Pocket Wall, will access ever be restored?

Post by KD » Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:52 am

Francis' article has a lot to say about everything except educating climbers about rare species so that we can help police ourselves and identify and protect them. The cavers who get access via protection through exploration, damage endangered species, fragile habitats, and geoligic formations - I know because I have caved for twenty plus years and have seen it. Imagine an unlit, untrodden virgin environmment undisturbed, until - exploration- then footprints, survey marks, scuffs etc. If cavers can get access to fragile ecosystems in order to understand them as a resource and protect them, then climbers could be an edcational resource for protection of whitehaired golderrod etc. I think that the cliffline surveys and inventories by climbers should speak loudly that climbers are not apt to remove plants, trees, etc. just to bolt a route.

Post by **Spragwa** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:13 am

Umm. If the legislators want to change this then it doesn't matter what Wilson Francis says.

Lurkist's point is well taken. The legislators are interested and a fantastic presentation was given. NOW is the time to 1) take the legislator climbing (he's allergic to poison ivy and we need to get him out before spring) 2) draft proposed legislation that overturns the ban and 3) shop for a sponsor and get it passed! This is soooo simple. If the opportunity for this year is missed. It can always happen next year. Passive waiting for someone to act won't help.

Post by **the lurkist** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:31 pm

Historically, Wilson Francis's position is (in my opinion), based on his background as a the biologist for the Natural Bridge State Park and his early aversion to the then "new" threat of climbing- bear in mind we are talking early 1990's. But more importantly his bias towards climbing stems from a personality clash that occured between a few loose cannon climbers in the early 1990's and one of Wilson Francis's friends, with whom Francis sided. Francis is human and has the potential to succumb to the foibles of ego and prejudiced judgement, just like anyone else. Unfortunately a relationship of understanding has never been established with Francis so that he might realize the real issues involved pertaining to how climbing might benefit the park without any meaningful harmful impact. But he has wedded himself to his position and can't back down now without a humiliating loss of face. If a diplomatic course was presented for him , I wonder if climbing access to PW might move a bit more smoothly and expeditioously.

Post by **Johnny** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:56 pm

I vote for Spragwa and Lurkist to head up the team!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:57 pm

the ex team?

Post by **tomdarch** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:33 pm

Sandy wrote:the ex team?

huh?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:13 pm

I get it, and that's all that matters

Post by **MiaRock** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:27 pm

why do both tomdarch and SCIN have the same rank of Ninja Warrior? their number of posts aren't even close...

Post by **the lurkist** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:39 pm

Somebody should do it. How about the RRGCC?

Post by **Spragwa** » Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:41 pm

Here here! Isn't that what our organization is here for? I'd be happy to assist anyone in getting legislation in the appropriate form but my time is limited and I wouldn't be up to carrying this torch. Esp. since lobbying would violate my ethical obligations.