CTM Meeting Minutes - 2006
January 8, 2006 @ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 20

Old business:

New Year, new officiers.
CTM awarded John Myrick and Kirk Holladay with plaques to thank them for their many years of service to CTM and the climbing community in Austin.

Barry talked about the current ERock Trail Project, progress and future plans.
They are pretty much out of material and need more. The park will provide some, but another grant would be good. Rob to look into writing grants this year for this trail project and some at Reimers

Showed some pictures from the First Night event of climbing the Radisson Hotel. We will probably do this again next year, but on a different building where we can actually climb the brickwork rather than a rope latter. Tommy let us know that the organizer of this event wanted to extend her thanks to all of those in CTM who participated.

Tommy, Luke, and Evan would like to bolt two new routes on the right side of Seismic.

New Business:

Discussed plans for CTM this year:
- Trail projects, ERock & Reimers
- Limestoner
- CTM Outings & workshops
- Membership drive


February 8, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 17

E-rock trail projects: Luke graciously held last month's project, focusing on the Carnivores and campground areas. The next trail project will be held on the 22nd, again graciously led by Luke, while Barry is recovering- we love you, get well soon!

Reimers Ranch Climbing Committee: New bolting applications and election procedures passed onto the county (pending approval). The group will be accepting nominations from March 1st thru March 31st.

Other Reimers details: Trail project to be held on the 25th (possibly to add the 26th depending on the success of the project). Meet in the parking lot at 9a.m., work until noon, climb until dark. Yay! We will try to focus on cutting dangerous trees, using existing rocks to fill in wet areas, etc. In the future we'll focus on the natural stairs for the cave entrance and the hill up to Dead Cats. The whole process is to plan for switchbacks, bridges, etc. while keeping the trails rough and natural. Another major project currently in consideration is to create a trail around the rim of the park. Central Texas Trail Tamers will meet this week to discuss the situation....more info to come.....


Limestoner April 22nd, 2006 (rain date April 29th): Yes, we will celebrate Earth Day while climbing in the most beautiful park in Travis County!! Competitors will have to pay an entrance fee, but we can camp on Friday and Saturday nights FOR FREE. Georgia, Kita, Tommy and Louie will be working on contacts to get gear prizes/donations. Louie and Evan will check with Jeff Jackson at Rock and Ice to get some promo in next months issue. We will be continuing the new speed category and add a new endurance category this year. (Gary to check with boy scouts for conflicting schedules??/ invite to compete??)

CTCC elections: CTCC is now accepting current CTM member nominations until May. Nominees at current meeting: NONE

Future calendar for 2006:
3rd Wednesday of every month- workshops/ info swap/ etc (to be determined)
April 22: Limestoner
May: Outing to Oklahoma
June: Outing to Oklahoma
July: Outing to Pace Bend
August: Amy's birthday
September:Outing to Hueco Tanks- free guiding provided by Bird Dog
October: Granite Gripper
December: Christmas party
(Outings will tentatively leave on Thursday evenings and return on Sunday evenings. We'll rent a van or caravan, and we will camp, climb, hike, hangout, have fun!!

Workshops/ info swap/ etc: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7p.m.(pending final decision) Possible discussion topics include belay technique, multi-pitch, simul-climbing, trad anchors, haul systems, self-rescue, knots......

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: ONLY 29 CURRENT MEMBERS!!! We must increase members. Try to guilt your friends, put up signs at reimers/greenbelt areas, lure in travis county political groups, or use pay pal on the CTM website to join. New members equals new materials for future bolting projects, trail projects, etc. We are focusing on 2 grants currently to increase funds: REI and Access Fund (pending approval).

NEW WEBSITE TO COME... WE'LL HAVE MORE SPACE, MORE PICS AND EMAIL CONNECTIONS... MORE COOL STUFF TO COME, DON'T FORGET ABOUT NEXT MONTHS MEETING


March 8, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: ?
No minutes available.


April 12, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 24

including special guests Kedron Touvell (running for Austin City Council Place 5) and Brendon and Nathan (providing a slide show from Southwest Adventure Guides)
Enchanted Rock: last month the group got together to clean the stockpile and campground. This month the group will continue to spruce up the campgrounds. Welcome back Barry! 

