www.gunksclimbers.org/

For More Info:
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091020/NEWS/910200313

http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/inside-our-agency/public-documents.aspx

WHAT CAN I DO?

Write a Comment!

Let the Park Agencies know that you want more cliffs opened up to rock climbing in all of its forms!

***NEW**** Talking Points from GCC http://gunksclimbers.org/talkpoints.shtml

Contact:

Fred Williams, Deputy Director

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Bear Mountain, NY 10911

Phone: 845-786-2701

Fax: 845-786-2776

Email: fred.williams@oprhp.state.ny.us

Thomas B. Lyons, Director of Resource Management

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Empire State PlazaAgency Building 1 Albany, NY 12238

Phone: (518) 474-0409

Fax: (518) 474-7013

Email: thomas.lyons@oprhp.state.ny.us

Or E-mail Comments to: Minnewaska.Plan@oprhp.state.ny.us

-Chris Irwin

Fall Adopt-a-Crags - Another Huge Success For MAC!

2009-10-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

7th Annual Adopt-a-Crag

For the past 7 years, local climbers, outdoor enthuasists, the Access Fund, Earth Treks, Sportrock and the National Park Service have come together to support our local crags with a day of volunteer work that aims to unite the outdoor community and preserve our precious natural resources. This fall, Mid Atlantic Climbers organized well over 100 volunteers and completed more than 10 individual projects.

At Great Falls Nat'l Park, VA:
On Sept. 5th, 2009 more than 50 volunteers came out in support of Mid Atlantic Climber's mission for the first Adopt-a-Crag event of the season. Four teams of volunteers tackled projects identified by National Park Service.

Projects included:
-brushing-in of a major social trail

-trail maintenance in a high-traffic area

-building a slit rail fence and,

-re-grading the path to Overlook 1

After the projects were completed volunteers were treated to a BBQ compliments of Sportrock Climbing Centers and a gear raffle from Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund.

Carderock, MD

Completed Projects from 2008 and 2009

At Carderock Recreation Area, MD:
On Sept. 26th, 2009 more than 70 volunteers including climbers, hikers and many from the Armed Forces took on several projects in prominent areas of the park. paying special attention to long term park preservation. In collaboration with the US Navy and the National Park Service's Volunteer Coordinator Kyle Anderson,

Projects included:

-Trail maintenance

- re-mulching of heavily trafficked trails

- Erosion control

- Brushing-in of significant social trails

- Replacing the retaining wall below Hades Heights.

After projects were completed, volunteers were treated to a BBQ hosted by EarthTreks Climbing Centers and a gear raffle from Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund.

A Huge Success deserves a Huge Thank You!

Mid Atlantic Climbers would like to thank this years Adopt-a-Crag partners including:

the Access Fund

REI

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

Sportrock Climbing Centers

Earthtreks Climbing Gyms

Mid Atlantic Climbers would also like to extend a very special thank you to REI for their continued support of the Adopt-a-Crag events throughout the last 7 years! Definitely committed to the outdoor community!

Lastly, none of this would not have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the individual volunteers.

To everyone who has ever participated in the Adopt-a-Crag series, Mid Atlantic Climbers would like to thank you for helping, and to say that we look forward to working with you in the future!

Earth Treks Columbia Gear Swap to Benefit MAC!

2009-08-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Earth Treks Columbia's Fall Community Gear Swap
Saturday, August 29th
9am to 5pm.

Earth Treks has generously offered 10% of the proceeds to Mid Atlantic Climbers / Access Fund. This is a great time to get rid of some of your old gear, or pick up some more gear at a great price!

There will be special "One-Day-Only" membership deals and a BBQ Lunch 11am-2pm ($5/ Free for members).

For more info Contact: derick@earthtreksclimbing.com

Earth Treks is also hosting a members only Night Climbing afterward from 6-8pm
This promises to be a unique experience: lights off and headlamps on!

Fall 2009 Adopt-a-Crag Events

2009-08-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

In partnership with the Access Fund, local climbing organization the Mid-Atlantic Climbers invites volunteers to particiate in the 7th annual Adopt-a-Crag events this September at Great Falls National Park, VA and Carderock Recreation Area, MD.

