LATEST MALEMUTE ACCESS NEWS

[Dru]

For those who don't get the CASBC newsletter: the following info was written by Anders Ourom.

April 2002

LOWER MALEMUTE – VOLUNTARY CLOSUREThere has been much work on this over the last few months. We are about to submit a detailed Action Plan for Access to the lower Malemute. We don’t know how long B.C. Rail will take to consider our proposal, what its response will be, whether further discussion will be needed, or how long it may take to implement any agreement. With the arrival of spring, we know that climbers are anxious to get on the lower Malemute. For now, though, we ask that climbers be patient, and not climb there until there is clear information that it is permitted. Anyone climbing at the lower Malemute in the interim may jeopardize access for everyone – if you see or hear of anyone climbing there, remind them that they shouldn’t be, and why. Information signs posted by CASBC and the SRA at lower Malemute access points have sometimes disappeared – let us know if they need replacing.

In late December, CASBC and the Squamish Rockclimbers presented a draft plan to B.C. Rail, which showed the location of the tracks, the cliffs, and various climbs. It proposed zoning the cliff by proximity of climbs to the tracks, and by use. This was reviewed by management at B.C. Rail, and in February all parties had a rail tour of the area, and much discussion. B.C. Rail did not rule out climbing at the lower Malemute, and encouraged us to provide a more detailed proposal. John Howe and Kevin McLane have since worked to prepare a plan (pictures, map, signs, etc… , which should soon be sent. We apologize that it has taken longer than foreseen. We also thank Tom Winters, Andy Thom, and other B.C. Rail personnel for their help – Kevin, John, and Neil Bennett have been to the lower Malemute several times for picture-taking and measurements, accompanied by B.C. Rail staff.

We cannot predict what the results of all this will be. Certainly if our proposal, or something similar, is accepted it will take some time, and significant work and resources, to implement. Signs, new trails, some barriers, fill, and perhaps ladders will cost a fair bit. Not to mention labour. Likely not less than $10,000, and perhaps significantly more. We have put some thought into fundraising, and also into our strategy if we cannot develop a plan which is acceptable to both B.C. Rail and climbers. CASBC has committed $4,000 of its capital to the project. We may send a special fund-raising mailing to members and supporters, requesting donations and publicity. (Details TBA, but an associated group should be able to issue tax receipts for donations.) There will likely be special events – slide shows, speakers, bake sales, climb-a-thons, raffles – to raise awareness and money. We’ll apply to all likely corporate donors, but to implement at least a partial solution, may need to quickly borrow some money. However, we thought we’d hold off on the fund-raising until we knew what, if anything, we needed.

[erik]

I'LL PARTICPATE AND help out in anyway to keep this awesome cliff from being closed...!!!!

just let me know!!!

and good work to everyone who is putting in soo much effort to benefit all climbers....cheers!!!!

and i'll buy the beer next time im up there.....

[NoBolt]

Excellent News! I'm willing to help/contribute. Thanks for the update.