I can see both sides of the argument, especially if a climber is traveling to the same area day after day.

There are really 2 separate concerns.

The first is purely environmental.  However, I do not believe that stashed pads have any real impact as long as it is done carefully, especially in Squamish where there seems to be relatively few large nest-building rodents.  In RMNP (where there are likely substantial Pika or Marmot populations), this could be a problem - as by stashing pads in holes boulderers could be interfering with the territories / feeding areas of these animals.

The second is related to public perception.  Again, as long as the public doesn’t seem to mind (i.e. no complaints from hikers or park staff), this won’t be a problem.  Squamish and RMNP also differ in this respect; in Squamish, complaints are few, while in RMNP the park staff have repeatedly asked the climbers to carry out their pads.  There really shouldn’t be a discussion.  If I were in RMNP, and I found stashed pads, I would remove (and keep) them - as I would be doing climber-park relations a favour.  In Squamish, the same behaviour (at this time) would be less appropriate.  As soon as the park (or hikers) start to complain, though, boulderers should be ready and willing to self-police stashing (i.e. remove stashed pads when they find them).

The same ideas likely apply to fixed draws on a route - if the public (and co-users of the outdoor arena) were to start complaining of the ‘visual pollution’ of draws, then climbers should take them down at the end of the day, or consider them forfeit to those climbers who are trying to maintain their access to the area.  Generally, this isn’t a problem, however.

My opinion…

T.

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