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Preamble
Below is Ascent NB’s 2024 Annual Report. To avoid interminable presentations around the fire during the AGM, below are the Ascent NB 2024 AGM updates. Some will be discussed on September 14th and others will be limited to this written update.
A huge thanks to Backtrails Radical Edge, River and Trail, Fredericton Bouldering Co-op, Graystone Brewing and Fitrocks for their contributions to the 2024 Ascent NB AGM.

1. Membership

• At the time of “print”, there are 215 Ascent NB members registered this year. The yearly registration is from April 1 to March 31.
• As a reminder, children under the age of 16 don’t need a membership if climbing with their parent/guardian and their parent/guardian has a membership.

2. Election

• This year the following positions were up for re-election:
  • Exec – Vice-President - held by Philippe Labbé;
  • Exec – Secretary - held by Alexandre Caouette;
  • Board – Director - held by Joe Kennedy;
  • Board – Director - held by Shawn Bethune; and
  • Board – Director - held by Sophia Konermann.
• The AGM notice was sent on August 7th seeking candidatures. This notice set out the deadline for the submissions of candidature;
• All incumbents except Joe Kennedy (Board) reoffered. Thank you for your hard work since 2013, Joe!
• Céleste Gaudet of the Fredericton region submitted her candidacy. She is acclaimed and will be taking Joe Kennedy’s seat on the Board. Welcome Céleste!
• As such, all other individuals above are acclaimed and their respective mandates are renewed for 2 years.

3. Resignation

• Luke Perrin has resigned his position on the Executive as the Crag Stewardship Coordinator. The Executive will appoint a replacement to finish the 1-year left on his mandate. Stay tuned!

4. Access

• Access remains unchanged at most areas and is generally very good;
• Make sure to call in when climbing at one of the Welsford crags (Cochrane Lane, Sunnyside, Mount Douglas and Bald Peak).

5. Development

• Since last year’s AGM, many first ascents have been established;
• The hardware on those routes adds up. Developers in addition to devoting their time, energy and effort should not also incur a financial hit when putting these up for the community. As such, please consider contributing by sending a donation via Etransfer to ascentnbdevelopmentfund@gmail.com

6. Icefest 2024

• Icefest was held at the Hatchery of Parlee Brook in February. Many new and old faces were seen and the event gave a chance to entry-level climbers to try ice for the first time.
• Experienced climbers also benefited from the event by receiving wonderful advice from experienced Québec ice climbers Stas Beskin and Caroline Ouellette.
• The evening was topped off with a slideshow presentation and a nice outdoor fire.
• This will likely become an annual event.

7. Red Rock Rendezvous

• The Red Rock Rendezvous was held at Red Rock Mountain in April.
• This event provided approximately 50 climbers with an opportunity to try outdoor climbing in a safe space.
• Plans are to make this even an annual event.

8. JEDI

• This policy is one of Ascent’s foundational documents. As such, we are constantly seeking to improve it.
• Any feedback is appreciated. There is a Climber’s feedback form that can be found pinned in Ascent NB’s Facebook page

9. Adopt-A-Crag

• In 2024, Ascent created an “Adopt-A-crag” program similar to the “Adopt-AHighway” programs found throughout North America.
• The purpose of the program is to help keep our climbing areas in good condition. In order to do that we need help from members of our climbing community.
• Our goal is to have at least one person assigned to each of the crags on the list below.
• At this time, not every crag has been adopted. Also, Cochrane Lane needs at least 3 volunteers. If you want to adopt a crag or for more information, please send us an email: ascentnb@gmail.com.
• List of duties include the following:
  • Removal of trash;
  • Reporting or fixing hardware concerns, (loose, or rusty bolts, anchors in need of replacement, etc.); 
  • Maintaining trails (trimming branches, moving dead trees off the trail);
  • Cleaning established climbing routes.
• The crags and their sponsors so far:
  • Greenlaw - Todd Watts
  • Greenhead Cove - Henry and Stacie Yates
  • Hampton - Greg Hughes
  • Sunnyside - Dom Caron
  • Cochrane Lane - Greg Hughes,
  • Mcquirks -
  • Utopia - Will Groom
  • Red Rock Mountain -
  • Cedar Point -
  • Glen Falls - Brett Langis
  • Mount Douglas -
  • Bear Mountain -
  • Eagle Rock –
• As a reminder, every climber must keep crags clean. Make sure to pack out everything you packed in. Together we can keep NB crags clean and free of trash!

10. Annual General Meeting Agenda
Prior to beginning the annual general meeting, Ascent NB Board Members will run through the procedure and parameters of the meeting.

