CLIMB RESPONSIBLY: HOW TO MINIMIZE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
As climbing continues to surge in popularity, more people are venturing outdoors to experience the thrill of scaling rock faces. However, with this increase in outdoor climbing comes a heightened impact on the environment. It's important for climbers to recognize the importance of ethical and responsible practices to preserve the natural landscapes we all cherish.
Transitioning from indoor to outdoor climbing
It’s crucial to be educated and prepared for wherever you’re climbing. Learn the rules and regulations for the area where you plan to climb, talk to others, and make sure you have what you need to climb safely. Your local gym can be a great resource for you!
Sticking to established trails and designated climbing areas
The ecosystem of plants and animals that live in more remote areas is fragile. The vegetation that grows there may not grow easily anywhere else, so it’s easy to damage and hard to replace. Take care and give wildlife plenty of space.
Packing out human waste and litter properly
Follow the Leave No Trace principle and make sure you’re leaving the trail and crag exactly the way you found it. Or, leave it better than you found it, and clean up any litter that you find! On that note, resist the temptation to bring home a souvenir from your adventure– leave it there for the next person to enjoy. The American Alpine Club has a great video here about outdoor ethics and how to be responsible stewards of the environment when climbing. https://youtu.be/bLfaseYuO04
Becoming a citizen scientist
Climbers come in contact with nature in a way most people don’t. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to our communal body of knowledge. Consider recording your observations to benefit efforts to protect the natural world. British conservation organization Mossy Earth suggests using apps that allow users to upload their data to a database, which can then be accessed by scientists for research and management purposes. “Environmental monitoring can provide an early warning system for issues such as rapid population declines, pollution events, the presence of invasive species and in that way provide a valuable contribution to nature conservation and restoration efforts.” Find more of their suggestions here: https://www.mossy.earth/rewilding-knowledge/rock-climbing-and-biodiversity
Joining others in your community
You can also get involved with outdoor stewardship programs and environmental education. Many cities have park clean-up initiatives and city-sponsored events where you can contribute your time to improving your local climbing areas. In the greater Spokane area, Bower Climbing Coalition organizes community clean-ups of local crags. Check them out here.
As climbers, it's our responsibility to tread lightly on the landscapes we love. Transitioning from indoor to outdoor climbing requires a mindset shift towards conservation and stewardship. By sticking to established trails, packing out waste, and following good outdoors ethics, we can minimize our impact and contribute to the preservation of these cherished environments. Get involved in community clean-up initiatives and environmental education programs to further support the places we climb.
Together, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the beauty of outdoor climbing just as we do.
