Five points every voting resident should know about Article 33.
“As a Voting Resident of Woodstock, I think the following points are important for voters to fully understand the issues with Warrant Article 33”
#1: Safety bolts are necessary protection for climbing at Merriam Woods.
Climbers install bolts into the rock permanently and temporarily anchor their rope as protection in the event of a fall. Allowing bolts and modern climbing practices is the best way to make climbing as safe as possible. Because the rock in Merriam Woods is Mudstone, removable climbing equipment is either unsafe or runs the risk of damaging the rock. Bolt anchors prevent cliff-top erosion, prevent walking in exposed settings to set anchors, and preserve trees and vegetation that would otherwise be used for anchors.
#2: There is a historical precedent of using safety bolts on the cliffs at Merriam Woods.
Rock climbers have been placing bolts (or their historical equivalent) here since at least the 1960s. This practice predates the deeding of the land to the town, and continued through the 1980s and ‘90s when the land was deeded to the town.
#3: There is no liability to the town in allowing bolted rock climbing.
State law RSA 212:34 defines “outdoor recreational activity” as including ice and rock climbing and bouldering, and provides that the “land owner owes no duty of care.”
Please vote to preserve and protect safe climbing at Merriam Woods! Chopping bolts from this fragile rock would destroy this historic climbing area for future generations. We can work together to manage the land responsibly and honor the gift of the Merriam family!
#4: In Section I,C of the deed, the Merriam family indicated their intent that the land be preserved for recreation and enjoyment.
The deed for Merriam Woods clearly allows “public use” and “recreation”, stating. “The property shall not be posted against trespass by the public, and public access thereto and use thereof shall be permitted to insure conservation and/or preservation of the property for public benefit and recreation.” Rock climbing is defined as outdoor recreation according to NH state law RSA:34. As far as the deed is concerned, all “recreation” is on equal footing. A ban on bolt protected climbing is no different than a ban on hiking or birdwatching. The deed and NH law don’t make those distinctions and the Merriam family chose not to make those distinctions in the deed.
#5: Hundreds of climbers have asked to work with the Conservation Commission as partners in caring for this beautiful area.
The best way to share the land among user groups and limit usage is through a comprehensive management plan. Climbers, non-climbers, and the Conservation Committee share concerns about the increase in usage to the area. A comprehensive management plan for Merriam Woods should address issues with parking and usage, with an eye towards setting acceptable limits on daily use, a moratorium on any further expansion of climbing routes without a defined process approved by the Conservation Committee, and plans for balancing many types of users within the community of Woodstock.
