Reducing the Impact: Brainstorming

[climb2core]

We need to reduce the impact on crags, some more than others. How do we do it? Please dedicate this thread ideas for solutions:

Basically it comes down to:
1.) Reducing visits at busy crags
2.) Reducing human impact at the crags. ie, trampling vegetation, digging dogs, trash, human waste, noise, soil erosion. Much of this can be accomplished through education, and infrastructure.

Just focus on the first one for now. How do we reduce/spread out traffic at the crags? Don't focus on what idea sucks. If you think it is a great idea, just highlight it and say +1

A few ideas that have (many previously mentioned) to reduce visits...
1.) New crag development with emphasis on moderate climbs.
2.) Parking Fees
3.) Permit system
4.) Closing busy crags on rotating basis
5.) Education: ie... see a full parking lot or crag, move on.

This thread is not about HOW to accomplish any of it yet or feasibility.. merely brainstorming on the best ways to reduce or spread out the masses. Most of the time I am just a smart ass on this site because most of the threads are just about a bunch of B.S. But this is something a little different... The Red is for all of us to either screw up or secure viability for generations to come.

[bcombs]

Step one would be to not fork off additional threads on the same topic that Andrew posted an hour ago.

[dustonian]

...most of the threads are just about a bunch of B.S. But this is something a little different...

BWAHAHAHAA! You're killing me man.

[climb2core]

Step one would be to not fork off additional threads on the same topic that Andrew posted an hour ago.

Not really, his OP dealt with Anatomy of a Crag. The intent appeared to be looking at what made a crag busy, not how to reduce visits. After my post, he clarified his intent and position. However, i had already started a new thread by then. The topic of his thread also appears to have little to do with brainstorming for a fix to reduce visits. I really don't care how or where it gets discussed... just thought that a title specific to the intent of the thread was appropriate. Stop the hating... we all are united by our desire to climb at the Red.

[Andrew]

Step one would be to not fork off additional threads on the same topic that Andrew posted an hour ago.

Not really, his OP dealt with Anatomy of a Crag. The intent appeared to be looking at what made a crag busy, not how to reduce visits. After my post, he clarified his intent and position. However, i had already started a new thread by then. The topic of his thread also appears to have little to do with brainstorming for a fix to reduce visits. I really don't care how or where it gets discussed... just thought that a title specific to the intent of the thread was appropriate. Stop the hating... we all are united by our desire to climb at the Red.

This post is the natural progression of mine, and its a good direction. I approve of this new topic.

[bcombs]

Stop the hating? OK, I'll play along.

The title of your thread is reducing impact, so let's stick to that.

1) Expansion
2) Reduction

It really is that simple. We either make more space / add to the existing space (i.e. bolt more routes at existing crags) or we close them. The problem with reduction is that it is only reduction for that area, but becomes expansion for another. So again, if the goal is not to create area wide closure, the answer is overall expansion.

Now, if you want to have a discussion on how to effectively support expansion, let's head over to the other thread, identify what makes a crag crowded - then figure out how to create more like it.

[dustonian]

Isn't this what c2c pontificated about all day yesterday? I want his "job."

[krampus]

it simply has to become not cool anymore. once we pay off the pmrp we should stop promoting the red all together. Talk about how cool it is in colorado and the gunks and such. Then, we thin out the current crowds by acting really weird and such by laughing awkward times and sketching people out with homoerotic humor, basically flood the crags with banana hammocks and lycra and they will stop showing up.... eventually, that or lycra will become cool again we'll have completed a full circle.

Or, we could rename all the easy crags and climbs with such condescending and silly names that people would feel self conscious about having climbed there, with no where for the weak sauce climbers to go without being labeled "weak sauce" they will have to stop coming because bragging is no longer an option.

[Jeff]

Bump every route down a number and the crowds will leave.

[Yasmeen]

I think Krampus and Jeff are onto something here. Krampus, I'd like to sign up for your Day of Awkward.