03/02/2019
For all our climbers out at Big Rock, we are reposting this important note that's been circulating. Please be aware of rules at Big Rock, for protecting the land and for keeping good relations with the neighbors:
"Big Rock Climbers, I am one of the Trustees of Naturaland Trust, owners of Big Rock Mountain and the Nine Times Forest. Tonight I got a call from one of the neighbors close to Big Rock saying they had seen a fire on the mountain. After spending about 2 hours of my time checking it out, I didn’t see any fire at 10:00 pm nor anyone in the parking lots. However, the neighbor, with a clear view of the mountain, said that there was a fire earlier that was started before dark.
I periodically find evidence of camp fires both on the top and on top of some of the boulders. This needs to stop.
Big Rock Mountain is leased to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as part of the Wildlife Management Area program, therefore, DNR has a law enforcement role on the property. Fires and camping are strictly prohibited on the entire property - Period. We cannot risk a wildfire getting out that close to a housing area. If I or one of the neighbors see a fire up there we will call DNR LAW Enforcement to respond. If you are caught you will be cited, fined, and Naturaland Trust will likely ban you from the property. A fire on that mountain can be seen for miles. Please don’t take a chance. If you’re cold enough that you need a fire, just come off the mountain. Sorry to be a hard ass about this, but this is a zero-tolerance issue for us. Thanks for helping us keep Big Rock open to the public.
Wes Cooler"
