Milestone Made……..
The Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition closed on a nine-acre parcel of land abutting Farley Ledge. Ownership of this parcel will provide permanent public access while saving a precious natural resource from certain development.
Farley—often billed as the best crag between the ‘Gunks and Rumney—is
virtually unknown. Its mythical status can be attributed largely to its unstable access. While the majority of the crag itself is on public recreational property, current parking is located at a small, privately owned eight-car lot, and trail access lies across a patchwork of additional private land parcels. Access is constantly threatened by the disparate voices of land abutters. The WMCC have worked closely to soothe these neighbors. Even so, the trailhead has been moved several times and the crag itself has been closed four times in the last twenty years.
This purchase ends all that uncertainty. Construction of a new trailhead and
parking lot—the easiest part of this whole process—should be finished in time for the fall season. Perhaps most encouraging of all is the fact that this success story represents the efforts of a large, organized and motivated community on the local, regional and national level. Locals sniffed out, carried and closed the deal; the Appalachian Mountain Club offered substantial funds at a critical juncture; the Access Fund provided a significant grant as well as invaluable guidance and support.
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Fundraising is not over.
The WMCC is still actively pursuing funding for this project and your contribution helps.
Help ensure the future and success of this purchase by donating today.
Thanks for checking in and your continued support.
Climb hard and Climb Gneiss!
Jeff Squire
President
Western Massachusetts Climbers' Coalition.
