Friends of Tuckerman to send ridge runners into ravine

Ridge runners to offer safety tips, background information, solicit memberships

Hikers heading up Mount Washington into Tuckerman Ravine can expect to meet a ridge runner in the near future. Friends of Tuckerman Ravine hope to send ridge runners into the ravine beginning next month to offer safety tips as well as background information about Tuckerman and its importance to the region. They may also ask people to consider becoming a friend."This has always been on my list of goals to achieve," Al Risch, founder of Friends of Tuckerman Ravine, said yesterday. "It's another way to continue to grow the organization and increase awareness."Risch said he'll have an organizational meeting in the near future with Fran Rancourt, who chairs the ridge runner program and decide when to begin. "I'd like to have people up there every weekend," he said. "All they have to do is wear their shell and talk to people. I found just sitting at the shelter at Herman Lake I gathered all sorts of names."The shell Risch refers to is a distinctive garment, red or purple with "Ridge Runner" in bright white on the left sleeve and the Friends of Tuckerman logo embroidered on the on the left front. The jackets, created by Wild Things of Conway, were unveiled yesterday morning to rave reviews."Our company is basically 100 percent dedicated to making high-performance lightweight fabrics," Stephen Rovetti, director of sales and marketing for Wild Things, said. "What this is is the lightest and best fabric on the planet right now... I use the same windshirt on my trips up Mount Washington. What we're able to do with this is replace the really heavy, bulky laminants. This is the perfect thing for the ridge runners to use. It's highly water-resistant, it's windproof so the wind can't cut in and chill you... Another nice factor is it's super breathable. It's the new super soft shell people are going to like it... We're super excited to be able to support local and this wonderful organization.""This is the part where I need to do my thank-yous," Risch said. "I'd like to thank Wild Things for the great job they've done. They've also agreed to come on board and be the sponsor of the (Son of Inferno) women's triathlon (held every spring) in 2003. I want to thank Off the Beaten Path for doing all of the silk screening and Bob Dunham, of New England Embroidery, who did the embroidery work for us."Friends of Tuckerman Ravine was founded four years ago. Its mission, according to Risch, is to provide citizen support to U.S. Forest Service in order to preserve and protect Tuckerman Ravine and the Cutler River Drainage Area that surrounds it on Mount Washington and in Pinkham's Grant; to promote the continuation of the historic uses of Tuckerman Ravine and the Cutler River Drainage Area; to organize, fund, and manage projects, publicity, education and events for the purposes of this association; and to provide public input for legislation and regulation regarding Tuckerman Ravine and the Cutler River Drainage Area.The organization's short-term list of goals currently includes:Establish a public and private relationship for finding supportCoordinate safety, prevention and education programsImplement short term solutions to the parking shortage in Pinkham NotchCreate a volunteer network to implement projects and programsExpand and upgrade the handheld VHF/UHF communication systems - AccomplishedImplement a trail maintenance program for the Cutler River Basin AreaThe long term goals are: Construct a functional two-way trail system between Hermit Lake and Tuckerman RavineDrill deep-well, year-round potable water systemDevelop a long term solution to the parking problem in Pinkham NotchExpand the base facility of U.S. Forest Service to include a first aid facility and vehicle maintenanceEstablish a capital fund for the purchase of an enclosed first aid ambulance to mount on a snowcatImprove and expand the first aid cache in Tuckerman Ravine"Today the Tuckerman mystique is threatened by over use and shrinking federal support for the forest service who have managed and protected the ravine since the early 30's," the Friends of Tuckerman website (www.friendsoftuckerman.com), states. "The explosion of skiing in the 70's, snowboarding in the 80's and 90's and the popularity of winter climbing have further challenged the fragile environment of the Cutler River Basin. Education and safety, and environmental protection issues have become paramount to preserving the integrity of the Tuckerman Ravine experience."Friends of Tuckerman Ravine is a public-private partnership with the forest service that stands poised and confident at the beginning of this new millennium to preserve and protect the continuation of the historic uses of Tuckerman Ravine," it continues. "Through volunteer projects, educational programs and legislative support to assure another century of legends, myth and mystique."Friends of Tuckerman Ravine membership packet includes a card and its privileges, Friends of Tuckerman poster, bumper sticker decal, seasonal newsletter, free parking shuttle: Ski Area 10-Year Support $1000. You get 200 posters, which you can sell for $5 or more and get your money back, links to web page and membership packet. Summit Lifetime Family $800. You get a membership packet and signed copy of Nick Howe's book "Not Without Peril," FOTR hat. Summit Lifetime Individual $500. You get a membership packet and signed copy of Nick Howe's book "Not Without Peril," FOTR hat. Ravine 5-Year Family $160. You get a membership packet, FOTR hat. Ravine 5-Year Individual $100. You get a membership packet, FOTR hat. Friend 1-Year Family $40. You get a membership packet. Friend 1-Year Individual $25. You get a membership packet. Student Friend 1-Year $15. You get a membership packet.