2009 was not a full year for the NEOCC, having been formed in May, but despite this a lot was accomplished. A summary of the year follows…
-May 2009 the Northeast Ohio Climbers Coalition was formed. The NEOCC was not formed in reaction to any climbing closures, but rather in response to a perceived lack of climbing access given the amount of potential rock climbing resources in the region and to preserve access to the few areas where it does exist.
-July 2009 the NEOCC completed its first Adopt-a-Crag at Whipp’s Ledges. This event was instrumental in getting Cleveland Metroparks to seriously consider our proposals and look at the NEOCC as a group that was improving existing areas and not just asking for access to new ones. READ MORE
-August 2009 the NEOCC submitted a document outlining 6 formal requests to Cleveland Metroparks concerning climbing access and management. The document was reviewed by the Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director and the Manager of Visitor Services. They were in agreement with recommendations 3, 5 and 6. For recommendation 1, they proposed initially expanding climbing to one area on a trial basis. This was contingent on agreement with other departments such as Natural Resources and the Ranger Department. The NEOCC indicated that they would prefer the Brecksville Reservation be opened first. Recommendation 4 is contingent on approval of a new climbing area. Recommendation 2 was not approved, but it was indicated that if a suitable replacement could be found for the liability coverage requirement, then it may be removed. READ MORE
-August 2009 the NEOCC was mentioned in the Fall issue of the Access Funds’ Vertical Times. LINK TO ARTICLE
-October 2009 representatives from the NEOCC and Cleveland Metroparks did a walkthrough of the proposed climbing area at the Brecksville Reservation. This was an opportunity to meet face to face and discuss the proposal, concerns, and problem resolutions. READ MORE
-November 2009 The NEOCC held its first official meeting. READ MORE
-November 2009 As an action from the October walkthrough, Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources department sent detailed topographic maps that the NEOCC is using to identify the general locations of climbable rock. This will help Cleveland Metroparks naturalists determine if sufficient habitat will be persevered within the area, as well as the impact to species of concern. Discussions are being held on the timeline and details of the study, as well as details of climbing introduction (if approved), and climbing management. READ MORE
-December 2009 the NEOCC teamed up with the Cleveland Area Mountain Biking Association (CAMBA). READ MORE
-December 2009 the NEOCC continued to work on the elimination of the $300,000 personal liability coverage requirement that is part of the Cleveland Metroparks climbing permit process (see recommendation 2 here), as well as initiated access work on several new areas.
-2010 should be a busy and productive year with everything that is going on. If you are interested in getting more involved join here. Also, feel free to send an email and let me know about specific areas that you are interested in getting more involved with.
Thanks everyone who has helped to make all this happen. I think a couple more person to person meetings could really increase participation and momentum for NEOCC’s goals. Continue to keep up the work!!
Abraham, I agree. Any specific ideas, or just getting together to climb?
Nice job in your accomplishments with this organization Brian! I’m glad to have met you this summer. I hope in 2010 we see a big surge in membership and maybe even a few openings of climbing areas. Thanks for your continued efforts, Scott.