CTCC elections: (for 7 open seats)
CTM nominations include: Barry Wilson, Sean O'Grady, Gail McClanaham, Corey Fields
If there are any other nominations, please obtain the ballot on the CTM website and mail to:
Superintendent
Enchanted Rock St. Natural Area
16710 RR 965
Fredricksburg TX 78624-6554

RRCC elections: (for 7 open seats)
Nominations include: Tommy Blackwell, Scott Isgitt, Jeff Olson, Luke Bowman, Evan Jackson, Eric Moore, Jordan DeLong, Emily Mathon, Joel Shopp, Thu Doan, Minna Miller
Currently accepting votes through the Limestoner (May 6th)
Reimers Trail Project:
last month the group cut down the dead tree hanging over the trail, made stairs heading towards Dead Cats and the river. This month on the 22nd and 23rd, we will continue to build stairs to the river and fill those in with fine rock and dirt.

Limestoner:
May 6th- in case you didn't know by now.... There will be free camping on Friday and Saturday nights. Mauro is graciously doing the t-shirt design and posters!! Many prizes will be given and quenching beer from Real Ale will be provided. Thanks to Georgia for working so hard at obtaining the prizes!

THANKS TO ROB STARCHER, WE GOT $1200 FROM THE ACCESS FUND GRANT to be used for building bridges over the wet areas at Reimers. The proposed design involves using brick piers and wood decking.
Current Budget- $4514 ($1200 from Access, $500 from Land and Sky, $150 from REI, $100 from new members, minus $205 for bolting on new routes) Be a member of CTM- it's the way to be a rock star! 
Future dates to keep in mind:
April 22nd- Bouldering comp. at SARG- volunteers needed
May 6th- Limestoner
May 27th- Oklahoma group outing
June 24th- Arkansas group outing
July 22nd- Pace Bend group outing
September 9th- Hueco Tanks group outing
October 21st- Granite Gripper


May 10, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 16


Travis county meetings:
April 20- looking for trail project and funding ideas, supply of bolts, chains, etc. for maintenance of county park bolts (not greenbelt).
April 25- Parks and Open Space Plan: not very specific yet, but climbers are noticed as the main user group
              Conservation Development ordinance: incentives for developers to keep green space

REI grant proposal:
Due May 31st: up to $5000 in funds or REI gear for youth-oriented use (for artificial boulders in parks, or getting them involved in a trail project, etc.) This grant was previously used last year by Friends of Enchanted Rock for an educational program/ self-guided tour) Please give us your ideas!!

Future Calendar:
 
May 20th- Limestoner
       21st- Reimers Trail Project
       27th- Oklahoma trip- to Wichital Wildlife Refuge; leave Friday night, return Monday night (memorial day weekend)
       31st- REI proposal due
June 24th- Arkansas trip
July 22nd- Pace Bend trip
Current Budget: ~40 members= $2962 ( $130 for new members + $500 from Land Water and Sky for Limestoner -$205 for route maintenance) $1200 from Access Fund for Reimers and $150 from REI not included yet Pay Pal brought in 9 new members this month Please continue to hand out the "business cards" and promote youth advocacy at future comps ( May 13 and 20 at Harker)- Thanks Corey for the comp at SARG on April 20th

Thanks Gary for providing awesome slides of previous Oklahoma trips! Looks like fun!


June 14, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 27

Coming up: Doseage 4 and First Ascent at the Alamo- September or October at Downtown Alamo location. Showing 45 minutes of each movie for only $10/ticket.; The showing will cost $500 to rent the movies and $500 to rent the venue. Sign up with Scott Isgitt at the Austin Rock Gym.

CTM shirts and Limestoner shirts on sale for only $15!

Enchanted Rock trail project: (3rd weekend of every month) The project has been at the campgrounds and will remain at the campgrounds to fix the mess left over from recent heavy rainfalls.

Limestoner results: 63 attended (compared to 42 from last year)- $1889 cash + $1119 checks ( $1335 from registration and $1673 from silent auction) + $500 from Land and Sky + $600 from Whole Earth= $4108- $195 for 13 new CTM memberships - $927 for t-shirts -$100 for random expenses= $2886 TOTAL TO BE SPLIT BETWEEN REIMERS AND ACCESS FUND!!!! GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!! LET'S CONTINUE THIS TO MAKE IT EVEN BIGGER NEXT YEAR!!

Reimers Trail Project: There were a few hardened souls to help out after the limestoner (6 people) who filled in trails with fine rock and dirt. Next Project June 24/25- to work on building a bridge at Mai Tai: $1200 was donated from the Access Fund to build bridges for wet areas around Reimers. The proposed design consists of cement piers and composite decking ($170 per 9' section); 2 sections to be built at Mai Tai, 1 section at Millenium, 1 section at T-Roofic.

