On April 20, 2013, the Dickie Barre area of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve will be open to climbing. This is the first
expansion of a climbing area as put forth by the 2010 Master Plan. On behalf of the Gunks Climbers Coalition, I would like
to thank all of the people who volunteered their time with trail and road building, surveying, and other essential activities
that made this possible.
Your efforts have gone a long way to establishing a positive relationship with Minnewaska State Park. This is essential
as we continue our mission to open other areas of the Park.
Click here
for a letter from Park Manager, Jorge Gomes, to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in Albany acknowledging the work of the GCC on the Dickie Barre
carriage road. Please take some time this season to check
out this newly opened climbing area, and thank you again.
Sincerely,
Peter Cody
GCC Co-Chair
March 28, 2013
Trapps Route Closure for Peregrine Falcons
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Announcement from the Mohonk Preserve
ATTENTION CLIMBERS!
Route Closure
Due to nesting peregrine falcons, the section of the Trapps cliff between, and including the routes
Bloody Bush (5.7) and Overhanging Layback (5.7)
is temporarily closed to rock climbing.
- Do not use ascent trails or rappel routes that access this area.
- Do not use the section of the cliff base climber’s trail between these routes.
- Please refrain from excessive noise making while in the vicinity of this closure.
Thank you for your cooperation.
March 2, 2013
Patagonia Grand Opening Party Pictures
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On March 2nd, Patagonia invited us to their private party to celebrate the opening of their technical climbing
clothing store in the Meatpacking District of NYC (west side). During the party, a very valuable raffle was
held, and proceeds went to the GCC. Also with their no bag policy, every shopping bag will cost 20 cents, and
those proceeds will be donated to the GCC. The party also celebrated the release of their cutting edge 1000-fill
waterproof down jacket, the Encapsil. A team of Patagonia Ambassadors were fresh off the plane from South America
to talk about how the jacket performed on their climb on Cerro Torre in Patagonia.
There was great food, drink and music and the GCC is very grateful for their support and the great party!
The photos from the event are posted on
our GCC Facebook page.
April 2012
Fantastic Turn-Out for GCC's Adopt-A-Crag Day at Lost City
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The Gunks Climbers' Coalition would like to thank all the volunteers who showed up to help out with trail work at Lost City
On Sunday April 22, 2012. The forecast was for miserable amounts of heavy rain and cold temperatures, yet approximately 47 people
showed up to help out! The biggest turnout for adopt-a-crag ever! The weather cooperated beautifully - temps were cool but
not too cold, and the rain didn't show up until we had all gotten in our cars and driven away.
An unofficial trail was made official. Crews of volunteers graded the steep trail, putting in water bars and steps in steep
sections. The Mohonk Preserve will blaze the trail and put in signage to tread lightly. Other crews graded another trail and
helped line the steep downhill side with rocks. And another crew replaced old water bars along King's Path.
It was a huge amount of work that was made possible by the sheer number of volunteers who were very productive and hard
working, while still having fun. Afterwards people took home Rock and Snow water bottles, numerous items donated by
the Access Fund, and a handmade beautiful chalk bag by Climb Addict, as well as numerous stickers and Cliff Bars.
We appreciate all of the help and support and hope we can get another great turnout at our May 19-20 work day in
Minnewaska to prepare the Dickie Barre climbing area for opening.
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GCC Membership BBQ Pictures
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Pictures from our April 21st Gunks Climbers' Coalition Membership BBQ
have been posted on
our GCC Facebook page.
Have a look and tag yourself and your friends.
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Access Fund/GCC Benefit Carnival Pictures
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Pictures from our March 29th Access Fund / Gunks Climbers' Coalition Benefit and Carnival at
The Cliffs at Valhalla have been posted up on
our GCC Facebook page.
January 17, 2012
The GCC donates $7,500 to Mohonk Preserve
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Press Release:
On December 30. 2011, the Gunks Climbers’ Coalition (GCC) donated $7,500 to the Mohonk Preserve in support of planning for and stewardship
of the Northern Preserve in Rosendale, which includes Giants Ledges and The Waterworks.
GCC has pledged a total of $50,000 to the Preserve over the next ten years to support the creation of a master plan of site design
and long-term access management of the Northern Preserve. In 2010, the organization made an initial $11,000 donation toward this pledge.
“We are grateful to the GCC and the entire climbing community who have responded so enthusiastically to our conservation efforts in the
Northern Preserve and throughout the Shawangunk Ridge,” said Mohonk Preserve Executive Director Glenn Hoagland. “Climbers have always
been some of our most ardent and generous members, donors and volunteers.”
The Mohonk Preserve is currently developing a plan for expanding opportunities for hikers, bicyclists, climbers and others in the Northern
Preserve, while also ensuring protection of the land. The GCC is working with the Preserve on future management plans for the area.
“Our donation is on behalf of the entire climbing community, whose members have, by their individual contributions, made our own
collective one possible.”
The GCC is now an official affiliate of the Access Fund. As such, your membership with us includes a full membership with the Access Fund.
For more information, visit www.gunksclimbers.org.
About the Mohonk Preserve
Located in five Ulster County towns, the Mohonk Preserve is the largest member - and visitor -supported nature preserve in New York State.
For more information, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org
or call (845) 255-0919.
Thu, December 8, 2011
GCC Board of Directors Election
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The GCC Board of Directors has elected
the new officers of the Gunks Climbers' Coalition. Officers hold office for two years. If you'd like
to get more involved with the GCC and can volunteer some of your time, contact us at
.
