Power Struggle Over the Powerlinez
The author, Joseph Caravaglia, reports that: 'that climbers caught in the area will “be escorted off the premises by park police, although the area will remain available for hikers.” Signs and fences are scheduled to be placed throughout the property, and failure to adhere to the new mandate (repeat offenders) may face steep fines instead of steep faces.'
The Torne Valley Coalition of climbers met 1 Feb 11, to discuss the issue and made the following statement:
Climbing is currently prohibited in 95% of the Powerlinez. We are pursuing legal access and any unauthorized climbing will impact that effort in a negative way. We are definitely soliciting the support of the entire climbing community and welcome any contributions and suggestions you have. Finally, remember that many park officials will visit this site, and what is said will be read by them, and unfair characterizations may hurt our cause.
For what reasons is climbing prohibited?
ReplyDeleteLong long standing Palisades Interstate Park Commission regulations. The 'no climbing' clause is so old, no one remembers exactly why it was put into effect, but it was very much before modern climbing and climbing equipment. The land was just bought with PIPC funds, and now the regulations are already set.
ReplyDeleteAny updates with the access issue? I believe talks were in motion?
ReplyDeleteRight now, our lead contact is hounding Jim Hall because we're going on a month since submitting the pro-climbing proposal. Thanks for keeping tabs, the weather is absolutely getting beautiful to climb.
ReplyDeleteAny updates with the access issue? I believe talks were in motion?
ReplyDeleteI love climbing at Torne. Just learned about this now, having climbed numerous times there this year and wondering why nobody was around and some bolts were chopped!
ReplyDeleteWho are the key players to contact about getting our climbing freedoms back? Is bouldering still a gray area, as it has been most places in the park?
As a matter of fact, let me quote Gabe, a key member of the TVCC. (Torne Valley Climbers Coalition): "Great news! Meeting with the Palisade Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) today was tremendous. The path is being laid to open the area back up to climbing. That being said, lots of hurdles still with regards to the particulars...environmental impact...management plan...parking...etc. But very positive news coming out of the PIPC office."
ReplyDelete