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Member Stories – In their own words – Part 2

Member Stories – In their own words – Part 2

The community is showing its support of Ascent New Brunswick by becoming members. Over the next weeks we will be sharing some of their reasons for joining in their own words.

If you haven't already, please support Ascent today by becoming a member.

 

PsyFerns_Sonia2

Sonia Wilson on Psychadelic Ferns, Greenlaw Mtn, Charlotte County.

Sonia Wilson

I joined Ascent NB because I think it's the most effective way to support the organization. Climbers have been finding, developing, and climbing New Brunswick cliffs  and boulders for decades, yet access to these areas cannot be taken for granted. I've climbed all over the continent, and I wouldn't swap our real gem, Cochrane Lane Cliffs, for any other crag. So, it's logical for us climbers to be organized and united to make sure we can keep climbing where we want to in New Brunswick. When access to a crag or boulderfield is threatened or cut off, I'm convinced that Ascent NB will consistently and proactively take steps to secure it.

Oh, and the T-shirt. I also joined for the cool T-shirt I was promised.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by ascentnb on

Another Partnership Announcement

Another Partnership Announcement

climbing teaserAscent NB is happy to announce a major donation from a local business run by longtime climber, Cara Hazelton! This brings us another step closer to achieving some of our major goals for the year including the insurance coverage we need to secure long-term access agreements with major landowners.

Cara's words:

"Climbing has brought my life great adventure, confidence, pleasure, satisfaction and friendships that will last a lifetime. Sharing climbing in New Brunswick with my children and friends is something I want to continue to do for years and years to come. Thank you Ascent NB for working hard to preserve and ensure access for what so many of us love."

Precision Pilates has been a supporter of the local climbing movement for some time. Through work with the UNB Rock & Ice Club and now with a generous cash donation to Ascent NB this business has truly given back to our community. Cara's even offered super popular movement classes designed for climbers! We owe her a big thanks today!

Posted by ascentnb on

Member Stories – In their own words – Part 1

Member Stories – In their own words – Part 1

The community is showing its support of Ascent New Brunswick by becoming members. Over the next weeks we will be sharing some of their reasons for joining in their own words.

If you haven't already, please support Ascent today by becoming a member.

 

pj_renodyhedro

Peter "PJ" Adamson

I've been climbing for 22 years all over North America, and every major climbing center that I climbed at had a governing organization in charge of protecting access, except for New Brunswick. That changed recently with the formation of Ascent NB.

Sooner or later there will be an access issue concerning the areas we like to play, and I believe that if we have a strong organization in place to handle such an issue we will be more likely to come out ahead.

It is for the above reasons that I support Ascent NB and its stated mission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by ascentnb on

Safety Alert – Joe’s Garage/L-Shape

Safety Alert – Joe’s Garage/L-Shape

There is a fallen tree hanging precariously at the start of Some Enchanted Evening. This route begins two pitches above where Joe's Garage and L-Shape join, at the top of Astroboy. This area is one of the most popular at Cochrane Lane Cliffs, so be careful if you are climbing in this area and inform others of the hazard if you see them climbing there. If the tree lets go it will likely land around the base of the popular route Waterwalk.

Thankfully, someone has volunteered to trundle the tree this week when traffic is low. Until you see an update here, assume the tree is still a hazard and act accordingly. Always wear a helmet at the crag and always be aware of your surroundings!

*** NB: Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport and those who pursue it must do so in full recognition of their personal assumption of risk. Ascent New Brunswick assumes absolutely no responsibility for ensuring climbing routes are in a safe or well-maintained state. Safety Alerts such as this one exist only to inform the climbing community that routes may contain extra dangers.
Remember that you alone are responsible for your safety so always inspect a route for hazards before attempting it.

Posted by ascentnb on

Safety Alert – Dihelio

Safety Alert – Dihelio

Yesterday, May 17th, Ascent received a report of a loose fourth bolt on Dihelio at Sunnyside. The hanger has been removed from this bolt and the route is temporarily out of commission until the bolt can be replaced.

