Don't Climb at The Pound (Rumney)

The last two times I have driven by The Pound there have been people climbing there. I politely told them the area was closed and the professed they didn't know (which is hard to believe as it would require walking by no trespassing signs).

As a reminder, The Pound is privately owned land. The landowner has graciously let people climb there for years. Due to COVID-19, the owner has closed the property. The RCA is working to develop an opening plan, but going against the owner's wishes is only going to prolong the closure and could threaten longterm access.

Blackjack Boulders is a short walk from the main parking lot for the cliffs and is open. Please do not jeopardize future access to the Pound for your selfish pursuits.

Shameless bump to move back to the top for a bit more awareness.

Bump because people who seem like assholes are often just ignorant...

but then again sometimes they’re just ignorant assholes

Any word on when it’s going to reopen yet? 

Barn door boulder is probably my favorite block in NH 

No more signs, but my friend just informed me someone kicked him out, took down his plates and told him it was still closed. Does anyone know what's going on? I've seen plenty of people there no problem since the signs have been removed. Wondering if the Rumney overflow is increasing Pound traffic?

Update: He told me the man claimed someone had ripped all of the signs down without permission.

I have reached out to the RCA to find out more and can update once I know.

Thanks Matt! Any updates?

Tina Andreskiwrote:

Thanks Matt! Any updates?

Very much still closed. Though it appears the signs were down as of a could weeks ago, people have been kicked out and had their license plates taken down and reported. Please stay away and don't make relationships with the land owner any more contentious than they already are.  It was not climbers fault the land was originally posted but our stewardship may be what promotes the reopening to public access.

Tina Andreskiwrote:

Thanks Matt! Any updates?

I have not heard back from the RCA so it is best to be cautious until we hear for sure on way or another.

The signs are back up at The Pound so please do not climb there.

Bringing this back because people were climbing there today. Signs are still up- please be respectful

RCA is in talks with the grounds keeper as the owners are dislocated in FL and using proxy.  The property remains closed due the impact that was initially observed when Covid began shutting areas down.  The flood of patrons to the area created hazards on the roadway and concern for the landowner.  Keep in mind that the land owner doesn’t know you, however they know the RCA.  Negative interactions or repeated violation of the closure has the potential to affect the existing relationship with the RCA which could result in closures or not as loud of a voice when it comes to Rumney parking areas and future plans.

- cheers and it definitely sucks the pound is closed but that’s just incentive to explore more

RCA is in talks with the grounds keeper as the owners are dislocated in FL and using proxy.  The property remains closed due the impact that was initially observed when Covid began shutting areas down.  The flood of patrons to the area created hazards on the roadway and concern for the landowner.  Keep in mind that the land owner doesn’t know you, however they know the RCA.  Negative interactions or repeated violation of the closure has the potential to affect the existing relationship with the RCA which could result in closures or not as loud of a voice when it comes to Rumney parking areas and future plans.

- cheers and it definitely sucks the pound is closed but that’s just incentive to explore more

Stopped by the pound yesterday and saw a lot of chalk all over the stonewall boulders, apparently people are still not respecting the no trespassing signs.(I could see this from the roadway)

The Pound is unequivocally closed. The RCA has recent engaged with the landowner and has received firm confirmation that this area is closed and the landowner does not intend to reopen the area. DO NOT CLIMB AT THE POUND.

The Rumney Climber's Association will continue to engage with the landowner to re-secure access to this area to the best of our ability.