Climbing News

New funds flow from the Gunks Climbers' Coalition

In early 2005, the Gunks Climbers' Coalition (GCC) contributed an additional $1,000 to support the Preserve's climbing rescue program. These funds will be used for staff training and rescue equipment purchases.

Reputed to be the best trained in the northeast, the Preserve's vertical rescue team responds to 20-45 climber accidents annually, at a direct cost to the Preserve of up to $15,000 per year. (This figure excludes the additional, annual, liability insurance cost of $55,000 for recreational uses on the Preserve.) The Preserve relies on the support of its visitors and members to cover these costs, which are not underwritten by federal, state, or local government funding.

Support from groups like the GCC helps close the gap. The GCC's recent contribution follows on the heels of their 2004 gift that enabled the Preserve to purchase a titanium rescue litter. The success of that fund drive inspired the GCC to make this an ongoing appeal to its members to support climber-serving agencies in the Gunks.

In 2005, the GCC matched their gift to the Preserve with another $1,000 to the Gardiner Rescue Squad for assisting with several dangerous, difficult extrications of injured climbers.

The GCC is an advocacy group dedicated to maintaining opportunities for responsible climbing along the Shawangunk Ridge. To contribute to the climbing rescue program or to get involved, visit the GCC web site at www.gunksclimbers.org.

Rock and Snow Donates Rescue Litter

In early 2005, New Paltz climbing shop Rock & Snow generously donated a titanium rescue litter to the Mohonk Preserve.
Owner Rich Gottlieb stated, "Usually I support the Preserve's general operating needs because I trust the Preserve will always take care of what is most urgent or important for the land; but in the case of the new titanium litter, I felt that it would be useful to buy a piece of gear that could be helpful for all climbers, but that is probably not something that they would have in their packs.  Plus I like the headline, 'Rock and Snow Litters the Gunks.' "

The titanium litter is very light and durable.  It will save precious moments during transport of injured Preserve visitors.

New Rappel Routes in the Trapps

The Preserve's Anchor Subcommittee has established seven top-to-bottom rappel routes on the busy Trapps Cliff.  Specific information on these rappels, including diagrams, is incorporated into the new Trapps climbing guidebook by Dick Williams, Shawangunk Rock Climbs: the Trapps.

...AND MORE

Want to know more about climbing in the Gunks?

Check these out:

• UIAA recognizes the Preserve’s Climbing Management Program:

  In 2002, the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) invited the Preserve to make a presentation about their model climbing management program at their Access and Conservation Symposium.  Read the article ( 415KB) on the Preserve that appeared in World, the UIAA journal.

  
  Please note: While this article states that the Preserve "maintains" fixed anchors on the cliffs, this is not the case. As per its Climbing Instruction Policy, the Preserve disclaims all responsibility for the safety of any bolts and pitons that may be found in place anywhere on the cliffs of the Mohonk Preserve.