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Save Ghost River Valley in the Canadian Rockies 28-Sep-2005 At 8:44:56 AM whitecaps

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It's a long way from the delights of a Scottish Winter, but many of you who enjoy the feel of ice beneath your picks and points may have dreamed of climbing the waterfalls in the Ghost River Valley in the Canadian Rockies.

This is probably Canada's premier ice-climbing area, with hundreds of waterfalls reliably forming every winter - many tempting lines still unclimbed. But now, recent proposals are to severely restrict vehicular access and camping in this valley, which due to the remoteness of the region, and the severity of the Canadian Winter, this would essentially put many of the climbs beyond accessible for regular climbers. These restrictions make little sense from an environmental standpoint in Summer, and no sense at all in Winter.

The local climbing community has tried to reason with the government, but to no avail - in fact in the analysis of results of the statistics from the government 'user interest survey' it said (and I quote) - "The disproportionate representation from climbers should be considered when reviewing the results" which sounds suspiciously like the voice of climbers was officially ignored.

It turns out that we now have only until this Friday (30/09/05) to petition our case before these restrictions get enacted, so it is time to kick up a big noise. I have set up an on-line petition to collect names of climbers against the proposed closures. We hope to demonstrate not only that there are a large number of local climbers this will affect, but that due to the quality of climbing in The Ghost, this is an international issue.

If you love ice-climbing, have ever visited The Ghost, or ever wish to visit The Ghost, please sign this petition.

You can sign at: http://www.calgarymountainclub.com/petition.htm

thanks in advance for your help