And speaking of donations.... REI Grant Proposal:
Due May 31st- we missed this year because of the Limestoner, but we can get ready for next year. The plan is to get up to $5000 in funds or REI gear for a youth oriented project. The proposed project by Barry Wilson is to create an artificial bouldering circuit around Town lake. Emily Mathon will help with grant writing. Any other ideas, please submit them ASAP.

And speaking of money.... CTM budget:
Currently 60 memebers creating $2017- not including Limestoner funds, Access Fund grant and REI grant. Bank accounts will be transferred to a new bank that won't charge us $15/month for a non profit group.

And speaking of non-profits:
Our status is currently on hold. We need to refile paperwork with the IRS in order to remain a non-profit. Jamie McNallie will be helping to get a copy and help us file.

Hand out CTM business cards to local climbers. We want more members!

Speaking of members: New members of the CTCC committee ar posted on CTM website. Congrats!

Speaking of committees: RRCC committee is working on 28 proposed routes that need replacements of bad bolts, new sport anchors, etc. 8 routes have been completed. Report any new route concerns to R2C2@googlegroups.com or go to CTM.com for a link. RRCC currently has an independent account containing $1400. Go to the Dosage 4 show at the alamo to help get more funds if you want your routes to remain safe and pretty.

New Climbing Gym: Start construction in 2007, to be completed in 2007. Sheer Cliffs (by Steve Goldstein) will be built near the Barton Creek Mall movie theater to hold 20,000 sq feet with 40' side walls and 60' center height. These heights meet the minimum height requirement for many major competitions. Start training now!

If you couldn't make it to the meeting, you missed a great slide show of the recent Oklahoma outing. 12 people enjoyed 3 days and nights at the beautiful Lower Mt Scott and The Narrows areas. Be sure to make it to the next outing to be included on the next slide show.

Future calendar:
June 24/25- Reimers Trail Project
June 30-July 4th: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and Sam's Throne outing (Arksansas)
July 27: Pace Bend??? Will the lake be dry???
Sept 9: Hueco Tanks outing
Oct 21- Granite Gripper
Dec- Xmas party!!



July 12, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 20

Our president Gary got a brilliant idea from his brilliant friend for "adopt a bolt." Act quickly, for only $10/bolt you could get your name next to the bolt on the bolting history page. You would help contribute to replacement of bolts or whole routes. Sign up through pay pal, and you could be the proud owner of a bouncing baby route! Seriously.

Reimers trail project weekends are still kicking! Every 4th weekend, people "have fun" fixing up trails around Reimers Ranch. On the 24th it rained, but 2 people were "man" enough to brave the wetness. 10 people showed up on the 25th. The fun included adding steps to eroding hills, and building the 1st bridge section at Mai Tai. CTM is currently accepting more "fun" ideas/suggestions for future projects. For July 22nd/23rd the fun will include finishing steps to eroding hills. Don't miss out on the fun!

Proposed movie madness Dosage 4 at the Alamo Downtown in September or October. CTM will fork over $500 to rent the movie and $500 to rent the venue, but we'll hopefully make a profit by selling tickets at a low low low price of $10/ticket for 200 seats.

Please notify us about any bolts/anchors that need replacing at Reimers and the Greenbelt.

If you missed the beautiful trip to Arkansas to climb trad in Sams Throne and sport in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, don't despair, the future calendar holds more wonderful events:
July 22/23- Reimers Trail Project
July 29- Summer fun at Pace Bend- bring your own food, floaties, drinks, alcohol in thermos'...etc.
Sept 9- Hueco Tanks
Oct. 21- Granite Gripper
December- X-mas party

...and... if you have yet to tour Pogue Hollow Springs next door to Reimers, there is an opportunity to do so this Saturday, July 15 at 9:45 a.m. Don't miss the experience of our newest county park. The rangers in the park are very happy about this place so they are usually more than happy to show you around if you can't make it out this Saturday. Just talk to them to arrange another tour.

Oh, and you missed out on more great door prizes.... just another reason to make it out to our next CTM meeting. See you there!


