Through the combined efforts of the Vermont Land Trust (VLT), The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), and Climbing Resource Access Group Vermont (CRAG-VT), climbing at the 82 Crag in Bolton, Vermont has been permanently protected. Very recently, the VLT helped the ANR acquire an easement ensuring conservation and public recreation rights on the land where the cliff is located. CRAG-VT was able to work with the VLT and the ANR to make sure climbing access was included in these protections.

The conservation of this land is part of the Chittenden County Uplands Conservation Project—a cooperative effort by many local groups and statewide organizations and agencies to conserve the ecological integrity, rural character, and working landscape of the northeastern uplands of Chittenden County.

“The Vermont Land Trust is working hard to protect large parcels of forestland—they are essential to our land-based economy and provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities,” said Bob Heiser, project manager for the Vermont Land Trust.

The 82 Crag is one of the best climbing areas in Vermont, hosting many classic climbs from 5.8 to 5.13. This project is a great example of how conservation groups like the ANR, the VLT, and CRAG-VT can work in partnership to protect Vermont’s climbing and conserve undeveloped lands. CRAG-VT would like to extend its gratitude to ANR and the VLT for understanding the importance of local climbing resources and for the hard work it took to make this project a success.

Help Protect Upper West Bolton Cliff, VT (09/16/2008)

By Travis Peckham, President, CRAG-VT

CRAG-VT has recently received approval from landowners and the Bolton Select Board to purchase one of Vermont's most popular and historic climbing areas- Upper West Bolton Cliff. With trad, sport, and ice climbs, its exceptional boulder field, magnificent views, and quiet and wild setting, Upper West is one of Vermont's best climbing areas.

Over the past 40 years, everyone from beginners to climbing legends has become a part of the cliff's colorful history. While attending the University of Vermont in the 1970's, John Bouchard cut his teeth on the green schist of Upper West before becoming one of our country's most accomplished alpinists. Bouchard made an indelible mark when he established The Rose (5.10a) and The Thorn (5.11a), two routes that represent some of the best crack climbing the Northeast has to offer.

In the early 1990's, Upper West Bolton Cliff was closed to climbing. After years of closure, CRAG-VT board members were able to work with landowners to restore access. CRAG-VT has since maintained positive relations with the landowners and is now in a position to broker a permanent solution by acquiring the cliff. We must act now to ensure that this cliff is protected forever.

CRAG-VT is working with the Access Fund to mobilize local climbers to help complete this important project. The Access Fund has awarded CRAG-VT a supporting grant for this acquisition, but we need additional funding and more help from the climbing community. Please contact us if you have a fundraising idea, can make an online donation, or want to volunteer. With your help, we can purchase and protect this land forever.

Please visit www.cragvt.org to learn more.

Latest News from NEVCA, VT (12/11/2006)

By Matthew Elliott, President

In time for the beginning of the ice climbing season, Northeastern Vermont Climber's Alliance has stocked the rescue cache near the south end of the ice routes on Mt. Pisgah. A second cache has been constructed, and will be installed in the Last Gentleman Ampitheater on December 16. Each cache contains a rescue backboard/sled and basic first aid supplies.

Funding for the project was provided by generous donations to an online fundraiser organized by Access Fund Regional Coordinator Richard Doucette; NEVCA volunteers built and installed the shelters, and will maintain them.

NEVCA would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved in the project, and wish a safe and happy ice climbing season to all!