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Posted by Greg Hughes on

Hatchery Recap

Hatchery Recap

You are likely not expecting to see snow and ice, but now with summer upon us lets cool off with a recap of how Ascent NB prevented the permanent loss of access to The Hatchery, a high quality ice climbing crag in southern New Brunswick.

The Hatchery was discovered and developed last winter before its existence was revealed to the general climbing public. Nearly as soon as word got out, masses (relative for NB) of people started going there, and not all of them ice climbers.

Soon after that influx we lost our access to it. The approach trail is on private land and the owner decided to deny the public permission to pass through.  Without this access point, travel to the crag would become a one hour bushwhack - not exactly desirable.

Ascent NB immediately contacted the landowner to discuss the situation. Following several phone calls and meetings with the landowner we arrived at a temporary solution that allowed us to finish the season with access to the area. The call in procedure that was stipulated was a bit cumbersome but it permitted climbers to continue enjoying this excellent ice crag.

The owner has been quite happy with the respect shown by our community and is now willing to grant a permanent access agreement to ice climbers who are members of Ascent NB. The existing process will be streamlined; in the fall of 2014, Ascent will issue access passes for The Hatchery to be made visible through the windshield of vehicles parked near the approach trail. This pass will be issued to any member of Ascent New Brunswick who requests one.

If we continue to conduct ourselves in a respectful manner and be good stewards of the land we see this agreement remaining in place indefinitely.

Please support Ascent NB by purchasing a membership to ensure we are able to manage any such future access issues.

Posted by Greg Hughes on

Progress Update

Progress Update

Summer is nearly upon us and climbing season is in full swing if you can stand the bugs. Thankfully we're not belaying in the snow anymore!

Some of you will be wondering what Ascent New Brunswick has done for its members so far. Long story short, we are on the verge of securing the two most important land use agreements for climbing in this province.

Just last week, Ascent received confirmation of its insurance policy! Through member and partner support we have raised sufficient funds to purchase our first installment of insurance coverage. We are now ready to sign official agreements with landowners.

In early June, we submitted our formal proposal to CFB Gagetown. It must now go through several stages of approval. We do not know how long this process will take, but all indications are that we should have this agreement signed in the very near future.

At the same time, now with the insurance in place we are just awaiting JDI's final approval on our agreement with them.

Thanks again to our members, to UNB Rock and Ice, and to Precision Pilates for your support. This wouldn't be possible without you.

Stay tuned!

Posted by Greg Hughes on

Safety Alert – Updates

Safety Alert – Updates

Both recent Safety Alerts are now over thanks to the volunteer efforts of our community.

Some Enchanted Evening (Cochrane Lane)

Joe's Garage/L-Shape, probably the most popular area at Cochrane Lane, has had the hazardously hanging dead fall removed. Marty Thériault managed to safely dislodge the dead-hanging tree and trundle it from its high perch. It apparently gave Marty a good battle to actually dislodge it completely despite just "hanging there".

Dihelio (Sunnyside)

The loose fourth bolt on this very popular route has been replaced. It is impressive to see the effect of what must be dozens (or even hundreds at this point) of falls on this bolt over the years; the bolt would not come out with manual force, but was clearly jiggling within the hole. The new bolt is about 15cm up and left from the original, and is now on a vertical plane. This should prevent the same mechanics from loosening it in the future.

Have at it! - Adam

Posted by Greg Hughes on

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 Greg Hughes on

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 Greg Hughes 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.

Posted by Greg Hughes on

Who looks after this place?

Who looks after this place?

Over the years individuals and some groups have stepped up to help maintain our trail networks and to clean climbing routes of lichen and moss buildup. At Cochrane Lane in the 2000s, UNB Rock and Ice built the stairs below the sign-in box, and NBCC-St Andrew's' Outdoor Adventure Recreation group installed wooden walkways over some of the wetter sections of trail.

The past two autumns have seen the start of an annual Trail Maintenance Day at Cochrane Lane, organized by a ragtag crew of volunteers. Their work has all but eradicated the rain water runoff issues that have been eroding the approach trail. You can't miss the french drains and other structures built at these events. Starting this Fall, Trail Maintenance Day will be conducted under the umbrella of Ascent NB. In recent years, the day has been organized on the forum with the major projects determined through consensus. Ascent intends to continue this community-based decision-making.

