elaine Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I've received a few e-mails and spoke with a few others in recent months about the Madrone. Those that I've spoke with have heard that the Madrone is "open" for climbing and that access has been restored. This could not be farther from the truth. We're all adults here. For those that choose to poach, you're taking your own chances. Below is my response to one of those people who have heard that it's open. One thing is for certain. When it's open, you will all know about it and there will be a huge party!!! Many of us on this forum take ownership of a local crag. Many of us have put hours of blood, sweat, and tears into an area. Joseph H and company at Beacon with the peregrines, Bill Coe who has tirelessly has helped me out at Rocky Butte over the years with all of the garbage, Kevin E and company at Ozone, lots of folks at Smith, many in Southern Oregon, and the list goes on for other folks with their Washigton crags.... Yes, Clackamas County is dragging their heels, and they enjoy making Keith and I jump through all kinds of bureaucratic hoops. It's complete bullshit, but we keep on moving forward and busting our asses so that one day, thousands of people (and not just a few) will have a great place and get to climb, hike, play with their kids, enjoy nature, etc. ----- The Madrone Wall has been posted "No Trespassing" since September of 1997. While there has been forward progress made with park creation and the completion of a parks master plan by the County, it still remains closed to public use ( ie, no access). Climbing, and other uses, without County permission, are discouraged and NOT supported by the Madrone Wall Preservation Committee ( MWPC). The MWPC has had times where we've been granted permission by Clackamas County for our Annual Wildflower Tour ( just held yesterday with almost 25 visitors), visits by various supporting conservation groups ( Native Plant Society, Three Rivers Land Conservancy), visits by the media ( many Oregonian articles), as well as our stewardship/ volunteer clean up events. Our first event was held in September of 2008 and our second will be held on May 16. We do have permission, support, and presence by the County to be out there for these clean ups. These clean ups are helping to "prime" the area for future clean up events, for the construction process, as well as a solid affirmation by our group to become a "Friends of" organization. Our work out there helps us and the County potentially be at the top of the list to receive grant money for park creation and capital improvements (construction costs), when granting organizations see a "Friends of" group attached to the request for donations or awards. Climbing, hiking, and unfortunately vandalism and other destructive activities, that are currently happening out there are not allowed. Many people continue to "poach" the site for a variety of uses. It is illegal and none of us are above the law. None of this helps the work that we are trying to do, and it continues to be a step backwards in regards to the forward progress that has been made. All of our updates are on www.savemadrone.org Please respect the County's wishes in regards to the closure, and do not trespass. Kellie Rice President, Madrone Wall Preservation Committee kellie.e.rice@gmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemp22 Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Thanks Kellie - after the wildflower tour, what's the assessment of the local poison oak? just wondering if I'll need a hazmat suit for the cleanup on the 16th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine Posted April 21, 2009 Author Share Posted April 21, 2009 Nice to see you out on your bike today! There is some poison oak up near the cliffs, but it's hard to find it down below in the meadow area. There are a TON of stinging nettles though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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