Gunks Climbers’ Coalition Waterworks Donation Announcement
On December 12, 2010, the Gunks Climbers’ Coalition took a major step toward fulfilling its commitment to support the management and maintenance of the ‘Waterworks’ bouldering area, which lies at the northern end of the Mohonk Preserve.
It is a heavily wooded and glaciated 63 acre parcel, currently owned by the Open Space Institute and soon to be purchased by the Mohonk Preserve. The boulder problems are accessible to climbers of varying degrees of skill and the enveloping forest creates a serenity unique to this location.
Until the purchase by the Preserve has been completed, along with evaluative research to assess the protection needed for endangered species of plants and animals, as well as historical sites, the access will be afforded by online appointments through a website set up by the Preserve at www.eventbrite.com, and with property boundary limits pointed out by climber volunteers on location. The area is bounded by private land and respect for these boundaries is essential if we are to enjoy the privilege of climbing here, as everywhere, when private residences are so close.
Our Communications Director on the Board, France Menk, presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to Glenn Hoagland, the Director of the Mohonk Preserve. These funds have come from the generosity of our entire climbing community, as well as many non-climbers who feel a strong attachment to the preservation of open space for recreation and relaxation. We are extremely grateful to you all. This contribution and our ability to make this commitment to the project is a direct result of your support.
The GCC’s total pledge of $50,000 over 10 years serves to support the creation of a master plan of site design and long term access management, based on the results of the studies mentioned above. Within the terms of our donation, the Mohonk Preserve has pledged to support bouldering and climbing within the parameters of this plan.
Our fundraising efforts to support our pledge are ongoing. You may donate through Paypal at our donation page in our web site www.gunksclimbers.org, or you may mail a check to our post office box. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
We are all excited at this major step forward in our commitment to increase climbing opportunities along the Shawangunk Ridge.
This important news has also been published by the Access Fund on their website here.
Left to right: Joe Alfano, Director of Development & Membership, Mohonk Preserve;
Glenn Hoagland, Executive Director, Mohonk Preserve; France Menk,
Communications Director, Gunks Climbers’ Coalition; Eric Fye,
Managing Ranger, Facilities and Operations, Mohonk Preserve.
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