Stewardship of the land isn't a once-a-year event though. It's making sure that every time we go out climbing we try and leave the crag in the same shape we found it, or if possible, better. It's packing out your garbage and doing your nasty stuff well off the trail. It's cleaning up old crusty tat left by other, it's knowing whether campfires are permitted by the landowner, and it's following local ethic and custom.Anders-Sunnyside9

So, who looks after this place?

We all do.

Stewardship of our cliffs and trails is a cornerstone of our climbing world. You can contribute and as member of Ascent NB, you're making the statement that you support these principles. Wherever possible, Ascent NB will use it's resources, time, and sweat to further stewardship projects at New Brunswick's crags.

Posted by Greg Hughes on

What’s the case for Ascent N.B.?

What’s the case for Ascent N.B.?

Why should we get organized?

Since the late 1960's climbers have developed walls, climbed first ascents, and enjoyed free and unrestricted access to the cliffs and ice-falls of this province. It's a history that is both rich and lucky. Lucky, because for most of that history we've climbed on land which we do not own, with little more than a polite nod from the landowner; or in many cases by falling under their radar altogether.

Times are changing.

Today there are more climbers than ever thanks to the hard work of local clubs Heather_AboutARope050712around the province. Since the early 2000's new crags and new ice have been discovered every year! Did you know that very little of the climbing we have is located on public land? Cochrane lane, Sunnyside, Parlee Brook, Mt. Douglas, Cedar Pt., the Hatchery, McQuirks, Mt. Misery, Greenlaw, etc. - all located on private land or land with controlled access. At any time we could loose our ability to climb at these beautiful spots if we don't have a voice. Accidents, environmental concerns, development pressures - any of these could potentially create access issues for our community in the future? A single, unified voice is most effective.

The best way to preserve access is to develop good relationships with those that control the land well in advance of a crisis. We are a responsible group but we must admit that our public image is confused with Hollywood's ideal of the "adrenaline-junkie". Ascent N.B. wants to work as a mature voice that represents all climbers with a single core interest - keep cliffs open. We are working with landowners to provide them the comfort and protection they need in order to make climbing secure for today... and for future generations. We need your help to make it happen!

If you support this vision, please consider joining us. Become a partnering organization or become an official member!

 

Posted by Greg Hughes on

Join Ascent New Brunswick

Join Ascent New Brunswick

This week Ascent NB is starting it's push for membership. Our aim is cliffs open for climbing. That should be something everyone can get behind. If you are a member of the local climbing community we're asking for your support by becoming an official member. You can purchase memberships via Paypal here, or in person from any Ascent NB exec member.

What we've been doing this winter to win your support:

  • We've organized. Since our kickoff public meetings last fall we've become a legal non-profit organization with a mission that is focused on access. We're set up online and at the bank and we're ready to roll.
  • We've engaged landowners. We've begun working with the folks who own the land that we climb on and the relationships are looking good. We're working towards long-term access-agreements with 2 major organizations that will see access to about 75% of the rock & ice routes in this province secured for everyone.
  • We've pulled through in a crux. When the popularity of the Hatchery exploded it created an issue. Access through the approach trail was closed and we were left without our new prize ice. Ascent N.B. built a good relationship with the landowner and quickly worked out a solution that got us climbing again.

Why we need you to join: 

  • It's time to show your support! When we work with organizations, companies, and other groups there is strength in numbers. We want to be representing most climbers in New Brunswick and we can't claim that unless you sign up. If you support our cause you should join our cause.
  • Freedom is never free. Liability insurance to protect the landowner is the key to winning 2 major access agreements in the near future. This costs money. There will be some other costs as well. We're working on a number of ways to keep the costs of membership as low as possible but your contribution will be an important part of the solution.

For students, an annual membership will cost about the same as a locker and for everyone else it will cost no more than a quick draw. That's a good investment. You can join us online today.

Let us know your questions. Email us, or comment below. Show your support. Share this with your climbing partners and get the word out. We'd like to hit 100 members in a month. Let's make it happen!

Thanks... the Ascent N.B. exec.