Different and thought provoking Ranger/Climber

[billcoe]

This is an old story, but I didn't see it hashed out here yet. As much as I'd like to see this not head to spray....this is a challenging yet interesting issue. The rangers in the Black Canyon reset a permanent Tyrolean traverse. I find myself torn by wanting the authorities out of this game, to thinking it is a good thing. I suspect that I already know how Don will weigh in.

 

From Climbing magazine:

 

"Fixed tyrolean in the Black

By Scott Leonard

 

NPS Rangers, Mammut, and Climbing Magazine team up to make the Black Canyon of the Gunnison safer for climbers.

 

This May, Rangers at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park upgraded the Tyrolean traverse that spans the Gunnison River between the North and the South Chasm View walls. This important Tyrolean allows access to the south side from the Cruise Gully and has been an integral part of many link-up ascents, and saved countless climbers from being stranded on the south side of the canyon -- a two - hour drive from the North Rim Campground, the traditional staging area for ascents in the Black.

 

Identifying and executing this upgrade was a unique and hopefully groundbreaking process that involved the NPS, Climbing Magazine, and the climbing industry and community. Black Canyon of the Gunnison climbing Ranger Brent Mims describes the chain of events: “The concern with the Chasm Tyrolean was that the South Chasm Wall is seeing increased traffic and the Tyrolean, which was installed by unknown climbers, was in unsafe condition. These concerns were mentioned to Climbing Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Achey, who offered to use his connections within the climbing industry and community to assist with facilitating a solution.” Achey immediately contacted Jeff Cunningham, Marketing Director at Mammut, to solicit a spool of premium static line. Cunningham comments: “Mammut saw this as a great opportunity to benefit the climbing community and reinforce to the NPS that climbing companies are willing to work within their guidelines to keep climbers safe. The thanks here should really go to the Black Canyon Rangers for being progressive and understanding the safety needs of climbers.” Upon receipt of the static line at Climbing’s office, it was immediately dispatched to Mims. “Members of the climbing industry, coordinated by Jeff Achey, were extremely reliable when it came to acting on the offers they extended,” stated Mims. “I feel that this upgrade project is an excellent example of the climbing industry and community working with the NPS to address safety concerns in an efficient manner.”

 

link to full story

[Bug]

Cool.

Now we need one from Chair peak to the tooth.

[Bug]

I guess it is better than a road and consuming all that time and fuel but I shudder at the prospect of engineering feats popping up all over our NP's.

[JosephH]

Sounds like this one popped up on its own and would again if it fell into complete disrepair. Given it's going to be there anyway, and locals probably would have gotten around to it if it went down, sounds to me like not a bad opportunity to do something collaborative and constructive together with the rangers.