The OAC and Bruce Peninsula National Park are looking for help from the climbing community in the form of volunteer weekend Site Hosts. Site Hosts, like a Camp host, act as stewards or Caretakers for the area during their time volunteering. The Site Host program has been a huge success since the launch in 2010, so the OAC and the Park are looking again for volunteers for 2014. If you want to help access efforts and become a Site Host for a weekend, click HERE to fill in the volunteer application.

The guide for Halfway Log Dump is available for FREE from the OAC. If you download this guide we hope that you will take the time to become an OAC member, or make a donation if you are already a member. Click HERE to download the “HWLD Interpretive Bouldering guidebook” .

What does a Site Host do?
Site hosts act as ambassadors for Halfway Log Dump while they volunteer. They ensure everyone is having a good time, communicate the rules that are in place, point out the endangered Lakeside Daisy, explain bouldering to curious tourists and, of course, know all the beta on every problem. These honoured volunteers will receive free camping!!! (as available), luxurious pre-paid parking ($11.70 per day), and free volunteer apparel. This is all courtesy of Bruce Peninsula National Park. A thanks to those of you who volunteer from your fellow climbers for stepping up to help out the sport you love!

Who makes a good site host? If you like to boulder outside, can get yourself to the Bruce Peninsula, and are interested in helping access in Ontario, you would be a great site host!

I would like to help, but I have never been to Halfway Log Dump. Can I still volunteer as a site host?

It might be your first visit or your hundred and first visit to Halfway Log Dump. This honour is still open to you. We can tell you what you need to know. It’s not hard. You can put it on your resume and land that promotion you’ve been after.

Yeah, but, if I go there I want to focus on climbing

The time commitment of site host at the boulders is minimal and can easily be incorporated into a regular day at the crag. You will be walking by other boulderers and they will be walking by you. In talking to other boulderers, you may discover that they know something you don’t about the latest lines, new beta, local weather, best dining, local plants, or a shortcut home.

The first annual Beaver Valley Climbing Festival (BVCF) took place on August 24th at Metcalfe Rock with great support from organizations in the climbing community and local business from the Beaver Valley area.  The event was embraced by a great turnout of local climbers and local community who enjoyed outdoor climbing, slacklining and yoga clinics. A friendly outdoor competition format, aerial silk performance, bike demos, and professional massages all were very popular.  Once the sun set, the evening featured generous prize draws, live music and catered food and camping at The Rob Roy Dogsled Farm.

The whole event was the brain child of Jennie Elmslie (Free Spirit Tours) and Leslie Timms (On The Rocks Climbing) who pulled it together in only about
two months. The $4500 in funds raised from the event benefited the Ontario Access Coalition whose mission is to preserve and promote sustainable access to Ontario climbing resources. The OAC has already lined the funds up for a special project in partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources to help ensure the sustainability of climbing in Kolapore Uplands where the festival occurred.

Major sponsorship for the event that made it all possible was provided by Joe Rockheads and Boulderz Climbing Centre, with a long list of other organizations providing needed support. Immediately upon the events conclusion talk turned to not only the great success, but excitement about next year’s festival!  For more information about the Beaver Valley Climbing Festival please visit www.beavervalleyclimbingfestival.com

The OAC and the MNR are looking to collaborate on a joint project towards the assessment the area known as “the Swamp”.   This assessment will consist of the following goals:

The OAC and the MNR are looking to collaborate on a joint project towards the assessment the area known as “the Swamp”.   This assessment will consist of the following goals:

The OAC presentation shared with the council information on existing climbing tourism, environmental sustainability and the economic impact climbing has on local communities in the Bruce (thanks to those of you who complete our annual climber survey!).  The OAC requested the councils support in upcoming Ontario Parks management planning activities.  The Council voted in favour of working with the OAC to help ensure continued access to selected climbing areas in Bruce County.

Climbing at Lion’s Head, unknown to many climbers, is not formally permitted due the park’s current “Nature Reserve” classification, but is tolerated as a “non-conforming use” in the interim management plan. Lion’s Head is at significant risk of closure to climbing when the new Ontario Park’s Management plan is finalized.

Climbers are encouraged to adhere strictly to all posted user regulations, climb safely, follow ‘leave no trace’ practices and encourage all other visitors to do the same.

The Owen Sounds Sun Times picked up the story as well…read here….http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/2013/06/19/bruce-peninsula-cliffs-bring-in-daring-tourists

OAC executives and volunteers will be attending this event and climbing in the gym, starting from 3pm. Speakers will also present information on access group successes across North America.

We hope to see many of you there!

(Free admission applies to the event itself, not to the climbing beforehand).

http://www.facebook.com/events/415742441853164/

Yes, we know it’s 2013 already but we would love to hear about your climbing experiences from last year. CLICK HERE to take the 2012 OAC Survey

By completing the survey you are helping climbing access in the province. The information you provide is used in aggregate to assist the OAC in representing climbers when asking Land Managers to consider how to balance preservation and recreation. Survey data collected on this survey will be kept strictly confidential and the entire survey should take you about five minutes to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Climb safe and tread lightly.

Yes, we know it’s 2013 already but we would love to hear about your climbing experiences from last year. CLICK HERE to take the 2012 OAC Survey

By completing the survey you are helping climbing access in the province. The information you provide is used in aggregate to assist the OAC in representing climbers when asking Land Managers to consider how to balance preservation and recreation. Survey data collected on this survey will be kept strictly confidential and the entire survey should take you about five minutes to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Climb safe and tread lightly.

If you haven’t yet taken the time to become an OAC member please take a
moment to sign-up (see the Membership tab) and add your name to the long
list of climbers in support of sustainable climbing in Ontario.