Hahah.

So, say I spied a line that looks nice, not recorded as a route in any of the 4 guidebooks I own, but has a bunch of crap in the way. Like, bushes, a small tree (1" diameter). Not a lot, really, just a few spots of ... not particularly pleasant passage impeding what might be a nice route. What is the standard "ethic" on how much I can clean out?

Don't ask, don't tell.

Are you saying that the route is gay?

I can't tell whether you're tongue-in-cheek or not, but I am actually asking a serious question (despite the punny title), trying to think about doing the right thing before I barge ahead. Trying to be considerate before I grid-bolt ( <<- JUST KIDDING! SHEESH!).

I'm not making a joke about LC, I'm asking about the Trapps.

I know that some folks get upset over the use of, say, hand saws.

Although, of course, I'm sure the line in question is just a descent route from "back in the day", or at least has been climbed before.

unless it takes ballnuts, in which case it probably hasn't been climbed or there would be a piton

those old pitons can be found in the darndest out of the way manky places.

Personally, I would draw the line at cutting a trunk but perhaps not a limb. Scaredy-cat in me would use it as pro if possible! It seems that any other cleaning is accepted. Many areas, as you know, are usually not climbable until after several days work with a wire brush, but the Trapps drain well enough that this isn't usually the case here (unless you try Broken Hammer before it freezes).

That's a good guideline, Chip.

Before you break out the hand saw, consider that you're climbing on what is ostensibly a nature preserve. Consider also your motivations for putting in the route. At least make sure it's not a pitch pine!

After all appropriate thought and careful consideration, fire up the Stihl!

The Preserve forbids climbers from cutting trees.
I think if you were to stroll up to the crag with a saw you might be embarrassed if a ranger came along. That's probably a good guideline. Sounds like you're in the gray area of what might be embarrassing or forbidden behavior. So try doing just the stuff you're comfortable with, leaving tree trunks intact, and see if the route goes. If not, maybe next year the little tree will have died in an ice storm, and you will have done some of the route prep already. The cliff certainly will still be there.

Ok. Thanks.