Maple Canyon Adopt a Crag Re-Cap
Maple Canyon Adopt a Crag Re-CapMay 3rd, 2014
If you have ever been to Maple Canyon, then you know that the canyon can only support so many vehicles and camp sites because of the topography. We have to be careful that our use doesn’t destroy what we seek to enjoy. The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance hosts Adopt a Crags to address impacts climbers are having at our crags and in the environments where we climb.
Over the weekend, thirty Salt Lake Climbers Alliance volunteers and the Forest Service put in over 200 hours of work to try and prevent camp and parking sprawl before the busy season hits Maple. When camp sites and parking spots are delineated, the forest surrounding these areas has a chance to re-vegetate. Over the weekend, eight new tent pads were constructed and leveled. Five additional camp site boundaries were delineated and the camp sites themselves saw some love. Day use parking spots were marked. The Forest Service requests that climbers camp in designated spots so that day trippers to the area can still come and enjoy the canyon. Climbers are not the only users of the canyon and when we camp out in our vehicles in the day use spots, it prevents day trippers from being able to visit the canyon.
Climbers, we must realize the increase in population within this canyon and change the way we use it in order to protect our access and the environment. Box Canyon, the property as you enter Maple below the USFS and Welcome to the Uinta National Forest sign is all private property. Use this land gently to maintain our access. Consider camping in one of the other canyons adjoining Maple if the camp sites are full this season; car pool or try to visit during the week instead of weekends. Consider leaving your dog at home or keep them on their leashes and always leave the crags cleaner than you found them.
The SLCA looks forward to future Adopt a Crag Days with the Forest Service to stabilize staging areas for climbs and limit crag sprawl in the future. Thanks to all the volunteers who opted not to climb this Saturday and instead lent a hand in protecting our climbing areas. Thanks to the American Alpine Club for providing the BBQ and for holding down the fort in the 50 mph wind blast that flipped the burgers right off the grill.
Please volunteer at our next Adopt a Crags on August 2nd at the Division Wall in American Fork and August 23rd at Ruth Lake in the Uintas and help protect your access by caring for the environment at your crags. Stay tuned for volunteer sign up at SaltLakeClimbers.org and LIKE the SLCA Facebook page to stay up to date with SLCA news and happenings.