“The mission of the Ragged Mountain Foundation Inc. is to maintain and preserve the Ragged Mountain property to ensure a balance for the conservation of a valuable natural resource with access for safe, responsible recreational use; to participate with recognized conservation organizations to further responsible recreational use; and to serve as an advocate for climbing access.”
The Ragged Mountain Foundation (RMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation group dedicated to preserving natural resources and maintaining public access to Connecticut’s high and wild places. The RMF was originally formed to own and administer the primary rock climbing area in Connecticut, Ragged Mountain. After a long legal odyssey, the title to this parcel of land was transferred to the RMF in 1999.We now own fifty-six acres of land in Southington, Connecticut that includes a nationally known climbing area and a section of the Metacomet Trail.Over the years we have been involved with climbing issues in Connecticut.As the local Access Fund Affiliate, it is our goal to work with the Access Fund to resolve access issues and promote the interests of the climbing community. Our property, Ragged Mountain, is governed by a lengthy legal agreement known as the Deed of Conservation Restriction, that spells out what we can and cannot do with the property. For example, we cannot develop any of our land or build a parking lot.We do not charge any sort of admission fee to use our land; climbers and hikers are welcome to visit our property at any time. We have to maintain insurance on our property.Your dues are needed to keep Ragged Mountain open.Our ownership responsibilities include trail maintenance, litter control, and working with the surrounding community to resolve parking problems. Access work involves many things: meeting with landowners, educating the climbing community, working with government agencies, surveying property boundaries, and even hiring lawyers.Our goals are to assure responsible climber access and preserve our resources.In some cases we can gain access through lobbying and education while in other cases we may seek to purchase more land.Unfortunately these efforts may take many years— or fail entirely.Please be patient!We attempt to keep everyone in the climbing community informed about our efforts and the present status of Connecticut climbing areas.
The RMF sponsors a number of activities.Each year we have a summer picnic, a winter party, and a meeting. We also organize a number of fund raising activities such as the Banff Film Festival.These events are open to everyone and are announced in our newsletter, on our website and to the RMF email distribution list.
The RMF Board
The RMF is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors.We are a volunteer organization; board members are not paid for their work. Directors are elected to the board by the membership for three year terms.The RMF Board typically meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Directors as of December 1, 2008:
Your dues are needed to keep Ragged Mountain open!
Learn about benefits of membership and how to join on our Membership page.
Leave No Trace
The Ragged Mountain Foundation welcomes everyone to enjoy the RMF property.By following these rules and leave no trace suggestions the experience at Ragged Mountain should remain wild and natural for generations to come:
No fires or camping
Stay on existing trails and durable surfaces
No fishing in the lake
Do not remove or destroy plant and animal life
Pack out what you pack in, including toilet paper
No motorized vehicles, boats or bicycles
No new fixed gear
Consider how your actions will affect others’ experience on the property
Respect adjoining private property
Show others by your actions. If they still don’t get it, tell them or teach them politely
Join the Ragged Mountain Foundation and help on trail days
Remember to take only memories and leave only footprints.
