Access Update Article

Access seems to be a series of ups and downs these days. While a few new people have been getting involved in access allowing some more pro-active initiatives, we are still lacking advise from what would seem to be a fabled breed - the "free climbing" lawyer (see the Winter 2004 newsletter). No hunting permits have been issued yet though as we need a live specimen, not a trophy. On a more serious note, we still need help, or in lieu of help we may eventually have to find somehow to pay for advice.

A positive move by the section was to sponsor the recent Leading Edge 2004 conference. This is a conference on the Niagara Escarpment organised by the Niagara Escarpment Commission and drawing delegates from not only Ontario but from the US too. I attended on behalf of the ACC along with Paul Geddes, Susan Andrew, and John Levie and had a number of people make note of the fact we were a sponsor. I believe it raised the ACC profile and the conference enabled me to make a number of interesting contacts for the Access Committee. I would urge the section executive to seriously consider sponsoring the next Leading Edge conference too. Unfortunately it also served to highlight that the climbing community in southern Ontario will face increasing challenges as land managers form climbing management plans that will result in restrictions or closures.

In a pro-active attempt to improve the public image of climbers, this years Earth Day Event will be a little better publicized (see the poster in this newsletter). To encourage even more climbers to make a day of it we are working on a number of freebies including a free lunch, admission, and possible giveaways. One of the reasons for the expansion of the event is that Conservation Halton asked if we could provide help with trail work and tree planting. To allow us to better plan the event it would be of great help if people were to contact earthdayevent@yahoo.ca to confirm once they can commit to helping. Another way to support the Access Committee is to sign up to the Access Partners group at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/accesspartners/

As time goes on, this group will develop to keep every climber in contact with the Access Committee and circulate new information. I believe it will be needed in the not too distant future. We will also be passing along updates to the current closures in the Bruce Peninsula and Niagara region as and when developments occur.

The top anchor project at Rattlesnake is awaiting review by Conservation Halton's senior administration but we hope to have progress soon. The Access Committee will also be looking at replacement of ageing fixed anchors along the escarpment with the Bruce Peninsula being one of the first areas to be considered. There are a number of other projects and issues we are working on but overall we remain optimistic. A hard outlook to maintain in the face of increasing problems arising. In the future the Access Committee will need ever more help from climbers and this Earth Day is a good place to start if you haven't helped out in previous years.
Grant Parkin
Access Committee Chair