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I appreciate what the webers have done and have enjoyed climbing there in the past, and contributed accordingly. So... I dont want to sound like a dick head but i am simply inquiring.Why and How does the valley continue to grow if current expenses cant be met? Why not stop development? Theres stuff down there ive yet to get on and ive been going to the Red for 4 years. Safety is always at the top of my list, ask any of my partners, but i yet dont understand why the convenience of two way radios(along with a full aid station) should be maintained. The expansion of the parking lot only invites more visitors, so why do this if muir valley is already projecting that it cant meet the demands financially? Bridges? If im wanting to climb that bad, ill cross the creek come hell or high water. There is alot of cost that can be cut via luxury to the climber. Once again, thank you Weber's for allowing access to your property. But, (and im only speaking for a few local climbers) I would rather enjoy a minimalist Muir rather that a no Muir

I drop some cash in the box when I visit, but I am curious what type of cash it would take to secure the future of Muir indefinitely... I too recall $80k per year for just maintaining it. Not realistic to sustain that type of cash infusion. What is the long term plan for Muir?

And that I believe is the point of the article. Well, I hope that's the point. Future sustainable climbing management plan.

OK stix, I agree. Let’s be clear. Rick and I did NOT threaten to close Muir. We have put considerable personal resources and a lot of determination into KEEPING MUIR OPEN, and we intend to continue doing so.

I cannot control the different tones you are getting from different sources, because I did not write the Urban Climber Article. I do not know the author, and neither Rick nor I have to our knowledge ever spoken to anyone from Urban Climber.

Muir Valley is NOT in danger of closing in the foreseeable future. If climbers chose not to donate, we will take that as a lack of interest in having Muir Valley as a long term climbing resource.

Liz

i think that is an unfortunate interpretation

I understand your viewpoint, Ted, but what you are apparently unaware of, is that those emergency stations and bridges you decry saved the lives of two climbers last year, and limited the extent of the spinal chord injury of a third.

A small consideration in comparison, but parking improvements were decided upon, because we have had as many as 53 cars parking in our driveway when the parking lot was full--not just an inconvenient situation, but risky because our drive is narrow, with blind curves and steep drop-offs, and has a lot of climber pedestrian traffic.

L

Rick and Liz,
First of all, thanks for being awesome. Secondly, I really hope that something works out to help where you need it the most. I don't know what the answer is, but I appreciate
all you do, whether noticed or unnoticed. Thanks again.

Liz thank you so much for the clarification on the Urban Climber article and the foreseeable future of Muir!!

Today = Muir Valley Nature Preserve and Climbing Arena
Possible Future = Muir Valley Nature Preserve

Muir Valley Nature Preserve and Climbing Arena is a valuable recreational resource to Kentucky and the climbing world that is not in threat of closing.
The question is, will climbing continue to exist in Muir Valley? That answer is currently unknown and will rely on the actions of the climbing community.

As Liz stated in her earlier post, "Muir Valley is NOT in danger of closing in the foreseeable future. If climbers chose not to donate, we will take that as a lack of interest in having Muir Valley as a long term climbing resource."

Michelle

Thank you Michelle for making this clarification. Please allow me to elaborate on this important point.

There has been some confusion on this thread. The banner on the Muir Valley website and posted signs state: “Donations are needed to keep Muir Valley open” Substitute “PMRP” for “Muir Valley” and it is equally true. That does not necessarily translate, for either preserve, that it is in imminent danger of closing. Yes, perhaps down the road, if individual climbers don’t provide sufficient support in the form of donations, either place could close.

In fact, since their inception, neither the PMRP nor Muir Valley has met its acquisition, development, and operating expenses solely from donations from individual climbers. In both cases, there has been a shortfall— donations don’t meet expenses. The PMRP’s shortfall has been made up in large part by Dr. Matheny and a very substantial government (tax supported) monetary grant. Muir Valley’s shortfall has been made up by the Webers.

Liz and I would very much love to see Muir Valley open to climbing into perpetuity. We would not have put the money and work into Muir that we have over the past eight years, if that had not been our ultimate vision. However, it really isn’t up to us. We will only be around a few more years. After we’re out of the picture, if you climbers, as a group and individually, don’t think Muir is worth supporting 100%, then, regardless of the wishes of its current owners, it will not remain open. We will not throw Muir Valley away. If we are not convinced that there is enough interest and support among the climbing community to keep it going after our deaths, we will divert Muir to other uses and eliminate climbing here before we bow out, rather than sentence it to a downward spiral of neglect and failure.

I hope I’ve made it clear that whether or not your favorite climbing place remains open is up to YOU, the climbing community.

Rick Weber