Environmental Impact of Ice Climbing

[Dennis_the_Menace]

We are trying to get permission from a private landowner to climb in a small gorge (110') with a small waterfall at the end. It would be perfect for ice. In talking to the landowner, we settled every issue (liability, etc) except she thinks that the rock is too fragile. Now we know that climbing on the ice has little impact on the rock. Does anyone have a reliable and recognized source I can show her or quote concerning the lack of impact?

Thanks,Dennis

[Cpt.Caveman]

Will you be required to V thread? Also if not where do you descend from? Pitons in the rock bolts or sappling? Maybe she is just making a lame excuse to keep you away?

[David_Parker]

Contact the Access Fund in Boulder and ask them. I'm sure they can give you advice.

[Scott_J]

dave parker's suggestion is a good one. you could also try to contact the ice farm in Wisconsin. This guy is leasing land to farm ice on there. has drawn up contracts and such with the owners. they(the owners) could be contacted to get their statement.

[epb]

farm ice?

[Dru]

1) pile of slings at the bottom in spring time as abalakovs melt out (could agree to go in and pick them up) and/or2) soil disturbance at top near rap tree or whatever from crampons - could set designated rap and/or build trail on rock to minimize this and also minimize potential crampon damage to tree roots

and 3) climbers bodily wastes can be an issue if climb gets popular (this is a BIG issue on certain climbs at Lillooet, probably the biggest cause of local anxiety except for the "climbers stealing the dog" near Michelmoon Falls incident)

4) potentially climbers opening/closing gates and livestock escaping.

Luckily all these potential issues can be managed with some foresight and maybe by posting a message at or near the route explaining conditions under which access is granted and rules climbers should follow to avoid fucking the access up for others.

[ 12-03-2001: Message edited by: Dru ]