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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.

Posted by ascentnb on

What are we up to?

What are we up to?

What is Ascent NB up to and why should you support it?

Over the winter Ascent NB has begun to develop relationships with two major landowners in the province: C.F.B. Gagetown and J.D. Irving Ltd. Ascent NB is currently close to finalizing two agreements that could secure long-term access to the majority of the established rock routes and ice lines in N.B. If we just look at the numbers, if successful, these two agreements would cover 74% of the rock routes and 32% of the ice lines in this province. A huge leap forward!

Not only will these agreements provide security for the most important places we climb, but they will also lend our organization credibility when the time comes that we will need to approach smaller landowners who control the remaining walls.

What we'd like to raise awareness of today is that this security will come with a few costs. Ascent NB is acquiring sufficient insurance coverage to adequately protect both landowners at their request. This is a substantial burden on the organization and is both a reasonable and standard precaution. The cost of your membership will go directly towards the insurance costs. In the long-term, we'll be looking to expand our relationships with other landowners with the goal of protecting or acquiring all of the crags / walls / and ice falls we use for future climbers.

Help us achieve this vision and join Ascent NB today!

Posted by ascentnb 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 ascentnb 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 ascentnb on

Did you sign a waiver yet?

Did you sign a waiver yet?

If you have already purchased your Ascent NB membership, don't forget to sign a waiver and return it to a member of the Ascent NB executive. Without the submitted waiver your membership is not finalized.

You can find the waivers for printing in English and in French.

A big THANK YOU to Sonia Wilson for providing pro bono translation services, and to Dominic Caron for providing pro bono legal services!

Posted by ascentnb on

Membership Drive – Goals

Membership Drive – Goals

When Ascent NB was formed in September 2013, those who attended the AGM agreed on these goals as the direction of the organization.

- Acquire and preserve access to New Brunswick climbing areas.
This is our primary directive. Ascent will do everything in its power to ensure the areas we currently enjoy remain open indefinitely to climbers. By being organized now, we can be ready to spring to action if and when our access is threatened in one of these areas.

- Promote responsible climbing practices.
While Ascent NB does not exist to promote climbing in general, we do encourage and promote climbing responsibly. Responsible climbing does not end in the vertical world, but includes stewardship of the surrounding forests and trails. By helping to maintain our local cliffs and trails, Ascent seeks to lead by example.

Now we have the mandate but need the support of the community. Please help to make this happen by purchasing a membership here!

Posted by ascentnb 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.

Posted by ascentnb on

Update – Access Agreement – The Hatchery

Update – Access Agreement – The Hatchery

Climbers,

Last week we learned of a closure of the land which the approach trail crosses on the way to the new ice area: the Hatchery. A 'no trespassing' sign was posted at the trail-head. After negotiations with the family owning the land Ascent NB has worked out a temporary solution  for the remainder of this season.

The landowner has asked to be notified the night before any climbing party plans on heading into the Hatchery. As a way to simplify the communication and protect this person's privacy, Ascent NB has offered to act as the single point-of-contact for the climbing community. So, for the next few weeks we're asking that you send a brief message to our official Facebook profile stating:

  • When you plan on climbing?
  • How many climbers in your party?
  • License plate numbers of any cars parking near the trail-head?

We'd please ask all climbers to respect this request and we'll be happy to relay the information.  In the long-term, we'll be discussing a more permanent arrangement for next year that won't require a sign-in.

The Hatchery will probably be the best late-season ice in NB so lets enjoy!

At the moment this agreement does not extend to the area known as 'The Aquarium'.  This landowner has not yet granted access.  Please refrain from travelling and climbing there until further notice.  Thanks for your cooperation.

The Exec

Posted by ascentnb on

Access Alert – The Hatchery

Access Alert – The Hatchery

Climbers,

This morning Ascent N.B. has leaned of an access issue at 'the Hatchery'. This newly discovered ice climbing area quickly rose to fame over the past 6 weeks and has been described as some of N.B.'s best ice. Cars have been lined up at the trail-head every weekend since its discovery.

As of yesterday, a 'no-trespassing' sign has been installed by the landowner at the trail-head. Our initial indications are that this applies only to the land that the snow-shoe trail passes. The climbing areas are on separate properties.

Ascent N.B. is contacting the landowner to assess their concerns, and to work towards restoring access for the community. In the interim, we are asking all ice climbers to please respect this landowner's wish.

It's our hope to have a suitable solution very soon. If none can be reached, we're looking at a potential alternate route to access this area. At the same time, Ascent N.B. has already been in contact with the landowner of the main 'Hatchery' area and is in the early stages of securing a long-term access agreement.

Again, we'd ask you to please respect the 'no trespassing' signage while we work to find a solution. More updates to come.

The Exec,
Ascent N.B.