The two events will take place on Saturday, September 5th in Great Falls Park, VA and Saturday, September 26th in Carderock Recreation Area, MD. Volunteers will work with the park service on erosion control, trail maintenance, and other projects to ensure the resources at these national parks remain accessible to all visitors. This year, Adopt-a-Crag program will host clean-ups at over 100 climbing areas around the country including Great Falls and Carderock. Both events are supported by generous donations from Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), W.L. Gore, Eastern Mountain Sports and CLIF BAR.

Last year's DC area Adopt-a-Crag events were supported by over 250 volunteers. For two days, climbers helped lay down over five tons of gravel, three tons of wood chips, and removed several thousand pounds of trash. Volunteers also helped to maintain several miles of trails and wilderness areas that are used by visitors and climbers alike throughout the year.

For more information about Access Fund as well as other Adopt-a-Crag events please visit ( www.accessfund.org/adopt ),

No experience is necessary, this your chance to help sustain our most precious resource as rock climbers -our local crag.

To volunteer please contact Mid-Atlantic Climbers at midatlanticclimbers@gmail.com for more information.

Dates and Locations:
Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Great Falls National Park, Great Falls, VA
Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Carderock Recreation Area, MD

Time: 9:00am-2:00pm, check-in at 8:30am

Timbering in Coopers Rock State Forest!

2009-07-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Division of Forestry has announced a public tour to review proposed timbering in Coopers Rock State Forest.

You can have input on this if you attend a public tour on Saturday, July 25th at 10am.

Meet in the Day Use Parking lot of Coopers Rock State Forest. This is the very first parking lot on the right. The tour will involve a one to two mile hike on trails, old roads and on uneven ground in the woods. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. If you have been to Coopers Rock in the past 3 or 4 months you have seen timbering.

This timbering was done for the purpose of clearing an electrical line pathway. There has been significant cutting for this project. Many times the gravel placed on the roads for this project was large and very difficult to travel by foot or bike. Some of the roads built for the purpose of getting to the timber were daylighted eliminating any tree canopy for shade. We don't want this kind of practice to continue in future timbering projects in the forest.

This public walk through is to review a plan for a true timbering project. Please come for a walk in the woods and have your presence felt and your voice heard by the Forest Service.

WHEN: Saturday, July 25th 10am

WHERE: Meet at the Day Use Parking Lot of Coopers Rock State Forest

QUESTIONS: Adventure's Edge 304.296.9007
MORE INFO: www.wvforestry.com

Please don't miss this opportunity to have an impact on the how the forest will be managed.
See you in the outdoors,
Jan Kiger
Adventure's Edge

Mid-Atlantic Climbers on Twitter

2009-05-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

For access alerts and Mid Atlantic Climber updates check out Mid-Atlantic Climbers on Twitter,

http://twitter.com/MAClimbers

Keep Smiling,

Ocean Eiler

Mid-Atlantic Climbers

Shenandoah ROCKFEST

2009-05-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

(April 18th and 19th, 2009) was a major success!

Thanks everyone for coming out and making it happen!

The numbers:

100+ volunteers participated and removed

2,375 lbs of trash collected (estimated) from

38 overlooks along Skyline Drive

11 volunteers, who after cleaning up trash all morning, helped carry out an injured hiker from near the waterfall on Rose River Loop

Mid-Atlantic Climbers, The Access Fund, and Shenandoah National Park would like to thank all our amazing Team Leaders and all our awesome Volunteers who came out and participated by picking up trash, directing traffic, cooking meals, and sorting recyclables.

We would also like to thank Steve Bair of the National Park Service for his advice, patience and permission and Wendy Cass for her presentation about the Rock Outcrop Management Plan and new Climbing Management Guidelines, and how these efforts affect the rock climbing community.

We have two Adopt-a-Crag events coming up this fall:

Great Falls National Park, VA ---- Sept. 5th, 2009

Carderock, MD --- Saturday, Sept. 26th, 2009

Send us an email at midatlanticclimbers@gmail.com if you'd like to be involved in the planning or participate as a Team Leader at either of these events!

Last, but not least, Mid Atlantic Climbers would also like to thank our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn't have been possible.

REI

Solid Rock Climbers for Christ

Spiroll Rope Protectors

Sport Rock