Top 5 Ethics

[dustonian]

OK, I'll look for an extra. You will need to clear it with the Venturas first though. Maybe the RRGCC kiosk that no one looks at?

[climb2core]

Yeah.. that is why I was thinking up on a rafter or behind the counter... on a pizza cardboard (of course with permission)

[Josephine]

#1: don't call RRGCC volunteer manager bad-ass extraordinaire Josephine's posts "ghey"

LOL!!!

seriously though - not everyone knows what I do so maybe a bit more explanation is needed. Sometimes I tend to be too minimalist in my posting here.

The RRGCC was created to intercede on behalf of climbers to keep forest land open. Then, the RRGCC made the decision to purchase land with the idea "If we own it, they can't close it." In the past, paying for that property has been the primary focus and all our effort and energy has gone to this end - leaving little time for anything else. At the last RRGCC meeting we discussed the role of the RRGCC in educating climbers - not in how to climb, belay, bolt, hang (or not hang) gear etc. - but in how to behave in a responsible manner at the cliff so that cliff access is not jeopardized (a la Roadside). We will be needing more - MUCH MORE - in the way of volunteers over the winter months to accomplish this. But more on that later.

If we, as an organization, are going to attempt to educate "the masses," then we need to have some very clear areas of behavior to educate others on. I offered a list as a starting point of discussion. That may very well be the 5 points we use if there is no further discussion; however, I think a public discussion on this board may be beneficial. if it's not too "ghey"

So while the RRGCC has no opinion on "perma-draw" vs. "non-perma draw" (ALL gear - including bolts and hangers is abandoned gear and should be treated as such), the RRGCC is going to help to educate climbers - locals and non-locas - as to the proper etiquette of climbing outside.

Dustonian, I believe Katy is already going to be updating the Kiosk with new information - including some of the scary gear Team Suck has removed from various climbs. Your hard work is INCREDIBLE! We do need to mention something about not bailing off of glue ins! Although I'm not sure if there are any glue-in's in the bunch. PM me for her contact info if you don't have it.

[krampus]

Josi, I think you nailed the 5 most important, but they can be summed up in one simple quote from my late father....

"Don't be stupid, shithead"

[clif]

i'm not really up on climber's ethics as such. but the 'leave no trace' ethic is broad and, particularly for the Red, primarily a 'sport' climbing destination, just doesn't really apply except as sentimental/nostalgia.

maybe 'leave things as good or better than you found them' this would include your #1 and #3, (though spelling out the specifics is key), not creating a sprawling basecamp that forces a wider and deeper impact zone at the foot of walls...

GOOD LUCK

so, this leaves a basic 3 point plan
-Leave things better than you found them
-Be safe and educated
-Be a team player

[Josephine]

good points Clif

we can't be too broad or it does no good (I agree - Leave no Trace doesn't go far w/sport climbers.... yet!)
we can't be too narrow or it does no good either.


how about

Keys to Climbing in Red River Gorge

1. Waste
Pee/Poo away from cliffs. Pack out TP & bury your poo. Pack out what you bring in.
2. Area of Impact
Minimize the area of your belongings at the base of routes & do not damage vegetation.
3. Gear
No top roping through fixed gear - including perma draws, lowering biners, anchors. Do not lower off glue-ins.
4. Safety
You are responsible for your own safety - belay & climb responsibly. Seek qualified instruction.
5. Give Back
Volunteer or Donate to the organizations that maintain the land you climb on.

[KD]

don't do dumb things

[THB]

1. Waste
Pee/Poo away from cliffs. Pack out TP & bury your poo. Pack out what you bring in.

Whereas packing out your poo is a good idea (with a wag-bag), so long as it is buried deep enough in the rrg, then it's in an environment that should decompose of it fairly quickly. However, I do know of people that have stepped in human poo because it wasn't buried well enough or deep enough... And that's just disgusting. Also, I've seen feminine products in the woods... also pretty nasty. Ladies should be encouraged to pack that shit out!

On a side note, I stepped in someones dog shit as I was hiking out of the motherlode the other day... It was pretty irritating... This should be addressed in the top 5 ethics as well.

[Jeff]

Ok, you've been to the Red, now leave.

[ted]

I am sure you are a really good person and I know I shouldn't... but this post is well sort of ghey.

Hey c2c, have you ever got that feeling your at a party full of people, talking as loud as you can, trying to get attention/fit in, but yet, no ones paying attention?