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2019 Kayah Gaydish Stewardship Awards

We are pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Kayah Gaydish Stewardship awards. Established in honor of Kayah, a former board member and beloved member of the local climbing and conservation communities, these awards recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sustain or expand climbing areas in the Carolinas. 

Our 2019 Kayah Gaydish Stewardship awardees are: James Ledgerwood, Adam Tripp, and Michael Trotter.

 

James Ledgerwood

James Ledgerwood is the superintendent of Chimney Rock State Park. He has worked with the climbing community and the Carolina Climbers Coalition for years on climbing stewardship and access. Thanks to the continued support of James and his team, the Rumbling Bald parking lot was expanded and enhanced in 2019 and permissible climbing was opened in Eagle Rock  in 2018. James has also been supportive of our volunteer stewardship programs at climbing lands in Chimney Rock State Park. Thank you James!

 

Adam Tripp

Adam has been a CCC volunteer and CCC Pisgah Trail Crew Leader for years. His ongoing selfless stewardship work is evident throughout many climbing areas including (but not limited to) Hidden Valley, Rumbling Bald, Looking Glass Rock, and much more. His specialized volunteer work includes trail work, chainsaw work as a certified Forest Service sawyer, and bolt replacement. Adam serves on the board of the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park as well. Thank you Adam for years of support to our climbing spaces! 

 

Michael Trotter

Michael is the new superintendent at Table Rock State Park, SC. Since his position was secured with the State Park, Michael has played a major role in improving climber access within the State Park. Our new access to the Pumpkintown Wall would not be possible without Michael's support. It was especially exciting to see Michael get out in a mini excavator on his day off of work to help us build the newly constructed (but unfinished) Pumpkintown Wall Trail.  Additionally, he has embraced the CCC's volunteer program to help aid the Table Rock Main Wall trail and has embraced our self check in kiosk system. Thank you Michael, we look forward to bringing people to the Pumpkintown Wall thanks to your efforts!