• Call meeting to order
• Land acknowledgement
• Recording of attendance
• Approval of minutes (date of last AGM minutes)
• Approval of the agenda
• President’s update
• Business matters
• Appointment of Ascent NB Board of Director and Executive positions
• Approval of 2024 Annual Report
• Finance Report
• Other business
• Adjournment

Ascent New Brunswick is launching the Adopt Crag program. The purpose of the program is to help keep our climbing areas in good condition. In order to do that we need help from members of our climbing community. Our goal is to have at least one person assigned to each of the crags on the list below. Volunteers will carry out a list of duties. See below for the list. Larger crags like Cochrane Lane will need several people. If you would like to give back to the community and help in our efforts to maintain our climbing areas in good condition, please consider joining in this effort.

For more information or to sign up send us an email indicating which crag you would like to be a steward for. 

List of crags:

1. Cochrane Lane
2. Sunnyside
3. Eagle Rock
4. Bear Mountain
5. Mount Douglas
6. Cedar Point
7. Greenhead Cove
8. Glenfalls
9. Red rock Mountain
10. McQuirks Mountain
11. Utopia
12. Greenlaw 
13. Hampton
14. Chickahominy

List of duties:

1. removal of trash
2. Hardware concerns, (loose, or rusty bolts, anchors in need of replacement, etc.)
3.  Maintaining trails (trimming branches, moving dead trees off the trail). 
4. Cleaning established climbing routes. 
5. Suggestions for improvements  

We are now into the 2024 membership season and it is time to renew your Ascent NB membership (or join for the first time)! We are currently accepting memberships for the 2024 season (April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025).

To complete this process click on the link below and follow the steps described on that page:

Membership – Ascent NB

All existing memberships will expire as of March 31, 2024. Join now to ensure you're ready to go as soon as that first warm, sunny day arrives! Members that renewed their memberships recently will retain their good standing. Memberships are typically processed by Thursday evening each week.

Membership rates are $40 for adults and $20 for students.

We remind all members that the Peregrine Falcon closure at Cochrane Lane is in effect as usual, and no climbing is allowed between Gollum's Cave and Pooh Corner from April 1 to August 1. Reindeer Land is fair game, as is Waterfall Layback, but not in between.

Remember, being a member of Ascent New Brunswick comes with its rewards, such as:

• special access privilege to CFB Gagetown cliffs all year-round,
• access to events like the Red Rock Rendezvous on April 29th or the Welsford Rendezous in September,
• the knowledge that you're supporting an organization that maintains access to climbing areas in New Brunswick as its focus.
• access to climbing areas in New Brunswick like McQuirks, Kingston, Parlee Brook, the Hatchery and Glebe Road Ice Crags

This year there will be two positions up for election on the Ascent Board of Directors and three on the Executive. Nominations for these positions must be submitted 14 days prior to the election. The nominees will be communicated to the membership prior to the AGM. Voting will take place at the AGM using a paper ballot. Anyone wishing to vote who cannot attend the AGM can do so via email

Timeline

August 18 - Deadline for nomination and submissions.
September 9, 2023 - Voting takes place during AGM (Welsford Rendezvous).

Descriptions of positions

Board of Directors (2): 
These are at large positions with no specific duties or responsibilities listed.
Typically, board members offer council on big picture matters and decisions usually concerning Ascent Policies and Procedures. Board members often sit on committees designed to formulate policy. These are two year term commitments.
These seats are currently held by Dom Caron and Phil Ouellette. In order to run for one of these positions candidates must have 5 years of outdoor climbing experience.

Executive (3):
President (Greg Hughes) - the President's primary responsibility is to manage access issues including concerns and agreements. Other duties include policy development and vision. This is a two-year term. Candidates for this position must have held a previous position with Ascent New Brunswick either on the Board of Directors or Executive.
Treasurer (Mike Delaney) - the primary responsibility is to manage the financial matters for Ascent. This includes deposits and expenditures and accurate record keeping of the books.
Crag Stewardship Coordinator (Luke Perrin) - this position is designed to help address issues with crags that are of an environmental nature. Everything from making signs at crags to coordinating removal of trash to organizing trail days.

Submissions

All positions listed above are open for nominations.

Note that the incumbents have indicated that they will be reoffering.
To apply, please submit your candidature to ascentnb@gmail.com (subject: Ascent NB < position > candidature) with a small paragraph about yourself and why you are applying; To be shared with the membership.

We are now into the 2023 membership season and it is time to renew your Ascent NB membership (or join for the first time)! We are currently accepting memberships for the 2023 season (April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024).

To complete this process click on the link below and follow the steps described on that page:

Membership – Ascent NB

All existing memberships will expire as of March 31, 2023. Join now to ensure you're ready to go as soon as that first warm, sunny day arrives! Members that renewed their memberships recently will retain their good standing.

Membership rates are $40 for adults and $20 for students.

We remind all members that the Peregrine Falcon closure at Cochrane Lane is in effect as usual, and no climbing is allowed between Gollum's Cave and Pooh Corner from April 1 to August 1. Reindeer Land is fair game, as is Waterfall Layback, but not in between.

