Driving to work today I was debating whether I should phone or email Matt (Perkins) to encourage him not to bring this matter up on this website. For whatever reason most discussions here dissolve into “bitchfests” complete with gratuitous insults. They move off course and absent the immediacy of a face to face encounter there are few controls to correct a misstatement or a misinterpretation, so they remain that way. Then I decided I should go ahead and risk a post here.
Several friends and myself wrote a pamphlet that successfully raised funds for amongst other things “crag maintenance.’ Additional contributions from several manufacturers and local retailers have enabled us to leverage these funds. Contributions have been made to bolt replacement efforts at Darrington, Index, and Squamish. Funds were also donated to help create rap stations at Vantage. These rap stations were placed in an effort to reduce erosion after discussion with the DOW. An offer was made to one of the main developers of Si/38 so that the funky “chain hangers” could be replaced. Our modus operandi has been to act as a clearing house of funds/equipment and let active locals take charge with the general assumption that bolts are to used as replacements only. Several posters here have been participating in this activity. Funds have also been used to buy refreshments at several cleaning projects. Additionally several other issues have been addressed. Our original goal was to try to expand outside our original group and try to get a broad group of “Cascade Climbers” involved. Unfortunately we have been slow in doing this and as a result have not been nearly as effective as if we had.
It should be relatively easy to create a positive relationship with land managers, other recreational users and fellow climbers. Some but certainly not all relationships need to be coordinated with land managers but these relationships will also remove the need for many controls. Boulder is a sad example of control resulting from climbers unable to act responsibly. It wasn’t too long ago that fist fights were taking place and cars were being wrecked over bolting issues in Eldorado Canyon. The debates on this site inspire the same level of confrontation. If the same energy was devoted to eliminating the Forest Service Parking Fee program, I bet it would be gone. The synergy from a friendly group of collaborators could be remarkable. Let’s get together and talk about issues, concerns, and opportunities. I’d be happy to buy pizza or a pitcher or two. If you’re interested send me a PM.
Darryl