For some time, the hanger on this bolt has needed periodic retightening. The angle of the bolt placement plus the angle of the falls taken on it has constantly loosened the nut retaining the hanger. Due to these factors, the bolt itself has become slightly loosened as well over time. Not surprisingly since it is the crux bolt and probably catches more falls than any other bolt at Sunnyside.

The rebolting will be done ASAP, but until this time please avoid climbing Dihelio. Looks like rain all week anyway so no one is likely no notice! Stay tuned for updates!

*** NB: Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport and those who pursue it must do so in full recognition of their personal assumption of risk. Ascent New Brunswick assumes absolutely no responsibility for ensuring climbing routes are in a safe or well-maintained state. Safety Alerts such as this one exist only to inform the climbing community that routes may contain extra dangers.
Remember that you alone are responsible for your safety so always inspect a route for hazards before attempting it.

Posted by ascentnb on

Major Partership Announcement!

Major Partership Announcement!

Ascent New Brunswick is extremely pleased to announce our first organizational partnership, with the UNB Rock and Ice Climbing Club!

UNBR&I has long stood as the face of the New Brunswick climbing world and its endorsement is incredibly important to the initial development of Ascent. A substantial donation was received this week and will stand as vital seed funding for Ascent.

There was a true catch 22 problem - we needed insurance in order to secure land agreements so we can attract members and help raise money to purchase the insurance... This cash donation breaks that cycle and now Ascent is finalizing the purchase of the insurance policy! The plan is to leverage this seed donation and develop Ascent to become self-sustaining.

The Ascent train is rolling. All aboard!!

Posted by ascentnb on

Access Alert – Peregrine Falcon Closure at Cochrane Lane

Access Alert – Peregrine Falcon Closure at Cochrane Lane

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPeregrine falcons have established a permanent territory in the Cheekbone Corner area of Cochrane Lane. The peregrine falcon is listed as an Endangered Species on the New Brunswick Species at Rick Act, and as "species of concern" on the federal Species at Risk Act. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has the mandate to protect the individuals and habitats of endangered species, and CFB Gagetown also intends to protect the "species of concern" that nests on federal land.  CFB Gagetown and NB DNR have established an annual no-trespass zone around the peregrine nest site in order to protect this rare species from disturbance during its breeding season.  This approach is consistent with other nearby jurisdictions (Maine, New Hampshire, Quebec) and is recognized as a successful technique to manage both peregrines and climbers.

 

An automatic annual restriction on all disturbances, including climbing, and will be in place between April 1 and August 1. Closed areas include: Burrough’s Wall to Amphitheater, and Cheekbone Corner to Pooh Corner. The closed areas will also be indicated on a map near the sign-in box.  Do not trespass within these areas. Range Control will be conducting random foot patrols, and DNR Welsford will also enforce protection.

The nest will be annually checked each spring to determine if the birds are present, not present or relocated, and appropriate management decisions and public notifications will be made. This approach ensures that the birds are protected from disturbance during the sensitive nesting time.  The birds will be monitored throughout the summer, and restrictions may be removed early if chicks are seen flying in July. Updates may be posted.

It is exciting to have peregrine falcons nesting in Welsford. Once the chicks fledge (leave the nest), the areas will be opened to climbing again. The chicks will fly around the valley, and climbers will be able to watch the parents tend the young. We as climbers must respect these birds and protect them. Do not violate the no-trespass zone, and if you see anyone in this zone, please act responsibly. Inform them that they are harassing an endangered species, and for them to leave the area. If they do not, please call DNR Welsford 486-6000 or DND 422-2000 (ext. 3121). For those who are curious about the nest, it is under an overhanging section of the cliff and not visible from above. There are no photo opportunities, so do not go looking.

Please recognize that climbers’ access to the cliffs of Welsford is a privilege granted by CFB Gagetown. If we violate any of the regulations, our access may be revoked. Please act responsibly. Individual actions affect us all. Thanks for your cooperation in respecting this closure for the protection of the falcons.