Remember, being a member of Ascent New Brunswick comes with its rewards, such as:

• special access privilege to CFB Gagetown cliffs all year-round,
• access to events like the Red Rock Rendezvous on April 29th or the Welsford Rendezous in September,
• the knowledge that you're supporting an organization that maintains access to climbing areas in New Brunswick as its focus.
• access to climbing areas in New Brunswick like McQuirks, Kingston, Parlee Brook, the Hatchery and Glebe Road Ice Crags

Ascent New Brunswick does not approve of any unilateral bolt chopping on any route by anyone other than the first ascentionist.

If someone does not like a bolt on a route, they should consult the FA and engage in dialogue in an effort to bring a satisfactory resolution to the matter. If the two individuals can not come to an agreement the general climbing community can then become involved and help determine a solution.

No one has the right to chop bolts on someone else's route! There is a long standing trad climbing ethic of no bolts next to cracks at our most prominent crag Cochrane Lane. This ethic has been extended to Eagle Rock and McQuirks Mountain as both of these cliffs have an abundance of high quality rock with cracks present providing ample protection. This is not to say that bolts are prohibited. There are bolted sport routes scattered all over Cochrane Lane. Leviathan, Tit For Tat, Bone Machine and Hitchiker are a few examples of high quality classic sport lines at CL. These two different styles of climbing can coexist at any crag, in fact it is something that we should strive for as it directly exposes sport climbers to the possibilities of trad and hopefully inspires them to pursue that style when they are ready.

All of our crags should be like this. The possibility of mixed and sport lines at predominantly trad areas should not be precluded if the opportunity exists.

The results to a survey on the climbing community in New Brunswick, conducted in June 2022 have been published. This survey includes 20 questions designed to collect demographic information, assess current climbing activity, and assess the needs of the climbing community in NB. This information will be used to enhance the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) efforts and to gather input from the climbing community on the development of a Provincial Sports Organization (PSO).

For more information and to view the results click HERE or access the page via the drop-down menu under Links.

This year there will be three positions up for election on the Ascent Board of Directors and two on the Executive. Nominations for these positions must be submitted 30 days prior to the election. Voting will take place in two ways: online via email and in person at the AGM using a paper ballot. Online voting will be in the form of an advance poll closing at least two days prior to the AGM. Having this format will allow those not able to attend the AGM the opportunity to vote!

Timeline:

August 10 - Deadline for nominations

August 15 - Candidates will send out messages on social media outlining platforms and bios.

September 7, 8 - Advance Poll

September 10, 2022 - AGM

Descriptions of the positions: 

Board of Directors - these are at large positions with no specific duties or responsibilities listed.

Typically, board members offer council on big picture matters and decisions usually concerning Ascent Policies and Procedures. Board members often sit on committees designed to formulate policy. These are two year term commitments. These seats are currently held by Steve Adamson, Joe Kennedy and Shawn Bethune. In order to run for one of these positions candidates must have 5 years of outdoor climbing experience.

Vice President - the VP's primary responsibility is to manage the membership database and communicate with CFB Gagetown concerning the list. Other duties include social media and website posts. This is a two-year term. This position is currently held by Jon Adamson. Candidates for this position must have two years of climbing experience, one of which must be outdoors.

Secretary - the primary responsibility is to record minutes of all Ascent Meetings along with sending out meeting invites. This is a two-year term and is currently held by Philippe Labbe. Candidates for this position must have two years of climbing experience, one of which must be outdoors.

A reminder that the Peregrine Falcon closure at Cochrane Lane is in effect annually and no climbing is allowed between Gollum's Cave and Pooh Corner from April 1 to August 1. Reindeer Land is fair game, as is Waterfall Layback, but not in between.

Peregrine Falcon Closure – Ascent NB

We are nearly into the 2022 membership season and it is time to renew your Ascent NB membership (or join for the first time)! We are currently accepting memberships for the 2022 season (April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023).

To complete this process click on the link below and follow the steps described on that page:

Membership – Ascent NB

All existing memberships will expire as of March 31, 2022. Join early to ensure you're ready to go as soon as that first warm, sunny day arrives!

Membership rates are $40 for adults and $20 for students.

We remind all members that the Peregrine Falcon closure at Cochrane Lane is in effect as usual, and no climbing is allowed between Gollum's Cave and Pooh Corner from April 1 to August 1. Reindeer Land is fair game, as is Waterfall Layback, but not in between.

Remember, being a member of Ascent New Brunswick comes with its rewards, such as:

• special access privilege to CFB Gagetown cliffs all year-round,
• access to events like the Welsford Rendezous in September,
• the knowledge that you're supporting an organization that maintains access to climbing areas in New Brunswick as its focus.
• access to climbing areas in New Brunswick like McQuirks, Kingston, Parlee Brook, the Hatchery and Glebe Road Ice Crags