2 responses to “RunOut #118: The Power of Climbing Community and Development—and the Threats it Faces”
Thanks for the thoughtful discussion on the fixed anchor proposal. The proposal is unrealistic and a huge set back to a cooperative relationship between climber/Land Management.
The Runout (and Enormocast) provides a great perspective on climbing, and plays an important role in this community- so it’s especially important that this voice be as informed as possible related to critical issues like fixed anchors in designated wilderness areas. I’ve listened to several recent podcasts that aren’t very well informed about the granular, policy level issues at play here, and commentary that leans towards the conspiratorial- which is usually a reflection of a lack of understanding of the issue, and dynamics at play. Resources like Erik Murdock (Access Fund Interim ED) are excellent sources to gain a deep, historic understanding of how this policy has evolved, and all of the politics involved.
To be sure, this new policy has potentially draconian implications to it, and it needs all hands on deck to counter the extremist views that have been supporting it for a very long time (i.e. Wilderness Watch). Finding a reasonably balanced policy will require people who are well-informed on the issue, and are savvy about how to work the political levers. Contrary to the impression I’ve gained in recent podcasts, the climbing community is larger than it’s ever been, and should easily be able to match and exceed the extremists efforts- if climbers will just show up! The Runout and Enormocast would serve a much better role in this process by educating listeners with solid, rational information so they help create informed, motivated climbers who are chomping at the bit to become involved, and not feeling hopeless about the will of Big Gov’t walking all over them (again).
Please hear this feedback in this overall context: I greatly appreciate both of these podcasts, and thank you both for the good, important work that you do.
2 responses to “RunOut #118: The Power of Climbing Community and Development—and the Threats it Faces”
Thanks for the thoughtful discussion on the fixed anchor proposal. The proposal is unrealistic and a huge set back to a cooperative relationship between climber/Land Management.
The Runout (and Enormocast) provides a great perspective on climbing, and plays an important role in this community- so it’s especially important that this voice be as informed as possible related to critical issues like fixed anchors in designated wilderness areas. I’ve listened to several recent podcasts that aren’t very well informed about the granular, policy level issues at play here, and commentary that leans towards the conspiratorial- which is usually a reflection of a lack of understanding of the issue, and dynamics at play. Resources like Erik Murdock (Access Fund Interim ED) are excellent sources to gain a deep, historic understanding of how this policy has evolved, and all of the politics involved.
To be sure, this new policy has potentially draconian implications to it, and it needs all hands on deck to counter the extremist views that have been supporting it for a very long time (i.e. Wilderness Watch). Finding a reasonably balanced policy will require people who are well-informed on the issue, and are savvy about how to work the political levers. Contrary to the impression I’ve gained in recent podcasts, the climbing community is larger than it’s ever been, and should easily be able to match and exceed the extremists efforts- if climbers will just show up! The Runout and Enormocast would serve a much better role in this process by educating listeners with solid, rational information so they help create informed, motivated climbers who are chomping at the bit to become involved, and not feeling hopeless about the will of Big Gov’t walking all over them (again).
Please hear this feedback in this overall context: I greatly appreciate both of these podcasts, and thank you both for the good, important work that you do.