History of the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition
JUN 2022
The RRGCC published the Developer MOU and Route Submission form which provides guidelines of bolting best practices as well as documents development on RRGCC property.
Image already added
NOV 2021
RRGCC sent the final mortgage check to Access Fund for the BRRP, securing permanent access to the Motherlode, Chocolate Factory, and more!
Image already added
JUL 2021
The RRGCC expanded and improved the Motherlode parking lot and added the second vault toilet to its property to help mitigage climber impact to the environment.
Image already added
DEC 2020
With the help of a grant from the Access Fund & Eastern Kentucky University an updated economic impact study was conducted by Dr. Maples & Dr. Bradly which found climbers spend an estimated $8.7 million in the regional economy annually with over 102,000 climber visits per year.
Image already added
OCT 2019
The RRGCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the USFS formalizing our partnership moving forward as it pertains to improving access, trail projects, natural resource education, and mitigating climber impact.
Image already added
OCT 2018
The RRGCC publically announced the opening of Camelot, a sustainably developed climbing area in the MFRP, boasting an impressive collection of moderate routes.
Image already added
MAR 2018
The RRGCC made an $80k payment, with help from a Conservation Alliance $40k matching grant, on the BRRP!
Image already added
OCT 2017
The RRGCC paid off the MFRP mortgage!
Image already added
SEP 2017
Granted Conservation and Recreation Easements for all RRGCC properties to the Access Fund, guaranteeing climbing in perpetuity.
Image already added
DEC 2016
Purchased the Bald Rock Recreational Preserve (BRRP), securing access to world renowned climbing at the Motherlode, Chocolate Factory, Bear's Den, and Unlode.
OCT 2016
The RRGCC received a $2,500 Cornerstone Conservation Grant from the American Alpine Club to help curb erosion, train future land stewards, re-vegetate the forest, and build belay bases at the Gallery.
Image already added
MAY 2013
Purchased the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve, securing 309 acres for rock climbing.
OCT 2012
The RRGCC paid off the PMRP mortgage!
Image already added
JUNE 2010
The RRGCC and Access Fund get together to refinance the remaining mortgage, saving the RRGCC approximately $10k!
JAN 2006
The RRGCC officially obtained 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status from the IRS, gaining tax exemption.
APR 2004
The United States Forest Service banned bolting in the Red River Gorge geological area located within Daniel Boone National Forest.
MAR 2004
RRGCC formally renamed the Murray property the "Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve," or the PMRP.
FEB 2004
The RRGCC obtained a temporary restraining order against Charmane Oil Co. compelling them to stop blocking access and towing cars.
JAN 2004
The RRGCC made climbing history on January 20, 2004 through the purchase of 750 acres from Mattie Murray, securing one of the largest climber owned properties in the country!
OCT 2003
Charmane Oil Co. blocked climber access to Murray property, towing cars for an extenuating time.
SEP 2002
The RRGCC obtained an option to purchase the Murray property on September 25, 2002.
Image already added
FEB 2000
The RRGCC and US Forest Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 7, 2000.
1998
RRGCC President, Hugh Loeffler, obtained express permission for climbing on the Murray property.
1996
The RRGCC is formed in response to USFS "Climbing Management Guide" to negotiate lifting the bolting moratorium.
Image already added
1994
Southern exposure: climbers establish first sport climbing routes in the "Southern Region."
Image already added
1969
The first known trad routes in the Red were established by Ron Stokley, Dieter Britz, and Bob Stokes.
1963
Mattie Murray inherits the D.B. Pendergrass property.
1950s-60s
The first known climbing in the Red River Gorge was said to be at Caver's Route, used by spelunkers training caving technique.
1908
Tracts of Land: Daniel Boone Pendergrass purchases two tracts of land in Lee County, Kentucky, one along Bald Rock Fork and one in Coal Bank Hollow. These lands are now the PMRP.
