Development Fund Policy – Ascent NB

Ascent New Brunswick Diversity and Inclusion Policy (DRAFT) – Ascent NB

Ascent New Brunswick would like to thank all the volunteers who came out for our annual trail day on November 14.

Three good sized crews completed major objectives at Cochrane Lane. There is a now a discernible trail from the campsite on top of Exfoliated Wall all the way down to the bottom. The second crew revamped the approach trails to Dawn Wall including multiple points of entry in addition to a path connecting L Shape to Simpson. Finally, crew number 3 worked to improve the trail from Pooh Corner all the way over to Gollum's Cave. These improvements will allow for safer travel and greater efficiency in moving around between the different walls at Cochrane Lane.

Over the past month improvements have also been made to Glen Falls Crag. The approach trail from the ATV road to the cliff has been improved.  The base of the wall is now flat allowing for safer belay stances and a much more user friendly area to put on climbing shoes and rack up.  This year has seen use increase dramatically at all our major crags and our organization is committed to helping improve the climbing experience for our community.

We thank you for your support. 

It's time for a few updates!

1. As of tomorrow (August 1) the Peregrine closure is officially over and we can climb anywhere at Cochrane Lane. All walls will be open for climbing. Anyone who has been waiting to get on Weeping Wisker, Rockstar or Cheekbone Corner - your wait is over.
2. Welsford Rendezvous is happening September 12. This years event will be slightly scaled back due to Covid but we will have two comps (Sunnyside Throwdown and Cochrane Lane Classics), prize giveaways and our usual campfire social in the pit. The event will be free of charge but only members of Ascent New Brunswick are eligible to attend. We will make tickets available through eventbrite soon and we will be making another post with more details about the event within the the next two weeks.
3. AGM - this will take place September 12 at 9 am. in the gravel pit at Cochrane Lane. So far the agenda looks very light but we do need to have elections for both the Executive and Board of Directors during that time as well.
4. Call for Nominations - in conjunction with our upcoming elections we now call for nominations for any position on the executive and board. You can nominate any member including yourself. Please email nominations to ascentnb@gmail.com

This plan will focus on the following 5 core areas:

Access

Maintain existing access agreements. Streamline the access agreement renewal process with CFB Gagetown. Foster good relations with all landowners with whom we have agreements. Act on behalf of the New Brunswick climbing community to secure new access agreements to rock and ice climbing areas.

Promote Responsible Climbing Practices

Provide announcements concerning peregrine falcon closures and other closures. Promote Crag Stewardship Plan.

Community and Member Development

Welsford Rendezvous, Anchor Replacement, Route Development, Trail Maintenance Days, announcements on NB Climbing Facebook page.

Crag Stewardship

Promote low impact practices.  Educate the membership on the Ascent New Brunswick Crag Stewardship Policy and LNT Principles.

Community Outreach 

Ascent New Brunswick will continue to partner with authorized groups and clubs providing special access agreements, climbing instruction and climbing equipment rentals. Examples include: GTFO, UNB Rock and Ice, Moncton Womens’ Climbing Club.

As many of our members are aware the annual membership renewal process is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2020. In light of the Covid 19 situation the executive has decided to extend all current memberships to the end of April. We will accept new memberships starting April 1 but you will have until the end of the month to renew. Membership rates are $40 for adults and $20 for students. We are also launching a new online waiver system and we need all members to complete this form even if you have already submitted a waiver in the past either online or in hard-copy format. This online waiver is scheduled to go live on our website on April 1.

These are difficult times and climbing may not be in the forefront of your mind right now but our organization is still required to pay insurance premiums and fees associated with our access agreements. We need your support. We certainly understand if you can't continue to be a member due to financial reasons but we hope that you will. Ascent New Brunswick has worked hard over the past several years to create access agreements with land owners in crucial climbing areas for both rock and ice. We hope that you can continue to support our organization so that access will be preserved into the future.

Hey folks. Be advised that all climbing areas on CFB Gagetown land are closed to the public. Please do not hike or climb at Cochrane Lane Cliffs, Mount Douglas (East Face, Les Dalles and Mount Doug Boulders), Sunnyside Crag or Bald Peak. This closure has been in effect since March 9 and will continue indefinitely. It is in response to the Covid 19 crisis and we should assume that it will likely be in effect for the foreseeable future. Ascent New Brunswick will inform all members when the affected areas are open again. Please be respectful of the closure. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.