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Rock climbing and Environment

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Post published: 31.05.2012
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Rock climbing and Environment

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31.05.2012.

Best known dalmatian snake, don't kill it if you see it, viper is protected!Environmental groups and rock climbers are always at loggerheads because of the impact of rock climbing on the environment. There have been numerous instances, wherein rock climbers are accused of venturing into secured natural territories, and mistreated the organisms and rocks that are there. However, with the changing times, rock climbers are conscious and carry out minimal climbing.

Rock climbers hammer bolts on climbing routes and in the process deface the nature of rocks. In addition, climbing activity also has an effect on the animals and plants situated near the climbing area. The plants and small shrubs growing near the base of rocks are trampled on and cut back, lichens and fungi growing on the rock are spoilt, and the animals living in the climbing area are forced to displace, whenever humans are around.

For example, during the summer climbing season, gravid females of an endangered species of rattlesnake dwell in open areas like roadsides, exposed walls, or rocks, where there is less canopy closure compared to areas inhabited by non-gravid females and males. According to climbers, these areas are very pleasant and apt for climbing during summer. However, this gravely affects the habits of the snakes.

Many rock climbers have understood the significance of wildlife plant and animal preservation and related issues and therefore make provisions to minimize impact in climbing areas.

Keeping in view the impact of human intervention in natural dwelling, animals of various national parks and wildlife agencies have put forth certain restrictions on climbers. There are Seasonal closures of climbing areas, to avoid illegal entrance of uninformed rock climbers.

Climbers are always expected to support wilderness preservation. Many environmental organizations have been formed to safeguard the environment and in the process put down certain guidelines for rock climbers. Both sides have come to a common understanding on the impact of rock climbers on protected areas.

Given below are some standard guidelines for rock climbers visiting Croatia and Dalmatia:

- If rock climbers have been allotted a specific area for parking their vehicles, they should respect the rules and keep their vehicle traffic off the sensitive areas.
-  Always follow established trails, as these are established for keeping the impact in these areas to the minimum.
- Always follow the "Leave No Trace" principle. You should be acquainted with these principles, whenever you are practicing rock climbing outdoors. For instance-pack all the trash and leave the area like you found it before.
- Pick up all your garbage/rubbish before leaving the crag. A plastic bag for collecting little bits of trash (food and coffee wrappers, straws, tissue paper, finger tape etc) hardly takes up any space in your backpack.
And if you smoke, please pick up your cigarette butts! The filters are toxic, non-biodegradable, and if left behind they can be eaten by birds and other animals. You can admit – seeing filters under the route is ugly!
- If you get the uncontrollable urge to poop at the crag, please be considerate:
a) walk at least 100 m away from the crag,
b) make sure you are not standing on an approach trail,
c) do the deed,
d) take the used paper away with you,  
e) bury the evidence (there are plenty of rocks around to use for digging or covering).  
- Establishing new routes and cleaning the area is good. However, avoid "aggressive" cleaning like creating holds, removing large obstructions in landing areas and chipping, or removing any living vegetation from the climb or its base.
- Respect all 'stay out' areas- If a certain area has been closed for some reason, entering it stealthily only poses more grave threat. If climbers sneak in and break rules, they are not making any attempts to help the cause.
- Be very careful with open fire! You can get yourself in serious trouble if you got caught having barbeque or grill in the open due to restrictions in Dalmatia specially during summertime. It is forbidden in Croatia to have open fire anywhere from June 15th-September 15th.
- Help local economy! Purchasing local products in the store or at the market is helping our economy to grow. If this doesn’t make you happy remember that mediterranean food is light and healthy! 

We have delicious fish, great olive oil, cheese and wine. Local beer is really great, try it!

Thank you for visiting our country and respecting our guidelines!

Dalmatia climbing

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