Boston area recreational tree climbers
We're called BARC, let's climb some trees!
Waking up BARC, what's going on...
Wake up call
Ok it's time to get some climbs scheduled. Winter is over, ropes and fingers are thawed out, lets get into some trees!
What's been goin' on?
Here are a few climb reports and photos from the fall and winter. The climbing never stops but now we're getting into the best season for it.
Teen climbs
Since last summer I've been volunteering to run tree climbs for the Franklin Park Coalition teens program. Thirty young folks climbed last summer, it was great. Over the winter the teens built Screech Owl nest boxes and we climbed and installed three of them in Franklin Park in February. More photos
Winter climbs
I've been climbing non-stop through the winter but I'm glad the weather is warming, no more hand warmers required in my pockets while climbing. Had some great climbs in the snow and as usual many night climbs since the sun sets so early over the dark season. More photos
Southern swamp climbing
In February I had the opportunity to meet with the Eastern Native Tree Society members in Congaree National Park in South Carolina. We did a permitted climb to measure the height and volume of the national champion Loblolly Pine, an amazing tree. The first branch from the ground is around 110 ft., the total height of the champ is 169 ft.
More photos
Access
Speaking of permits... access to tree climbing on public land is one of the biggest issues facing recreational tree climbers. Public land managers are very sensitive to the liability potential and possible damage to trees and vegetation. The techniques we use to climb are very soft on the tree, no spikes/spurs. Cambium protection devices are always used to protect branches from rope friction damage. As far as climb safety goes we follow widely accepted safety protocols for technical roped tree climbing and use rated ropes and gear. I was at a ski area last weekend, watching everybody flying around the crowded slopes I was reminded how safe technical tree climbing is compared to the widely accepted high velocity snow sports.
Spring Climbs?
If anyone has access to trees on private land with some good-sized trees we're all ears. Most potential public sites are a no-go without explicit permission from park managers. I'm also looking at some potential private sites and will announce if I come up with anything.
-Andrew
Ok it's time to get some climbs scheduled. Winter is over, ropes and fingers are thawed out, lets get into some trees!
What's been goin' on?
Here are a few climb reports and photos from the fall and winter. The climbing never stops but now we're getting into the best season for it.
 |
Since last summer I've been volunteering to run tree climbs for the Franklin Park Coalition teens program. Thirty young folks climbed last summer, it was great. Over the winter the teens built Screech Owl nest boxes and we climbed and installed three of them in Franklin Park in February. More photos
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I've been climbing non-stop through the winter but I'm glad the weather is warming, no more hand warmers required in my pockets while climbing. Had some great climbs in the snow and as usual many night climbs since the sun sets so early over the dark season. More photos
Southern swamp climbing
In February I had the opportunity to meet with the Eastern Native Tree Society members in Congaree National Park in South Carolina. We did a permitted climb to measure the height and volume of the national champion Loblolly Pine, an amazing tree. The first branch from the ground is around 110 ft., the total height of the champ is 169 ft.
More photos
Access
Speaking of permits... access to tree climbing on public land is one of the biggest issues facing recreational tree climbers. Public land managers are very sensitive to the liability potential and possible damage to trees and vegetation. The techniques we use to climb are very soft on the tree, no spikes/spurs. Cambium protection devices are always used to protect branches from rope friction damage. As far as climb safety goes we follow widely accepted safety protocols for technical roped tree climbing and use rated ropes and gear. I was at a ski area last weekend, watching everybody flying around the crowded slopes I was reminded how safe technical tree climbing is compared to the widely accepted high velocity snow sports.
Spring Climbs?
If anyone has access to trees on private land with some good-sized trees we're all ears. Most potential public sites are a no-go without explicit permission from park managers. I'm also looking at some potential private sites and will announce if I come up with anything.
-Andrew
Add a Comment
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Comment by Bob Mihalek on May 21, 2009 at 10:01pm - I found a beautiful, enormous red oak we can all climb in Northborough. This magnificient tree is about a 10 minute hike from the parking area, so be prepared to shlep your gear in with you. Let's shoot for Saturday June 6th, rain date Sunday June 7th.
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