Ethics- natural aides (or removing obstacles)

I guess I never thought of it, but along the same lines, what about removal of logs (or debri)?    If placing them could be unethical, then I assume removing them could also be by the same token?   In South Fork Choprock I climbed over a big log to help the others through, but we also removed some debri so others could climb under the log. Â

A couple years ago I did the same thing in South Fork Buckwater where flash flood debris had clogged the final chockstone rappel where you duck under the chockstone to make the rap.   Other times we have placed a log on the ground (or in a pothole) horizontally between canyon walls to make a rap anchor since it seemed to be the most “natural” thing to do.

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“Thanks for sharing. I thought this practice might elicit more commentary, although I had no idea what commentary. It certainly isn’t Earth shattering, but I have seen it in few other places over the years. One that comes to mind is the pipes in upper Knotted Rope/Miners Hollow. People have been using these as aids in the potholes for years.

As to Ryan’s thoughts…..is there a distinction between whether something gets left? We take most of our “stuff” with us. What do we leave? Webbing, rings, some metal (for shame! ;-)) in places, footprints, some scuff marks on the rock and a bit of trash we drop by mistake. These logs are part of the landscape, just placed strategically. A flood will send them on their way soon. I guess placing the logs for your group is OK. Capture techniques are likely better and safer, but not always conceived of, by every group.

I think I will lay the log down on the ground, near the drop the next time I see this. Anyone care to persuade me otherwise? Have another take? Just curious.” R

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In lower Kaleidoscope/Choprock I encountered logs that had been placed at the bottom of downclimbs, making them easier. I also saw a log spanning an easy and not too deep pothole, obviously placed to make things easier. When this canyon is low on water, some of the downclimbs get higher and a bit harder, at the bottom of the drops. Not terribly harder, but somewhat so. Question…..Is this practice of placing the logs ethical? Wise? A service? a cheat? Is placing then and taking them down OK? Is placing them and leaving them OK? Is placing them just plain wrong? And why? Thoughts?
Ram
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