August 9, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 14 (+1 dog)

CTM Budget: Switched bank accounts to avoid stupid annual fees. Account holds $2065 not including limestoner cash and checks, $1428 to RRCC, $1428 to Access Fund, and $1200 from Access fund for Reimers Trail

Non-Non-Profit Status: We are still not a 501c3 organization yet, the IRS paperwork was never filed (we have the forms and we will file them with help from Jamie McNally and hopefully others). We were non-profit in Texas (back in 1999), but the forms have to be refiled annually. We do have a copy of our articles from 1999, thanks for that. We discussed getting an accountant for non-profits. CCTC has had some help through Linda Evans at Texans for State Parks, so we'll try that route. Non-profit status still pending....

Membership: At the end of 2005, we had only 25 REGISTERED members, but now we have 62!!! But compared to the climbing list at Reimers, there are 250 climbers out there. Please hand out business cards to get some of these climbers to join. There is some talk of allocating membership dues according to members wishes. Dues are now currently used for rebolting and maintenance of climbs around central Texas. What more do you want (except maybe a teeny tiny little party)?

Grant Proposals: We are accepting volunteers to prepare some proposals for future grant requests. So far Barry is working on a grant for artificial boulders along the downtown park and Emily is working on a grant for a Youthworks project. Please contact CTM if you are interested in helping out.

CTCC update: The last meeting was focused on preparing for the Granite Gripper in October. They are currently looking for volunteers to serve food. There will be prizes and trophies handed out this year. A lot of camping is reserved for both Friday and Saturday nights. Money acquired from the Granite Gripper will go to improve trails around Turkey Pass. CTCC is also working on clearing retro bolting at Hueco Tanks.

E-Rock trail project: August 19- will work around spillway and near campgrounds

RRCC: Is now becoming its own entity with its own account. The account started with $1428. Subtract $215 for maintenance, $200 for 25 stainless bolts, and $533 for 20 sport anchors. The account is left with $420. Great work RRCC!

Travis County meeting: Yet another meeting was held discussing the schedule for Reimers. An environmental study is now underway. Master planners are being hired to interview various user groups to determine the best use for the park. In september, the group will work on widening the road and paving it with chip seal (with the exception of the road to the farm house). In 2007, the master plan is expected to be formed. Construction will begin on hiking trails, signs, bathrooms, etc. New bolting may open on Pogue Hollow. The goal is to keep development to a minimum and NO SOCCER FIELD will be constructed as according to the original plan. Yay! Please inform RRCC of any ideas to add to the master plan.

Adopt a bolt: Is now under way... adopt your bolt now through pay pal on the CTM website. $10 for a bolt, $20 for an anchor, or $30 for sport anchors. Your money will go to replacement of individual bolts or to the whole route. Your name will go on the websites bolting history page.

Reimers Trail Project: A whole 2 people showed up last month (including Gary), and they worked on the stepping stones at the stream in cypress grove. Due to the heat, the trail project will be postponed until further notice (and better weather).

Dosage 4 and 1st Ascent at the Alamo: There is some discussion of showing 45 minutes of each of these movies sometime in September or October. Volunteers are needed to contact Big Up productions to acquire the movie, and to contact the Alamo downtown to rent the venue, and to advertise across town. The idea was met with some debate at the meeting. After much discussion, it was decided to hold off on the idea until CTM's non-profit status is acquired first.

Hueco Tanks trip: To be held on Sept 4th-7th. Ann Raber is the ultimate organizer, who found that tickets are available on Southwest for $170 or you can carpool out there. The idea was met with some debate at the meeting. Due to inclimate weather (the heat), some people are opting to postpone the trip... to be determined....

After fun discussion, Gary showed a great slide show of the trip to Pace Bend at Giles Cove. There was much climbing, falling, slacklining, and fun. Don't miss the next outing!!

Oh, and again, you missed great doorprizes. Don't miss the next meeting. BYOB!


September 13,2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 17 (+1 dog)

Props!! To Mike Klein for his 5.14 accomplishment in Rock and Ice!!!! Looks Awesome!!
Good bye to Scott and Choo Isgitt- after many years in the Austin Rock climbing world, they have decided to move to San Diego. We'll miss you guys!

Current budget: $2065 (account now held at Prosperity Bank, where they don't charge ridiculous fees to keep an account).

We're still looking to become non-profit 501c3 status. Officers met with Austin Parks Foundation with the prospect of joining their umbrella organization with ~20 other groups around Austin. We would inherit their non-profit status and they would be responsible for our bookkeeping. They also would offer $2500 in grants yearly to whoever qualifies. This is still in consideration since APF would keep all interest and possibly other funds. We'll keep you updated when our status is more known.

