While the Niagara Glen is pretty quiet this time of year for bouldering, work to ensure continued access to the area is in full swing. In September 2008, The OAC organized a climber petition and letter writing campaign to the Niagara Parks Commission in an attempt to stop the recommendation of bouldering being eliminated from the Glen.  -We spoke as a community and the NPC listened-.   The NPC is still listening ; On December 16th, 2009 the OAC met with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) to determine future access for bouldering to the Niagara Glen and how this will be incorporated into the final Environmental Land Management Plan for Niagara Glen.  Debbie Whitehouse, Executive Director of Parks for Niagara Parks Commission has issued the following statement regarding the progress made in the meeting.

"Further to changes to Niagara Parks Draft Environmental Land Management Plan in response to input from Ontario Access Coalition (OAC) members, staff from The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) met with OAC representatives last month to discuss bouldering and access to boulders in Niagara Glen.  Existing sanctioned and unsanctioned trails, boulder locations, and locations of sensitive species were reviewed by the group to prioritize the interests and concerns of both parties. 

The NPC is currently updating their draft management plan to remove the recommendation to eliminate bouldering.  This progress was made directly as a result of Boulderers following the interim Niagara Glen Bouldering guidelines.  Please continue to follow these guidelines and encourage others to do the same. 

This is a great chance for NPC, the climbing community to work together to keep the Glen beautiful and maintain a balance with conservation and recreation. Stay tuned to the OAC site for more news.