Trout Creek Climbing and Public Process

Jessie Bernier gearing up to cruise another classic Trout Creek 5.11

Not often do we get to witness the chapters that have been written through time that have created and allowed for the continued enjoyment of a cherished area for recreation. As a diehard traditional crack addict, a place like Trout Creek just 2.5 hours from home, is truly a gift. A metamorphic jewel aerated with laser cut splitters lording over a landscape of nubbin busting tendon popping Smith Rocks and sketchy snow slogs of Mt. Jefferson and Hood. For my gas money and time these locales are best viewed in the rear view mirror and from the aerie of Trout Creek. And the golden eagles think so too...

Currently, through the collective wisdom concerned user groups including the public land managing agency the BLM, The Friends of Trout Creek, The Crag Law Center, The Access Fund and concerned climbers a compromise is in place to allow for climbing outside of nesting from Feb 1 to Aug 1... It was nice to be part of the process and see the dedication and interest on many different fronts that allowed for the negotiation and the compromise... Stewardship, communication, compromise...

Not easy, not without its bumps, not perfect. I read letters between the Prineville BLM, Crag Law Center, Friends of Trout Creek, the Access Fund, local climbers, local newspaper articles etc... Following protocols or guidelines or local ethics, being heard, being understood, compromising, being good stewards with trail usage and private property issues, being accountable and above the radar and staying informed takes a lot of work as a climber that just wants to recreate on public land...

Signed letter stating that Alternative 2 has been adopted by the BLM and thanking me for my involvement in the process...

So saying thanks to all the involved and dedicated folks that have kept climbing alive here at Trout Creek. A lot of work, time, energy, money have gone into this... I am so psyched to still get to climb here even if it is just half the year... I hope the golden eagles appreciate it too...