New Restrictions at MUA Campground
March 18, 2011
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The Gunks Climbers' Coalition received the following announcement about the Multi-Use Area Campground on Route 44-55.
ATTENTION SHAWANGUNK MULTIPLE USE AREA CAMPERS
Due to continued impact on public health, safety and environmental resources at the Shawangunk Multiple Use Area,
designated campsites are being reduced to 9 as shown on this
map (click here).
All designated camp sites will be on the south side of the road and large enough to accommodate the legal limit of
up to 9 campers per site. Groups are encouraged to share campsites in order to allow the maximum number of 81 campers.
Parking will only be allowed in the main parking lot on the south side of the road, the same side of the road as
camping. The parking lot on the north side of the road will be blocked off to prevent the public (campers) from parking
there and crossing the road to camp. Parking along the shoulder of route 299 will be prohibited to limit traffic/pedestrian
issues.
Any questions should be directed to Jeffrey Wiegert at (845) 256-3084
Rosendale Waterworks Climbing Access To Be Announced
September 27, 2010
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Rosendale Waterworks Climbing Access To Be Announced by the Mohonk Preserve!
On Monday, September 27th, the Mohonk Preserve will be announcing the beginning of public climbing and
bouldering visits to the Rosendale Waterworks parcel, which has been recently acquired by the Open Space
Conservancy, the acquisition affiliate of the Open Space Institute. The Waterworks parcel is being managed
by the Mohonk Preserve.
Visits to the site are available to Mohonk Preserve climbing members and Mohonk Preserve Climbing day
pass holders. Visits are by reservation only, and are led by Mohonk Preserve volunteers. To sign up for
announcements regarding visits click the link below, or visit Eventbrite.com and search Waterworks
Climbing Tour in the location Rosendale.
http://www.eventbrite.com/rss/user_list_events/5666284272
The events go online and are viewable only 48 hours before the day of the event. Volunteers are lined up
to give tours on upcoming Saturdays and Sundays until the snow falls.
The Gunks Climbers' Coalition was the catalyst that made this climbing area possible.
We continue fund raising efforts to help defray the costs of managing this new area.
Please contribute to our Rosendale Waterworks Project Fund by visiting
our GCC website
donations page and sending in your online donation via PayPal. We thank all who have
contributed time and/or money to this effort and look forward to your continuing support.
Millbrook cliff land acquisition
March 10, 2010
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The Open Space Institute (OSI) announced today the acquisition and permanent
protection of 67 acres of dramatic Millbrook cliff face on the southeastern edge of the Shawangunk Ridge.
OSI’s acquisition now paves the way for opening the site up for public access and enjoyment, as it will
be added to the neighboring Mohonk Preserve for management as a public recreation area.
Click here
for the press release from OSI.
GCC Position on Private Land
September 23, 2009
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The GCC has released a statement on our position regarding climbing on private
land. To see it, CLICK HERE.
Near Trapps Access Closure
April 8, 2009
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The Near Trapps at the Gunks offer nearly a mile of classic and popular climbs just south of
Route 44-55. In 1993, the Access Fund worked with the Mohonk Preserve, Open Space Institute, and
Friends of Shawangunks to protect access to the Near Trapps, but a portion remains on private land.
Earlier this month, a portion of the Near Trapps was closed to climbing. This includes land below the
cliff to above cliff-line and starts approximately at Eenie Meenie and continues south about 200 feet.
Climbers are asked to respect the no-trespassing signs and obtain access to climbs further south by
hiking in from the Millbrook Ridge Trail along a descent trail blazed by orange survey tape. The Gunks
Climbers' Coalition is addressing the issue and looking into potential solutions.
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Wrap Up Summary for the 2008 Season
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Chris Moratz, GCC co-chair and Access Fund regional coordinator, summarizes our GCC activities
of 2008. Click here
to read the article.
GCC has a Facebook Page!
March 19, 2009
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For those of you on Facebook, the GCC now has a Facebook Page! Check it often for
the latest Gunks news, announcements, events, and photos. Using Facebook will provide
a fast and convenient way for all the GCC board members to disseminate information
and for the climbing community to respond and comment. Search for "Gunks Climbers Coalition"
in Facebook to find us. Become a fan!
The GCC Presented with
the Mohonk Preserve's 2008 Thom Scheuer Memorial Stewardship Award
October 11, 2008
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Chris Moratz, Chairman and Jannette Pazer, Secretary General, both members
of the Board of Directors for the Gunks Climbers' Coalition, are very pleased
to have been presented with the Mohonk Preserve's Thom Scheuer Memorial
Stewardship Award this past Saturday October 11. For us, it is a great
honor to be recognized for our achievements in the past years. We have
worked with great diligence in order to solidify climber relations with
land managers along the Shawangunk Ridge, work toward opening new climbing
area access, improve climber trails, prevent erosion and soil compaction
in heavily used areas, sponsor events and raise funds for donation of rescue
equipment, and generally serve as a liason for the climbing community.
All of this would not be possible if we were not supported by the local
climbing community, the national Access Fund of which we are an affiliate,
as well as Rock and Snow of New Paltz and local rock climbing guide services.
For Jannette and Chris as well as our fellow members of the Board of Directors,
Mr. Robert O'Brien, Mr. Ajax Greene, Ms. France Menk, and Mr. Dana Perry,
who represent our all volunteer organization, this honor is a great milestone and
will serve to inspire us into the future as we continue our mission.
Follow @gunksclimbers
