Wildfires

Kris Koonar asked:


Environmental groups and rock climbers are always at loggerheads because of the impact of rock climbing on the environment. There have been numerous instances, wherein rock climbers are accused of venturing into secured natural territories, and mistreated the organisms and rocks that are there. However, with the changing times, rock climbers are conscious and carry out minimal climbing.

Rock climbers hammer bolts on climbing routes and in the process deface the nature of rocks. In addition, climbing activity also has an effect on the animals and plants situated near the climbing area. The plants and small shrubs growing near the base of rocks are trampled on and cut back, lichens and fungi growing on the rock are spoilt, and the animals living in the climbing area are forced to displace, whenever humans are around.

For example, during the summer climbing season, gravid females of an endangered species of rattlesnake dwell in open areas like roadsides, exposed walls, or rocks, where there is less canopy closure compared to areas inhabited by non-gravid females and males. According to climbers, these areas are very pleasant and apt for climbing during summer. However, this gravely affects the habits of the snakes.

Many rock climbers have understood the significance of wildlife plant and animal preservation and related issues and therefore make provisions to minimize impact in climbing areas.

Keeping in view the impact of human intervention in natural dwelling, animals of various national parks and wildlife agencies have put forth certain restrictions on climbers. There are Seasonal closures of climbing areas, to avoid illegal entrance of uninformed rock climbers.

Climbers are always expected to support wilderness preservation. Many environmental organizations have been formed to safeguard the environment and in the process put down certain guidelines for rock climbers. Both sides have come to a common understanding on the impact of rock climbers on protected areas. Some of the agencies involved in these issues are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management(BLM), the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Of the mentioned groups, only the National Park Services have put forth certain guidelines with significant inputs from the rock climbers.

Given below are some standard guidelines for rock climbers:

. If rock climbers have been allotted a specific area for parking their vehicles, they should respect the rules and keep their vehicle traffic off the sensitive areas.

. Always follow established trails, as these are established for keeping the impact in these areas to the minimum.

. Always follow the “Leave No Trace” principle. You should be acquainted with these principles, whenever you are practicing rock climbing outdoors. For instance-pack all the trash and leave the area like you found it before.

. Establishing new routes and cleaning the area is good. However, avoid “aggressive” cleaning like creating holds, removing large obstructions in landing areas and chipping, or removing any living vegetation from the climb or its base.

. Respect all ’stay out’ areas- If a certain area has been closed for some reason, entering it stealthily only poses more grave threat. If climbers sneak in and break rules, they are not making any attempts to help the cause.



ROSCOE

Donald Saunders asked:


At nearly one and a half million acres Glacier National Park in Montana is impressive and boasts over 200 lakes and streams, 50 glaciers and more than 700 miles of wonderful hiking trails. These numbers are impressive, but they do not even start to convey the breathtaking beauty of this national park.

They do not begin to describe how the mountains around Lake MacDonald glow pink in the setting sun and almost force you to stand transfixed to this view until darkness falls. Neither do they describe the huge field of tall bear grass stalks with their white flowers which simply shout at you to roll back the years and run through the meadow like a child.

But your first point of call should one of the visitor centers in Apgar, Logan Pass or St. Mary where you can find out all about the area and pick up some excellent hiking guide books.

One of the best ways to get to see many of sights of the park is to drive along the famous 50 mile Going-To-The-Sun Road which was built in 1932 and skirts around Lake MacDonald before crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass some 6,700 feet above sea level. From Logan Pass it then descends down to Saint Mary Lake which is an awe inspiring body of water.

If you want to go hiking then there are plenty of options and the area near Belly River offers some glorious scenery and numerous campsites where you can take a rest. For those people who are looking for a longer trip then you can backpack in from Canada, crossing Brown Pass and ending at Bowman Lake.

Another great site is the Hole in the Wall campground which offers 20 waterfalls and thousands of lovely wildflowers. Look upwards and you will see the water coming from a waterfall which pours out of a natural hole in the rock face which gives the area its name.

If you would like a taste of adventure then how about a whitewater rafting trip? You can either join a group of eight people on a larger boat or brave the water yourself in a kayak. Even beginners find that it an easy trip and there are few rocks to contend with, but it will nevertheless give you plenty of fun as you rush down the Flathead River.

For those who like an easier life there are also the Red Bus tours. Millions of visitors have enjoyed seeing the park from these open-topped buses, but take along lots of sunscreen as the sunshine in Glacier during the summer months is very strong.

If you are driving yourself then a good place to stop off is the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk. This area has been free from fire for more than 500 years because of the high moisture content and the result is some of the biggest cedar and hemlocks to be found anywhere. If you are patient you will also spot a flying squirrel or two and, as night begins to fall, you will hear the owls hooting.



ALEJANDRO