As the popularity of rock climbing grows, so does the impact on rare plant and animal communities on cliffs. Spurred by an Appalachian State University graduate student's discovery of a new plant species in Linville Gorge, university researchers are working to educate rock climbers and preserve perhaps one of the last undiscovered frontiers of biology. A cliff is a real melting pot of life. Teaming with climbers and park rangers, Young and other researchers hope to find ways to preserve both the rights of climbers and the unique cliff habitats. While climbers seek the cliff's ledges, cracks, and crevasses for a challenging physical and mental workout, researchers come to study the abundant plant life, insects, and animal habitats that dot the rugged stone outcroppings.
Climbers often scrape moss, lichen, and other plant life from the cliff as they tie ropes to trees.
Trampling vegetation at the cliff's bottom, climbers inadvertently destroy the birthplace of life on a cliff face. Working with local climbers and park rangers, Young has installed permanent anchors at a local climbing spot called Ship Rock to keep climbers from tying to trees. Next he plans to install signs alerting climbers to the fragile plant communities in hopes of keeping them on the trails. Young holds seminars at local climbing shops and speaks to rock climbing classes at Appalachian. The slightest disturbance can have profound effects.