Mills Bouldering
Access Fund Index Page
McConnells Mill State Park,
Pennsylvania
Restoration, Conservation & Policy Proposal for Rock
Climbing
Copyright, 2000 The Access Fund
1999 was an interesting year at the Mill. It saw
its first real guidebook hit the bookshelves, scores of new
problems opened and, as many of you know, the closure of the
Projects area to climbing. It was also the first time that the
Park and the local climbing community began to meet and to
hopefully work towards addressing remediation of user impacts at
the Rim Road climbing area, the proposed reopening of the
Projects area, and a proposal to expand designated bouldering
areas.
A framework for working towards addressing these issues in what
is hopefully a win-win manner was presented to Park Management in
September by the Access Fund. This plan, interestingly enough, is
being viewed as an excellent model for working with local land
managers by The Access Fund and will be yet another resource in
the Regional Coordinator and climbing activist tool kit. The
first step of the plan has been completed. In November 1999, Jim
Angell completed an evaluation of the site conditions and is
currently working on the actual remediation plan and description
of the scope of work for the major soil compaction zones at Rim
Road. Jim, one of the foremost trail designers in the country,
has worked under contract for The Access Fund since 1990. under
his leadership the Access Fund has built and restored nearly 15
miles of climbing access trails valued at more then $350,000 at
35 different climbing areas around the country. These projects
were completed with strong volunteer support - nearly 25,000
hours of volunteer work supported these efforts.
The final restoration plan will presented to Park Management for
review and approval. Concurrent discussions regarding climbing
management policy will also be undertaken. A recommendation for
expanding the bouldering opportunities has been drafted to be
presented at that time. On February 19th the Access Fund Board
approved a $7,000 grant to fund the proposed restoration work at
the Rim Road climbing area. However, strong volunteer support
will be required to complete this project, which is tentatively
planned for fall 2000. If after reviewing the copy of the
Restoration, Conservation & Policy Proposal you would like to
comment or have any questions please email either myself at bobv512@zoominternet.net.
Likewise, we would invite you to share your thoughts on a
sensible proposal for expanding the permitted bouldering areas
outside of the current zones. This would also be a great way for
groups to let us know that they would be interested in helping
with the work when times are established.
Bob Value
Regional Coordinator, The Access Fund
Access Fund Restoration, Conservation & Policy
Proposal for Rock Climbing
Photographs |
Diagram 6 Typical Top Anchors at the Projects |
Diagram 7 Typical Top Anchors w/Webbing at Cliff Top |
Diagram 8 Typical Top Anchors w/Webbing at Cliff Top |
Diagram 9 Cliff Base Impacts Below The Beginners Face |
|
Bob Value Regional Coordinator bobv512@zoominternet.net |
Rick Thompson National Access & Acquisitions Director |
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Access Fund Restoration, Conservation & Policy Proposal for
Rock Climbing
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