A woman climbs in Kentucky's Red River Gorge. Climbers spend $2.7 million at local businesses there annually. (Redrivergorge.com photo) |
Climbers typically spend a lot of money at businesses near rock climbing havens such as Red River Gorge in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest or Yosemite National Park in California (here are some of the nation's top rock-climbing destinations). All that food, gas and hotel money adds up. "The climbing industry contributes approximately $12.45 billion to the national economy, according to the American Alpine Club," Cush reports. "Due to the remote location of many climbing sites, much of this revenue flows to rural communities through accommodation expenses."
The increased traffic would line the coffers of rural economies, but without proper management could threaten the environment, including climbing spots. According to climbing advocacy nonprofit Access Fund, "one-fifth of climbing areas in the U.S. are already under threat from private developments, degradation from over-climbing, and use by climbers who lack an understanding of each site’s sensitivities and do not follow the 'leave no trace' practices," Cush reports. "A research paper published in peer-reviewed scientific journal PLOS One found that the increased climbing traffic can disturb plants, animals, and the face of the rock. Over time, too much activity can render climbing sites unclimbable and damage the habitats species that live there."
Also, many rock climbing areas are spiritually significant to Native American tribes, and some told Cush the noise and traffic makes it more difficult for them to worship in peace. Overall, better education for climbers will help ensure climbers and rural areas can enjoy the benefits of outdoor climbing spots for years to come, said Access Fund policy director Erik Murdock.
No comments:
Post a Comment