As we mentioned last month, Shenandoah National Park released an update to their Rock Outcrop Management Plan (ROMP). After reading through the document and working with other organizations including the Access Fund, the Mountaineering Section of the PATC, and the American Alpine Club, we feel the following points are the most relevant to climbers.
- The ROMP focuses heavily on climbing, despite the fact that other activities such as hiking draw far more people into the park and as a result, have far greater impact. To use an example from the ROMP itself, Old Rag is visited by an estimated 50,000 people annually, but the number of climber use-days for the entire park is estimated at only 500.
- Several areas are closed to climbing: Marys Rock, North Marshall, Hawksbills Summit, West Summit of Old Rag, and 35 meters north of the "chute" trail at Little Stony Man. While the ROMP does provide general information about impact and natural resources at risk, little detail is given on the types of impact in specific areas. There does not appear to be any definitive evidence cited that identifies climbing as a source of significant adverse impact within the park. More detailed information should be provided to further explain the need for restrictions.
- Given the fact that climbers make up only a small percentage of rock outcrop users, the park should consider the possibility that some climbing access could be allowed, even if other user groups are not. Park planners should consider ways to protect the natural resources without prohibiting access to climbing. Climbers have a rich history in Shenandoah National Park, and this history should be preserved as much as possible.
Mid Atlantic Climbers will be filing a letter jointly with the Access Fund voicing these concerns. However, we strongly urge you to file your own comment, as a climber and an individual, by the deadline, Saturday, January 12, 2013. No matter how brief, the more climbers that file comment the more our message is heard. Simply click the “Comment on Document” button at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=274&projectID=19298&documentID=50505.
If you have any questions or comments on this, or about filing your own comment, please feel free to contact us at midatlanticclimbers@gmail.com.
Showing posts with label Shenandoah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shenandoah. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Access Update: Dead Tree Wall and Summit Crag Rock Climbing Closures Lifted
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!
Friday, May 6, 2011
ROCKFEST Recap
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
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Shenandoah ROCKFEST
(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.
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.
Rock On!
-Chris Irwin
Mid Atlantic Climbers
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