Make the Gorge a better place

[Nit]

One of the most difficult realizations in life is that some problems have no good solutions. Having said that, I think that the problems we climbers have here have not reached that level--yet--but we're getting close. There have been some good suggestions. For instance, signage can be a good thing, but it has to be done by appealing to people's good nature...not by making them feel bad about themselves. It's tempting to think "Please Don't Litter" signs aren't working on highways--but they are, they're just not a total solution. Groups adopting sections of highways has improved things lots. Something like that combination should work well here, too.

The strongest way to get people to change is to help them realize that they are invested. And figuring out how to get us there is what I propose we do. Maybe an ad campaign, of sorts. Bumper stickers. Buttons. And other assorted ways of helping a group of people who are not predominately from this area realize that they are important stewards of it. There are a lot of businesses who profit from our presence. Would they be interested in giving discounts to climbers who've paid $25 for a card that shows their support of the area? That'd help pay for stickers, buttons, etc. Having those businesses prominently display signs showing they are active supporters would help us and them. Approaching climbers where they congregate and asking them to give a couple of hours the next day to help cleanup a crag should work. Lots of climbers don't realize they need to help, or they would. Call me an idealist--but I think most climbers are.

Rather than continuing to pollute this thread with my ideas, I'm hoping for your positive suggestions.

What buttons/bumper stickers would effectively give the right messages?
What signage would help people realize they are invested in the future of the Gorge, in a positive way?
What else can you think of that would help?

[EGRoy]

I think a few individuals 'adopting' a crag is probably the best idea that has been brought forth in any of the recent discussions. I'm all for it. Show me the sign up sheet.

[climb2core]

Adopt a crag idea is a good one...

This paper deals with how to motivate climbers to reduce impact...

http://digitalcommons.library.unlv.edu/ ... +impact%22

"The most important motivational factors to sport climbers are pushing
physical limits (a), being in a natural wilderness setting (i), and the quality of a route (g).
These motivational factors should be used in a message appeal at a sport climbing area."

[allah]

I think you just need someone at each cliff on patrol for the weekends with a 12 gauge and threaten eveyone that breaks any of the rules that we the climbing community come up with! #1 Rule Stand on that ledge you'll be pumped full of lead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TradMike]

Rule 4: Doubletap

[DriskellHR]

IF you come to the RRGCC meetings some of your ideas have been discussed and have been done already. The adopt a crag thing is 3 yrs old to my knowladge. The trail days at roadside and darkside were versions of this. Trail days done by climbers with the assistance from the RRGCC and in some cases the Access fund. All that is needed is to show up and say "hey I wanna help" Contact me (I just had a kid arrive in my life so please be patient for a response) if your are interested and where you would like to do a trail day and we can help make it happen.

there will be a meeting coming up soon, dates to be forthcoming.

Keep up the talk people. These are real problems that could change the face of climbing forever. We cant afford to let our crags be destroyed and taken away from us.

[captain static]

Thanks for the link Climb2Core.

Some of us who want to make RRG a better place will be learning about trail building this weekend. There are a few spots left. RSVP to RRO if you would like to attend.

Remember to sign up for the "Train the Trainer" day on National Trail Day, June 4th. This is your chance to not only help build the areas in which you play but to also learn how to design, build and repair trails at the highest standards of sustainability. Be a steward to your land. Lunch, after work "beverages" and literature will supplied. Only a few spots remaining. Please contact Matt Tackett