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Trash at Tahquitz

Original Post
James Bellamy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 10

Hey guys, gals:

I've noticed an increase in trash around certain areas - particularly at bases of climbs and while on-route at certain belay ledges.

Some of the trash is not so bad (small corners of plastic, little pieces of wrapper, etc.) but some is worse.

I can see how a small corner of a wrapper would be un-intentional - and don't want to bark up the tree on this. I really want to mitigate what we can do to keep the place clean - not nag on something that probably won't get fixed.

That being said - I've noticed a LOT of tape lying around. You can tell that whoever is doing this - literally de-tapes and drops it right where they were - or rolls it up into a ball and drops it on the ground. This is more of an intentional act and shows a lack of respect for the environment up here.

Tahquitz is a special and somewhat solitary crag, lets keep it that way.

Several things you can do to mitigate trash buildup:

  • After you de-tape, wad it into a ball and shove the tape into the toe of your climbing shoe for the walk down (or in a secure pocket).
  • Pick up trash on the way down if you notice it.
  • Be careful when opening wrappers - or stowing away trash - that you don't drop any.
  • Do a quick visual check of your area/belay before you leave the area permanently.


Thanks in advance and hopefully we can work together to keep the place clean.
Nkane 1 · · East Bay, CA · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 140
James Bellamy wrote:Hey guys, gals: I've noticed an increase in trash around certain areas - particularly at bases of climbs and while on-route at certain belay ledges. Some of the trash is not so bad (small corners of plastic, little pieces of wrapper, etc.) but some is worse. I can see how a small corner of a wrapper would be un-intentional - and don't want to bark up the tree on this. I really want to mitigate what we can do to keep the place clean - not nag on something that probably won't get fixed. That being said - I've noticed a LOT of tape lying around. You can tell that whoever is doing this - literally de-tapes and drops it right where they were - or rolls it up into a ball and drops it on the ground. This is more of an intentional act and shows a lack of respect for the environment up here. Tahquitz is a special and somewhat solitary crag, lets keep it that way. Several things you can do to mitigate trash buildup: *After you de-tape, wad it into a ball and shove the tape into the toe of your climbing shoe for the walk down (or in a secure pocket). *Pick up trash on the way down if you notice it. *Be careful when opening wrappers - or stowing away trash - that you don't drop any. *Do a quick visual check of your area/belay before you leave the area permanently. Thanks in advance and hopefully we can work together to keep the place clean.
Good post! This applies to every climbing area, everywhere in the world.

And remember, picking up a few pieces of trash every time you go out keeps the mountain gods happy and makes rockfall and thunderstorms miss you.
Rob Selter · · running springs Ca · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 125

Thanks James for bring up this issue. Through out this summer at Tahquitz I have also noticed a lot more trash than usual. Particularly waded up used tap gloves at the base of a climb or on a belay ledge. Come on people, do you think a janitor comes through at night and picks up disregarded items like these? Anyway lets all do our part by not littering and picking up any trash that maybe laying around. Tahquitz is very special gem that southern California has been blessed with, let’s at least try to keep it pristine as possible.

Trad Princess · · Not That Into Climbing · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 1,175

Thanks, LA climbers.

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349
Adam Burch wrote:Thanks, LA climbers.
Burchy.... I never could understand why so many people hate your guts on some of the other climber forums.

Because you seem like a nice enuf person.....

The statement posted above, says it all.
philip bone · · sonora · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 0

selter what are you doing?

Trad Princess · · Not That Into Climbing · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 1,175

Dude.

I just talked to my doctor, he said he recommends some pills of the chill variety.

It was a joke, one that many SD climbers like to kick around that climb at Tahquitz. I climb with guys from all over Southern CA, including LA. Two LA residents were invited to my night-climb bachelor party at Tahquitz, although only one could make it.

Unrelated, I take pride in rubbing some people the wrong way, because if you haven't noticed - a good majority of the people surrounding you are idiots. That math works just fine for me - I'm doing it right, as far as I can tell.

In addition, people who are A) extremely prideful based solely on what physical location they reside without anything else to base that pride on or B) easily and personally offended when a general comment or joke is made that shines a negative light on the physical location they reside...are in my opinion, weak minded.

Of course, I know neither of those apply to you - you're probably just trolling the hell out of me, and to that, I say: very well played.

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349

Not trolling,,,, I really do not know how to do that exactly....

So I will take a chill pill, gulp, now I feel better...

I have found that I have trigger buttons, things like trash at the crags are one of them.... I hate all the Mo-fos who toss tape, beverage caps, Gu-packets, Cig butts and TP and other junk.

So next time you insult a whole bunch of folks, without really meaning to, toss in some LOL LOL LOL :>) ...... that way there is no ofense

peace out

Trad Princess · · Not That Into Climbing · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 1,175
Guy Keesee wrote:Not trolling,,,, I really do not know how to do that exactly.... So I will take a chill pill, gulp, now I feel better... I have found that I have trigger buttons, things like trash at the crags are one of them.... I hate all the Mo-fos who toss tape, beverage caps, Gu-packets, Cig butts and TP and other junk. So next time you insult a whole bunch of folks, without really meaning to, toss in some LOL LOL LOL :>) ...... that way there is no ofense peace out
Trolling is writing something for the sole purpose of getting a reaction from the readers (based on knowing the hot button(s) of the audience/member). The desired reaction is almost always negative, but sometimes any reaction at all is seen as a victory - i.e. getting someone to post that you know was lurking, etc etc.

I'm often accused of being a "troll", which boggles my mind a bit. I enjoy directly arguing with people, overtly, about stupid things that they say or believe. To me, that's different. Either way, who cares?

To your "LOL" point - the entire internet is lulzy, and although I agree with you about clarifying (because I know this is mostly nonsense) I clarify the few times when I'm being serious. The reality of the online forum, is that you should assume nonsense/joke/etc unless told otherwise. If you don't, you'll probably stress a wee bit more than you should.

On the topic of trash - As much as I'd like to think highly of the average climber with regard to overall attitude towards the outdoors and stewardship, this is gradually becoming a bigger problem. I'd imagine it's due, in part, to the growing popularity of climbing in general, which not only leads to larger numbers of climbers impacting an area, but a larger number of idiots climbing.

I try to take out more than I take in. If a number of us do that, should help offset the sodomites.
Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349

HUGS

I always pick up lots of trash....

and I will get into the face of anyone who is tossing stuff, cause some folks are clueless about the ways of the crag.

THX for the Trolling explain.... I thought it was dragging live bait or lures behind a slow boat, not my idea of fishing.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern California
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