Palisades Interstate Park Superintendent asks for Proposal

Recently I had a short discussion on the phone with Mr. James Hall, Superintendent and Executive Director of Palisades Interstate Park, about the possibility of having the restrictions on rock climbing in the park reviewed and possibly changed to allow technical rock climbing. 

Much to my delight, Mr. Hall suggested that I put together a proposal for the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to consider. 

 

Article about John Anderson in NYTimes

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/29colnj.html

His Perennial Plea: Just Let Us Climb!

A quote from the article: “The law’s a dumb law — do away with it,” he said. “Hikers don’t have to do it, bike riders don’t have to do it. Why climbers?” 

 

Have you seen the video of Fred Beckey, the 85 Year Old Climber?

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/12/15/sports/golf/1194835655194/the-old-man-of-the-mountains.html 

It is nothing less than inspiring!

The comment about never getting injured climbing except for when he got distracted in a bar by a pretty girl and fell off a bar stool is absolutely classic!

Rock Climbing at the Palisades

I recently contacted the Access Fund requesting assistance in an effort to reform the currently highly restrictive access issues regarding Rock Climbing on the Palisades in the Palisades Interstate Park. The response was positive.

We will be looking for support and assistance in this effort from the climbing communities in both NY and NJ.

The Palisades extend for approximately 20 miles and range in height from 120 to 300 feet high (according to Wikipedia they are between 350 to 550 feet tall) and by my estimate probably have more than 10,000 potential routes on excellent rock. This is an excellent multi-pitch recreational facility in the heart of the New York City Metropolitan Area.

Palisades Interstate Park can be reached with a short subway, train or bus ride by approximately 11 million residents, rather than the personal transportation required to reach the Shawangunks or the Delaware Water Gap providing a huge environmental benefit for all through the use of the public transportation system and reduced hydrocarbon emissions.

Recreational programs, Boy and Girl Scouts programs, Search and Rescue, Fire, Police, First Aid squads would all benefit from having this local resource available for their use.

If you would like to assist us in this effort to bring the Palisades Interstate Park into conformity with the current access requirements of the NJ State Park System, i.e. a signed waiver of liability, rather than the onerous, outdated system currently in place, please send an email to IClimbNJ@aol.com with your contact information and any additional information you deem appropriate.

You can expect to receive a responding email from Michael Borga in a maximum of 2-3 days.

Thanking you in advance for your assistance,

Michael J. Borga Jr.