About The WMCC

Who We Are

The Western Massachusetts Climber's Coalition (WMCC) is a local, non-profit volunteer climbers' organization that works to build cohesive relationships with advocacy groups, state and local governments, landowners, and conservation groups to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment in Western Massachusetts.

The men and women of this organization come from all walks of life, a wide range of age groups, and have very diverse backgrounds. Our membership consists of doctors and lawyers, teachers and students, artists and computer programmers, mothers and daughters, grandfathers and grandsons. What we do have in common is a passion for climbing, a love for the environment, and a willingness to work hard to preserve access to the natural resources where we practice our sport.

Our Mission

• to preserve access to climbing areas and to protect these valuable environments through education and increasing climber awareness
  
• to promote the natural resources of Western Massachusetts for outdoor recreation through environmental stewardship and education.
  
• to build cohesive relationships with advocacy groups, state and local governments, landowners, and conservation groups to keep climbing areas open and to conserve the climbing environment in Western Massachusetts.
  

Our Purpose

The remarkable and varied climbing resources located throughout Western Massachusetts have attracted climbers since the early 1950's. These resources represent some of the finest climbing opportunities in Massachusetts and New England; however private property and land ownership issues make many of these areas subject to closure due to increased use. As the popularity of recreational climbing rapidly increases, the impacts felt by landowners and the environment are becoming more apparent. Developing a solid working relationship and understanding between climbers, landowners, state and local agencies, and other associated groups will begin to resolve current conflicts and help to preserve future climbing resources.

Many of the climbing areas in Western Massachusetts are adjacent to protected open spaces such as state forests, and trail networks like the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. Preserving or improving access to these climbing areas would present new opportunities for hikers, hunters, bird watchers, bikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The WMCC seeks to accomplish its mission by building grassroots support for climbers concerns. Fundamental to our success, is raising climber's awareness to the problems associated with increased land use, and to take a proactive stance in finding solutions to these problems.

The WMCC recognizes that the various types of climbing (i.e. traditional, sport, and bouldering) are all valid. The WMCC does not seek to promote one type of climbing over another, but rather strives to preserve the unique character of climbing that has developed within each of the climbing areas in Western Massachusetts.

BOARD MEMBERS:

Jeff Squire

Ward Smith

Alan Rubin

Peter Gill

Earl Alderson