Membership: (26 from 2005+ 14 from Pay Pal + 13 from Limestoner + 13 from meetings= 66!) While this is a great number, think of all the additional friends and climbing partners you could have if you recruited some of the 250 climbers on the list at Reimers. Remember to bring your "business cards" when you can.

Dosage 4 at the Alamo (as discussed in previous meetings) is still on hold until non-profit status becomes available.

Grant Proposals (with current ideas from Barry and Emily as discussed in previous meetings): We need help. Anyone with ideas or grant writing skills please help.

New Climbing area: in Brownwood TX (~2 hours from Austin) is similar to Paradise on the Brazos. They're holding a clean-up on Nov. 18 and 19. For more pics and info, visit www.cruxclimbing.org.

Mineral Wells clean-up coming soon.

CTCC update: Tours of Enchanted Rock are being offered at 9a.m. on Saturdays, starting at the Gazebo. Tours are organized by Dr. Jim Peterson at TX State University.
E-Rock trail project on September 19th: scheduled to work around parking lot trails and Echo Canyon.

Granite Gripper October 21st- register at www.granitegripper.com. Gail and other volunteers are gracious enough to serve dinner. Host volunteers are needed to show new comers various bouldering climbs-email Corey at rqf4v9@gmail.com.

Reimers update: Environmental study now underway (as discussed in last month's meeting). To be discussed: chip-sealed roads??

New Pogue Springs on Hogge Tract: Located next to Reimers holds potential climbing in the future. DO NOT attempt to go on that land now! If you're interested in checking it out, tours are offered every Saturday at 10a.m. starting at the Reimers check-in booth. RRCC will govern bolting on that land.

RRCC trail project: pending more work and better weather- please inform us with any ideas/improvements

New Wall sport anchors are to be considered, along with more work around Barton Creek climbing areas. 

Future dates:
October 14- Mexico trip to El Potrero Chico
October 21- Granite Gripper
November 4- Hueco tanks trip
November 23- Thanksgiving
December- X-Mas party

Special note: Watch how you belay- bring that arm down and never take your hand off the rope
Prizes you missed: A whole box of Luna bars and more T-shirts. You're missing out on great stuff if you haven't been to a meeting yet. Come out soon!



October 11, 2006@ Whole Earth Campus Store
Attendance: 9 (+1 dog)

CTM currently has 66 members this year (up an additional 41 from last year).
CTM account currently holds $2065 (+$10 from adopt-a-bolt + $100 from Zeus - $250 for 36 shirts- mostly small and mediums, - $70 for fixed sport clips for the greenbelt)

CTM's non-profit status: CTM is still considering joining Austin Parks Foundation, but they would receive our donations and interest. Jamie McNally and Jason Perez have graciously offered their services to help us figure out our situation. To file for 501c3 we have to file with the state and a form 1023 and annual income form for the IRS.

CTM still needs some help with grant writing to prepare for the next available grant. Barry and Emily are still working on their previously mentioned grant projects.

Adopt your bolt through pay pal for only $10.

New proposed route at Seismic by Dave Cardosa (5.9) approved by Austin Parks and John Cook. Some second thoughts are being produced by Dave because of soft rock around the proposed bolting areas.

New climbing in Brownwood TX as previously mentioned. Clean up to be held on Nov. 18 and 19- visit www.cruxclimbing.org for more info.

CTCC update: new tours at E-Rock on Saturdays at 9a.m. Granite Gripper on October 21- register at www.granitegripper.com. $30 to register + $10 for dinner.

RRCC update: $436 in account- $992 in total expenses so far this year for rebolting and trail projects. The county met with master planners, and will meet with other user groups and form an initial proposal by October 19. Public hearing to be held by mid November. The county will be paving the road with chip seal throughout October- keep apprised for updates on park closures.
RRCC asked to keep the existing climbing area as is and to develop new climbing at the Hogge tract. Several parking areas to be discussed. We also asked for no trails along the cliff tops. Tour of Pogue Springs every Saturday at 10a.m. RRCC will govern bolting. DO NOT visit this area without authorization because this WILL jeopardize our chances to use this area in the future.
Calendar:
October 21- Granite Gripper
October 28- Mexico Trip
November 4?- Hueco Tanks??
November 23- Thanksgiving- possible Mexico trip
December-X-mas party

FYI this month: Save sport anchors- please top rope on your own draws.

Slides from Indian Creek, Utah were shown. Beautiful climbing!!
Yet another CTM shirt was given away- congrats Corey!