Frequently Asked Questions about the Access Issues

acc1 Q: How important are access issues?
acc2 Q: What has the greatest influence on access to climbing areas?
acc3 Q: What is the number one thing I can do to influence access positively?
acc4 Q: Are there climbing organizations I can be involved with?
acc5 Q: What can I do locally or at my favorite crag?

acc1 Q: How important are access issues?

A: Access to climbing areas is an ongoing concern everywhere we climb. Whether on public or, private land, someone is responsible for allowing or disallowing use of the resource. Many areas previously climbed are now closed to public use for any variety of reasons. Through the organized actions of groups of climbers, some areas have been reopened and efforts continue to preserve and improve access to existing lands.

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acc2 Q: What has the greatest influence on access to climbing areas?

A: Perhaps the most significant influence on access to climbing lands is the impact the activity has on the land, the landowner, the land manager, and the perceptions of the public and government agencies towards climbing and climbers. Climbing activities typically occur in the most natural and wild areas of our parks, national forests, and preserves. Climber impact on these sensitive areas does not go unnoticed.

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acc3 Q: What is the number one thing I can do to influence access positively?

A: By far the most significant practice climbers can adopt to preserve access to climbing areas is a strong Leave No Trace ethic. Developed as a response to keep public access to lands without despoiling them, it is based on six principles:

• Plan Ahead - know of any special environmental concerns, regulations, or permits
• Camp and travel on durable surfaces - stay on and do not damage trails
• Pack it in; Pack it out - Be organized to insure nothing is left behind
• Properly dispose of that which cannot be packed out - learn proper techniques
• Leave what you find - let the next person enjoy what you enjoyed
• Avoid fires - fires cause permanent scars

To learn more read "Leave no trace : a guide to the new wilderness etiquette" by Annette McGivney. 1998. The Mountaineers, 1001 W Klickitat Way, Suite 201. Seattle, WA 98134 ISBN 0-89886-524-7

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acc4 Q: Are there climbing organizations I can be involved with?

A: Become active in one or more of the organizations devoted to preserving climbing access in the areas you climb. Your contributions of time and money help keep the areas you frequent open and maintain healthy relationships with the land managers involved. You also influence policy affecting climbing and have a voice in the future of the sport.

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acc5 Q: What can I do locally or at my favorite crag?

A: Participate in a trail day. Climber trail days occur throughout the year to help restore, maintain, and improve trails and facilities which climbers share use of. Demonstrate the commitment of climbers to the preservation of their sport and its environment.

2003 North Carolina Peregrine Falcon Climbing-Site Closures

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