Hillbilly Hollow

This post was originally a comment in Hillbilly Hollow

To Chris,

Thanks for kicking the sleeping dog. Rock climbing isn't really allowed on any state property and is a violation of Wisconsin Adminstrative Code unless if it is specifically allowed.
NR 45.03
(8f) “Climbing activity” includes any of the following:
(a) Ascending or descending steep rock walls, ice walls or artificial
structures, usually with the assistance of specialized rock
climbing equipment including ropes, webbing and carabiners.
(b) Practicing the use of specialized rock climbing equipment
near the ground.
NR 45.13
(e) No person may engage in rock climbing except at the
Dalles of the St. Croix state natural area in Interstate state park and
the East Bluff state natural area at Devil’s Lake state park, or other
areas where the management plan allows rock climbing and in
which climbing is allowed by posted notice.

I didn't see a sign at Hillbilly Hollow. Every nut cam hex and bolt placed is a violation.

Not only is there no mention of bolting under the auspice of safety in the code, there is no mention of them at all. Do we as climbers really want such matters decided by non climbers? As in most areas there is a don't ask don't tell attitude towards climbing. Let's keep it that way.

I didn't skip my high school geology class a rock wall is a natural feature.

I also didn't skip my high school English class. Whether bolts molest or deface by pure definition is up to debate. If these bolts do deface or molest the natural growth or natural features then naturally the path to the rock wall does as well. I don't know for a fact but I am pretty sure the DNR did not cut the path to the wall. One mans footpath is another mans act of vandalism. There was no exception made for gear either. Ever have gear fail and break the rock. I have. Ever pull on on a big jug and it breaks off. I have. Ever use chalk. I do.
For the most part climbers are stellar stewards of the land.

If you don't like the bolts don't use them. If you don't like sport climbers don't talk to them. Live and let live. It's Coke v. Pepsi, Mayo v. Miracle Whip, snowboard v. ski, road bike v. mountain bike.

C'mon guy, keep the legalize in the courtroom. We have enough access issues already without people going out there and 'kicking a sleeping dog'.

It's not your land, it's OUR land.

Sorry if I broke rule #1 Jay. I really tried not to.