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Climbing access preserved at Pinnacle Peak,
Arizona thanks to the hard work of Paul Diefenderfer, local climbers and
the
Access Fund.
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IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Pinnacle Peak Park, AZ opened to climbing (Report submitted by Paul Diefenderfer, founding Board Member of the Access Fund) After being closed for seven years, Pinnacle Peak (North Scottsdale, Arizona) was opened to the public on April 20. The park had been Arizona State Trust land. 640 adjacent acres were sold to a developer in 1995 with the provision that the developer would donate 150 acres, including the peak, to the City of Scottsdale to become a public park. In the spring of 1995 the area was closed "for a year" so the developer could build roads and a golf course. The roads, golf course and homes were built but the developer decided to keep the park as private property. Climbers, led by AF representative Paul Diefenderfer, wrote letters, attended meeting and generally kept the pressure on Scottsdale to return the park to the public. Finally in November of 1999 the land was dedicated to the City after local climber and AF member Anna Marsolo researched the original sales agreement and found a clause that forced the developer to give the land to Scottsdale. Climbers have built and stabilized spur trails to access the climbing areas from the new main trail. The City of Scottsdale purchased 3 acres of land for a trailhead and visitors center with parking for 50+ cars. Sadly, the Lower East Wall is privately owned and remains closed to climbing. However, the fantastic granite of the main peak area, Y-Crack, and the Cactus Flower wall will be open to climbing during daylight hours. 2. Note from Sam Davidson, Executive Director There is truly something magical about climbing in the deserts of Southern Utah. Places like Castle Valley, Canyonlands, the Fisher Towers and Indian Creek are important to all climbers - they inspire us, and remind us of what make climbing so essential: freedom, adventure, and intimacy with nature. The Access Fund (AF) is actively working to protect your interests at all climbing areas. But some of our toughest battles are being fought at canyons and vistas of the "Soft Rock Country." The AF is working with Utah Open Lands and the Castle Rock Collaboration to preserve climbing access and save Castleton Tower from development, yet it will cost thousands of dollars to achieve this goal. The AF has built a good relationship with the Bureau of Land Management at Indian Creek, but we must defend climbers' interests in the new recreation management plan, which could restrict access. The Bush administration's new energy policy could reduce climbing access in southern Utah. Fortunately, the AF has staff, consultants and volunteers working both in Washington and in Utah on the issue of drilling in the Utah deserts. But our initiatives to save climbing in southern Utah cost money - lots of money. The AF has already donated $20,000 for the Castleton Tower effort-our biggest single grant ever out of our operating funds. Also, we've spent thousands of dollars in recent years improving trails and reducing impacts at Indian Creek. "Extra" donations from our members directly support these efforts, and make a real difference. Please help by sending a special contribution today. 3. Access Not "Endless" at the New
4. Adopt-a-Crag Day 2002 Adopt-a-Crag Day 2002 is coming your way! On September 7, 2002, the Access Fund will lead trail restoration projects and clean-ups at climbing areas nationwide in the most wide-ranging volunteer effort by the climbing community. Adopt-a-Crag Day originated in 2000, and in the two years since its initiation, it has reached crags in 27 states-135 events in all! Climbers around the country built and restored hundreds of miles of trails, hauled thousands of bags of trash, and completed thousands of conservation initiatives. Adopt-a-Crag Day inspires activism, advocacy, volunteerism, and stewardship. This national conservation effort promotes a sense of respect and responsibility for our local climbing areas. It is our opportunity to give back to the spaces we treasure, and to protect our future climbing experiences. Adopt-a-Crag Day is made possible by title sponsor Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), presenting sponsor W.L. Gore, and supporting sponsor Clif Bar. Don't miss out on the opportunity to adopt your crag! Contact the Access Fund today for more information about Adopt-a-Crag Day 2002. Call Kate at (303) 545-6772, ext. 112, or email adoptacrag@accessfund.org. 5. Tennessee Climbing Two pieces of state legislation are of interest to local climbers; please consider conveying your feelings on these bills known to the Tennessee legislature. a. The "Penny for Parks" bill would increase the state gas tax by one cent per gallon. The extra revenue would be used to fund the state parks system. A number of state parks, were closed due to state budget problems and others, such as Foster Falls, had their days of operation curtailed. b. A bill to change the way the state park system is administered is currently being addressed by the General Assembly. Presently, State Parks are managed by appointees of the governor. The proposed bill establishes a commission of 13 citizens and is comprised of persons qualified in a number of fields relevant to our parks, including conservation, recreation and science. A professional manager would be hired to oversee the parks. The powers that be oppose this bill, and the Sierra Club, environmental groups and conservation folks back it. The present Tennessee Legislature oppose this bill, while the Sierra Club, Southeast Climbers' Coalition and other environmental groups support it. Check out the SCC web site at www.seclimbers.org to keep up with upcoming Obed and area events. 6. Freddie Snalam Memorial Fund (Submitted by Cindy Foley)
7. Wholesale Merchandise Page Launched on AF Website Hey Community Partners! Check out our new secure Wholesale Merchandise Page on our website! It's easier than ever to buy awesome Access Fund merchandise for your climbing gym, gear shop, or local climbing organization! Visit https://www.accessfund.org/wholesale/gear.pl and start shopping! Virtual Times Policies:
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