The OAC would like to extend its gratitude to Steve Swenson, who donated the honorarium he recently received from the ACC to support the OAC. Steve was in Toronto recently for the Toronto Section of the Alpine Club of Canada’s AGM. As inspiring as his Saser Kangri II climb was (for which Mark Richey, Freddie Wilkinson and he won the coveted 2012 Piolet D’Or), the real highlight of the evening was hearing Steve advocate for the value of beloved partners that you put before yourself and trust with your life – both in life and in climbing. Well done!
A number of members of the climbing community have contacted the OAC regarding concern over the removal of fixed protection at Mount Nemo.
Through 2011 and 2012, the OAC has worked with Conservation Halton (CH) in conducting an environmental assessment to determine a climbing anchor strategy at Mount Nemo. The strategy aims to eliminate cliff-top impact, manage mid-face impact caused by climbing, and maximize climber safety.
An ecologist from CH documented the condition of the entire cliff line managed by CH, with the help of an OAC representative. The report from this assessment, which is currently pending, will guide the development of the strategy by CH and OAC.
The OAC continues to collaborate with CH in the official process to develop a detailed anchor strategy for Mount Nemo. Once the strategy is approved, we anticipate inviting volunteer work teams to implement the strategy, and hope to enter into potential funding agreements for the cost of hardware. Modification of the cliff-top, mid-cliff or cliff-bottom environments jeopardizes the process.
The OAC remains committed to maximizing climbing opportunities while collaborating with CH to help them effectively manage their properties. CH is a leader in incorporating climbing management into the operational models that they manage.
The OAC’s Ontario Crags calendar for 2013 is available now at the Mountain Equipment Coop in Toronto (in the climbing department) and, this year, at the Barrie store too!
Featuring images of some of the best rock and ice climbing and bouldering crags in Ontario, the calendar will make a great gift for any climber on your list.
A big thanks to all of you who submitted photos! And thanks for your support of the OAC through your purchase! Here’s a sneak preview:
On Saturday October 27th, McMaster’s Climbing Club braved the rain to help clean up Mount Kelso in Halton as part of the club’s first ever Clean and Climb event. Although the climbing was postponed due to the weather, the clean up was a great success! Members of the club made quick work of the cliff edge and base bringing back mattresses, wooden frames, beer bottles and much more. The clean up even extended beyond the cliff to include sections of the Bruce Trail.
The club executives would like to thank the Ontario Access Coalition, Halton Conservation and Mountain Equipment Coop for their help and support in organizing this event and look forward to future, similar events at cliffs across Ontario. All are welcome (including Mr. Sunshine)!
On Saturday Oct 27th the McMaster Climbing Club will be helping Conservation Halton clean up the cliffs at Mt Kelso. McMaster Climbing Club would like to thank the OAC and Conservation Halton for their support in organizing this event and extend an invitation to any OAC members to join them either in the morning at Mt Kelso to help clean up or in the afternoon at Rattlesnake Point for some climbing.
Timing for the day will be as follows:
9:00 am Volunteer arrivals/registration/signing of release forms
9:30 am Clean up cliff edge and base at Kelso
12:00 pm Transport over to Rattlesnake (by personal autos)
12:30 pm Snacks/prizes/speeches
1:30 pm Climbing
9:30 am Clean up cliff edge and base at Kelso
12:00 pm Transport over to Rattlesnake (by personal autos)
12:30 pm Snacks/prizes/speeches
1:30 pm Climbing