The Entry Fund has launched a press release a couple of climbing success story in New Hampshire the place climbers have bought a property that may safe entry to a crag. Under is the assertion, comply with them on Instagram for extra entry information.
Entry Fund and Central New Hampshire Climbers’ Affiliation (CNHCA) have introduced the acquisition of a key parcel of land in Thornton, New Hampshire, to supply entry to the favored Merriam Woods crag.
Merriam Woods (typically often called Russell Crags) is among the most lately developed crags in New Hampshire. Climbing even in contrast it to the long-lasting Rumney by way of its potential for high-quality climbing and its pure setting.
The acquisition encompasses 5 acres of land that abuts the White Mountain Nationwide Forest and Merriam Woods—conservation land owned and managed by the city of Woodstock, New Hampshire. Use of the world is simply anticipated to extend, and with that improve comes the necessity to develop sustainable climbing infrastructure.
“We’re excited to amass this land and work to construct a brand new car parking zone,” says CNHCA President Jay Knower. “With the rising reputation of Merriam Woods and the encircling Russell Crags, this undertaking will assist alleviate potential points attributable to customer use and foster good will among the many group at giant.”
Entry to the crags round Woodstock has been a historic problem. Within the spring of 2023, discussions have been underway between native climbers and the Woodstock Conservation Fee concerning the imperiled climbing entry to Merriam Woods. One of many key considerations raised by native residents was the necessity for enough parking alongside the highway to the crag.
Across the identical time, Knower related with the sellers. “We observed that this piece of land was the one privately held parcel close to Merriam Woods,” says Knower. “So we approached the house owners about buying it, figuring that it wouldn’t harm to ask.” The house owners agreed to promote their property to CNHCA and have been very supportive of the group’s plans to construct a small car parking zone for climbers and different recreationists at a brand new trailhead. The lot will handle landowner considerations and supply an avenue for sharing up-to-date details about correct use of those areas.
“Climbers from CNHCA and Entry Fund spent a major period of time working with the city of Woodstock to maintain climbing open and conserved at Merriam Woods,” says Brian Tickle, Entry Fund’s nationwide acquisitions director. “This acquisition is a reminder that sustainable climbing usually requires infrastructure past simply trails, staging areas, and glued anchors, and it additionally serves for example of climbers addressing the wants of neighboring landowners.”