Article in Harper's/rrgcc

[Cliff Heindel]

I read an article in Harper's magazine yesterday (July issue) about the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky that, by my count, mentioned the impact of climbers on archaeological sites three times in cursory but generally negative light. While not a broadly read publication, and this piece in particular sub-par, I was curious to get some feedback from those closer to the local community about the legitimacy of the views expressed and if a response would be in order..

Thanks in advance for any input-

(I don't do facebook but will check in a the rrgcc site)[/i]

[anticlmber]

climbers have never destroyed any artifact, impacted(negatively) the woods by pooping, dog, trailblazing, trash, or such. climbers have also ALWAYS followed simple rules like driving slow where listed, not parking where we shouldn't, and being very gracious about the privileges extended to us.

i would burn this magazine to the ground. where do they get off??? maybe you can have some of the local land owners help in telling you what is so good about climbers. i'm sure it will all be puppy farts

[p0bray01]

In my experience, which is limited to about 5 years, the climbers I have shared a rope with and myself included tend to respect any archeological sites and do not climb on established closures. We also try and be sensitive to the environment around us and pick up trash etc packing everything out. I have had the opportunity many times to help maintain trails and build trails in other areas (namely in WV) but I know when choosing where to make a trail my party at least chose the line of least impact where there happened to be the least amount of flowering plants etc. Now, not to say there is not an impact that climbers bring to any outdoor area, but so do backpackers, hikers and joe blow who goes there for a picnic. I am honestly getting a bit tired of magazines pointing fingers exclusively at climbers. YES some climbers disobey rules etc but I don't believe we are the only participants who contribute to impact on environmental areas.

Sorry, just a bit of a rant!

[dipsi]

It's those rappellers!

[captain static]

I will pick up a copy of Harpers to see what the article says but it does not sound like what is said is based upon any current or direct information. Protection of archaeological sites in Red River Gorge is governed by a Memorandum of Agreement between the American Council on Historic Preservation, the Kentucky State Historic Preservation Office, and the Daniel Boone National Forest. The RRGCC has consulting party status to this agreement. All of the areas where sensitive resources conflict with climbing have been fenced off and closed. These closures are being respected by climbers.