A Letter from the RMF President
RMF Community Members & Supporters:
As we move into the summer months, the RMF will continue to carry on our mission of Preserving and Protecting Connecticut's High and Wild Places. This year, we have been focused on three areas and will continue to strive to push these projects forward as we approach the second half of 2023:
Access
We all want a place to enjoy the sport we love. Access to cliffs and boulders is an important long-term goal. Climbing looks different to many users and that is why it is essential to advocate for all types of climbing access. Climbing access takes time to figure out, especially in places with a long history of not allowing recreation. The RMF is dedicated to working out solutions with the New Britain Water Department for access to the beloved Bradley Boulders. Although the focus is Bradley, we are also interested in conversations that will allow for climbing on other important crags on NBWD lands. Please remember that as we continue to work with the City of New Britain to negotiate access, climbing in these areas is prohibited.
Partnerships
As we look to grow as an organization it is important to recognize the work of other like-minded groups and people. Alongside these partners, we hope to better the climbing experience for all. Please show your support of our mission by becoming a member of, or enjoying the resources that the following organizations offer:
The Berlin Land Trust is the organization that jointly holds the Conservation Restriction on the RMF property. The BLT preserves space in perpetuity to keep it from being developed in the town of Berlin and in Central CT. The newly acquired Alice Fern Bruce Preserve in Berlin has a great loop trail and is a gentler, less strenuous approach to Lamentation Mountain’s Evening Wall.
The RMF has been working with DEEP for over four years now. DEEP has been an essential partner for the RMF as we work to have rock climbing recognized as an outdoor recreational activity in state parks and forests. This is an important step in future access work.
In addition to the BLT and DEEP, the RMF continues to work with the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition and Meriden Parks and Recreation. Both partners are important for our community to access the climbing resources in our surrounding region.
The Ragged Mountain Foundation Property
We have lofty goals for areas that we don’t own, but that provide additional climbing opportunities for all. The one area where access is guaranteed is the Main Cliff of Ragged Mountain. We are privileged to be able to climb within the 52 acres that make up the RMF property. Within the property lies the Stanley Hart Dam. As property owners we are required by the State of Connecticut to have the dam regularly inspected. After its last assessment, it was found that we have a valve that needs to be replaced. This project is the largest financial challenge that the RMF has been involved with in recent years.
As supporters of the Ragged Mountain Foundation, we can not do this work without you. There are many ways to get involved. Sign up for a trails day, purchase or renew your membership, spread the word to other climbers about the work we do, or consider donating to our efforts. All of these actions will help us achieve our goals and support our mission of “Preserving and Protecting Connecticut’s High and Wild Places.”
Donate to our efforts here or update your membership.
Thank you for supporting your local climbing organization!
Kevin Johnson
Ragged Mountain Foundation