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North End of Ragged Mountain

christopher adams · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0

Here's a thought.

The concern is really about cliff top erosion and vegetation.

Why don't we go ahead and plant a some native trees and other vegetation behind a soil retaining wall a few meters back from the cliff top?

These seem like more direct ways to address that issue that are less likely to suffer from vandalism.

M Sprague · · New England · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 5,090
Morgan Patterson wrote: Sorry I was not saying you're advocating that but, more think that's what direction the RMF will go... And I served on the Board and heard their anecdotal assessments that the top of the cliff is in, how did Boyde put it, "great shape". This isn't about me or my past with them.. its about them and the future of their land management practices on their new property which is suffering sever environmental degradation from overuse and what we think they will or wont do in the near future.
Just burn off the rest of the vegetation and blow away the rest of the dirt with leaf blowers and no more environmental issues to worry about, Morgan. Leave no trace!
DontHassleMeImLocal · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2015 · Points: 0
christopher adams wrote:Here's a thought. The concern is really about cliff top erosion and vegetation. Why don't we go ahead and plant a some native trees and other vegetation behind a soil retaining wall a few meters back from the cliff top? These seem like more direct ways to address that issue that are less likely to suffer from vandalism.
As nice and easy as that sounds, the action would be futile. People need to access the trees further beyond in order to set up their top-rope anchors, thus trampling the new growth. These anchors, whether they be static line or webbing, would then run back over the vegetative area and further damage any growth. That is why the real challenge for the RMF is mitigating ecological destruction via the implementation of some sort of anchoring systems, all-the-while protecting against vandalism.
Morgan Patterson · · NH · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 8,945
christopher adams wrote:Here's a thought. The concern is really about cliff top erosion and vegetation. Why don't we go ahead and plant a some native trees and other vegetation behind a soil retaining wall a few meters back from the cliff top? These seem like more direct ways to address that issue that are less likely to suffer from vandalism.
This is a great idea.. I assume you'd also want to rope off those particular areas when you replanted right? When I was on the board I offered the idea as well but it wasn't popular. Conservatives on the board interpreted the bylaws (Berlin Land Trust Provisions) prevented them from taking action. That is the issue with the south End but, the North end is a bit of a different beast.

My though on a replanting is that you're not dealing with the source of the issues. People trampling ground cover and using trees for anchors. If they replanted on top of the cliff they then have to close the replanted area to climbers and hikers so life could reestablish itself right? What would people do to climb routes below the restoration area?

Some areas though like above Cemetery Vault, have trees and brush most the way to the edge of the cliff. However the trail between the two has serious erosion issues exposing roots and wiping out habitat. There's also a very damaging climbers trail to the trees there. There's little replanting that could occur... what would you do there?
christopher adams · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0
Morgan Patterson wrote: This is a great idea.. I assume you'd also want to rope off those particular areas when you replanted right? When I was on the board I offered the idea as well but it wasn't popular. Conservatives on the board interpreted the bylaws (Berlin Land Trust Provisions) prevented them from taking action. That is the issue with the south End but, the North end is a bit of a different beast. My though on a replanting is that you're not dealing with the source of the issues. People trampling ground cover and using trees for anchors. If they replanted on top of the cliff they then have to close the replanted area to climbers and hikers so life could reestablish itself right? What would people do to climb routes below the restoration area? Some areas though like above Cemetery Vault, have trees and brush most the way to the edge of the cliff. However the trail between the two has serious erosion issues exposing roots and wiping out habitat. There's also a very damaging climbers trail to the trees there. There's little replanting that could occur... what would you do there?
I like your idea. Roping it off seems like a good plan- I've seen it done to good effect in the Gunks when erosion gets out of control at the base of the cliff.

Roping off Climbers Trails and replacing them with managed trails is a good idea too.

We won't be able to do anything about the teenagers, unfortunately.
Nick Votto · · CO, CT, IT · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 320
Morgan Patterson wrote:So now that the RMF has completed its purchase of the North End of Ragged Mountain's Main Cliff without restrictions from the Berlin Land Trust. Do you think they'll put anchors in to start protecting the environment on top of the cliff or will there be a new narrative from their board? If a new narrative... what do you think it will be? Perfect example would be Cemetary Vault. There's over a foot of topsoil loss. No adequate trees to reach without trampling brush and no gear anchor available. Do you think they'll let someone bolt the 5.14 and other projects on the North End? EDIT: No where am I suggesting or want to get into a discussion about bolting an existing traditional route. Its a dumb conversation and not something anyone is interested in doing at Ragged.
I sincerely hope they put anchors in and get with modern times here, I'm pretty sick of watching the trees die at some of my favorite cliffs where anchor bolts "aren't allowed."
As for hard sport, I'm all for it.....but no way they do it.
Morgan Patterson · · NH · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 8,945
M Sprague wrote: Just burn off the rest of the vegetation and blow away the rest of the dirt with leaf blowers and no more environmental issues to worry about, Morgan. Leave no trace!
Aside from the leaf blowers I think you pretty much nailed their current approach... No Environment left = no problem left.
GabeO · · Boston, MA · Joined May 2006 · Points: 302
Morgan Patterson wrote:So now that the RMF has completed its purchase of the North End of Ragged Mountain's Main Cliff without restrictions from the Berlin Land Trust. Do you think they'll put anchors in to start protecting the environment on top of the cliff or will there be a new narrative from their board? If a new narrative... what do you think it will be? Perfect example would be Cemetary Vault. There's over a foot of topsoil loss. No adequate trees to reach without trampling brush and no gear anchor available. Do you think they'll let someone bolt the 5.14 and other projects on the North End? EDIT: No where am I suggesting or want to get into a discussion about bolting an existing traditional route. Its a dumb conversation and not something anyone is interested in doing at Ragged.
Where is the 14? I've never rapped in to look closely, but the wall to climber's right of the descent stairs at the north end looks like it could take a few really nice sport lines.

GO
Morgan Patterson · · NH · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 8,945
GabeO wrote: Where is the 14? I've never rapped in to look closely, but the wall to climber's right of the descent stairs at the north end looks like it could take a few really nice sport lines. GO
center seam on north face... I recall setting up the rap and it being sketch trying to find anything to anchor to.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
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