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Like, totally epic bouldering

2/28/2012

Access Fund Action Alert - NC Mountains

2/24/2012

Climber on "The Great Arch" at Stone Mountain, NC

[via Access Fund] "Climbing areas in North Carolina State Parks are threatened by possible winter season [Dec-Feb] closure. The potential closure is in the early stages of the legislative process and now is the best time to voice concern. If North Carolina’s State Parks are important to you—especially those that contain climbing areas—then write your state representatives and urge them to keep them open year round!"

I was born and raised in North Carolina. I went to college in North Carolina. All in all, I spent the first 26 years of my life in this eastern state. While I didn't pick up climbing until after I moved to California, I am so eager to head back one day and try out the local rock.

Most people who know me well can vouch for the fact that I dislike, and when I say 'dislike' I actually mean all-consuming-hate, the cold. So while these potential closures might not affect someone like me too much, since I wouldn't generally seek out a climbing spot in the middle of winter in the NC mountains, I'm sure the closure will negatively affect many individuals. These state parks are home to hikers, backpackers, photographers, wildlife seekers, and even tourists. Unlike the big mountains that we are used to out here in California, low annual snowfall allows access to these spots almost all year-round. The decision to close these parks during the winter season is completely in our hands.

If you want to help out, Access Fund makes it extremely easy to contact local legislators. Simply click here to be taken to their contact form: fill out your name, edit the pre-written letter if you so choose, and hit send.

For those of you who don't think that North Carolina can compete with the West/Mid-West mountains.... well, you are right, size usually matters when it comes to mountains. But what we lack in sheer height, we make up for in color and personality. I hope you enjoy these pictures from my homeland, areas that are threatened to be closed for 3 months of the year: