Climbing Controversy

Climbing ControversyBy: Michael Dembinski

Two SidesConservationists who believe climbing harms the rock and bans on climbing in areas should be in placeClimbers who believe that their freedom to climb is being imposed

Some climbing gear can harm the rock just by using it.

There is gear that is removable and can be more environmentally friendlyMore dangerous, requires more experience, more expensive

Dean potter climbed delicate archInfuriated the publicIt also upset climbers, because areas are now closed to climbers

Some climbers care tooAccess FundAdopt a crag

Why the Bans?Certain areas still closed to climbingPreserve visual integrity of the rock (tourism)Lack of experience in the climbing community

MediationPush the sale of environmentally friendly gearStandardized set of classes implementedClasses teach all major aspects of climbingStrong focus on being environmentally friendlyBegin to lift bans in areas except major national parksHopefullly they see a change in the climbing community

8Work CitedThuermer, Angus. Climber Potter, Patagonia agree to split the synchilla. Jackson Hole Newsand Guide (2007): n. pag. Web. May. 2012Green, Stewart. Use Colored Chalk to Leave No Trace. About.com Climbing: n. pag. Web. May.2012Armando. Trouble in Paradise. Cuba Climbing. N.p., February 23, 2012. Web. May 2012.Pesterfield, Heidi. Traditional Lead Climbing A Rock Climbers Guide to Taking the Sharp End ofthe Rope. Berkeley: Wilderness Press, 2007. PrintMission and Vision. Access Fund. Access Fund, 2009. Web. May 2012.