E-News #64
February 2006
The
Beta:
Restore
Access To ColoradoÕs High Country
Climbing Continues To Gain Legitimacy In New
Jersey
AF Is
Now Wind-Powered Thanks To PrAna
Boulder Adventure Film Festival and Dirt Days
2006
Access
Fund 15th Anniversary Party
Swag
Central at the MemberSHOP!
The National Park Service
(NPS), which oversees many of our most significant climbing areas like Yosemite
and the New River Gorge, is proposing to amend their management policies which
fill in the details not addressed by Congress in the many laws governing
national parks. See http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=13746
for more information. The NPS
management policies define, among other things, what constitutes an
ÒimpairmentÓ of park resources and provide guidance on how to manage specific
park resources and various recreational uses including climbing. The management policies also govern how
the NPS manages special status resources and land designations such as
wilderness areas. The NPS
completed the last revision to the Management plans in 2001 after seven years
of work and it is the Access FundÕs position that the current 2001 policies
provide appropriate guidance, if followed consistently and properly, to
accommodate visitor use while maintaining the primary NPS mission purpose of
preserving parks for current and future generations.
The existing
management policies (2001) for the National Park Service (NPS), if implemented
more consistently and rigidly on both sides of the resource protection and
visitor use mandates, will accomplish many of the user-friendly goals that
the current management policies rewrite (2005) seeks to accomplish with regards
to visitor use, resource protection, and wilderness management.
Currently,
Òrestrictions will be based on the results of study or researchÓ and
Òrestrictions placed on recreational uses that have been found to be
appropriate will be limited to the minimum necessary to protect park resources
and values, and promote visitor safety and enjoyment.Ó Moreover, current
NPS management policy is to Òencourage visitor activities that . . . foster an
understanding of, and appreciation for, park resources and values, or will
promote enjoyment through a direct association with, interaction with, or
relation to park resources.Ó Clearly, recreational climbing is an
activity that enhances the visitor experience, furthers park values, and promotes
the enjoyment of the parks through a direct association with park resources
(there is scarcely an activity that more directly interacts with park resources
than climbing). In addition, there are many ways to manage recreation
– including climbing – to protect park resources without imposing
widespread and over-arching restrictions. Unfortunately, some park units
in the past have not limited recreational restrictions to the "minimum
necessary" to protect park resources and values, and that are based on the
results of study or research. The Access Fund believes that the NPS
should to follow their own current guidelines more closely and consistently to
accomplish their mission of protection and enjoyment and drop their proposed
amendments.
Climbers and the
public in general greatly value the experiences they have in park environments
where management prescriptions impose a high threshold for impairment of
natural resources. The NPS management policies rewrite would seem to dilute
these protections and potentially bring the condition of our national parks
more in line with other public lands with a lesser stewardship mandate such as
the National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands. The
Access Fund is concerned that the proposed revision to the 2005 NPS management
polices could lead to the following:
- The proposed
policies would lessen of the impairment standard that guides NPS efforts to
protect park resources for future generations, and changes the NPS mission by
seeking to balance Òpark purposesÓ which we fear could increase commercial
developments and allow for previously unauthorized uses.
- The proposed
policies would reduce scientific reasoning in the management of park resources
which could allow for arbitrary management and easier impairment of park
resources.
- The proposed
policies would weaken protections for air quality, water, and wildlife,
negatively affecting the experiences of all who visit the parks to enjoy their
unique environments. Climbing from Zion to Acadia national parks could be
affected by this revision.
- The proposed
policies would define Òpublic useÓ as the primary purpose of wilderness which
in turn downplays the preservation of wilderness character as the singular
statutory purpose of the Wilderness Act. Moreover, the proposed policies
would emphasize visitor safety as a major goal of wilderness management, and
allows all sorts of administrative developments in wilderness to enhance
safety. These developments could significantly alter the wilderness climbing
experience that the Access Fund seeks to protect.
Write the National Park
Service before FridayÕs deadline and urge them to abandon the rewriting of the
2001 NPS management policies. The current policies are serving the parks well,
and could serve the parks even better if implemented more
consistently. The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve our
national parks unimpaired for future generations. The proposed policy revisions
may lead to a fundamental change in park mission and management resulting in
widespread impacts to our parks. The Access Fund is concerned that climbing
opportunities in the national parks could be fundamentally and negatively
altered if the proposed 2005 policies are implemented.
Write to: Bernard Fagan, Room 7252 National Park
Service Office of Policy 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240
Go to http://accessfund.org/access/landman.php
for examples of agency letter-writing, and http://accessfund.org/advo/comments.php
for past Access Fund administrative comments.
Your Phone
Calls Are Needed Today!
Tell your
senator to support HB 1049 which will protect recreational access for the
public on private property.
The Colorado General Assembly is
considering a bill that would increase liability protection for private land
owners who allow hikers, mountaineers and climbers on their land. House Bill
1049 resulted from an effort to reopen three "fourteeners" that were
closed last summer because of private landowners' fear of lawsuits. The House
has already approved HB 1049, and it is now in the hands of the Colorado State
Senate. Please call or email your State Senator today and urge them to vote YES
on HB 1049. Not only would HB 1049 make it more likely that some of Colorado's
famous (and privately-owned) fourteeners could be reopened to public access,
this law would also reduce liability exposure for private land owners in the
high country that allow technical rock and ice climbing on their lands.
HB 1049 pertains to the ability of
recreationists to sue land owners if they are injured in abandoned mine sites.
Currently, the Colorado Recreational Use Statute (CRUC) seeks to promote public
recreation on Colorado's private land "by limiting their liability toward
persons entering thereon" so long as a fee is not charged or the landowner
doesn't willfully or maliciously fail to warn against a known dangerous condition
such as mine shafts. However, many landowners remain concerned that CRUC
doesn't protect them in the case of injuries occurred from their old mining
properties. Now, HB 1049 expands CRUC's protections by expressly limiting
private landowner liability for public injuries resulting from contact with old
mining facilities.
Talking Points In Favor Of HB 1049
Include:
¥Each year thousands of climbers
nationwide seek the unique challenges provided by ColoradoÕs high country, in
the process contributing to local economies across the state.
¥Climbers like other recreational users seek urban escape, nature appreciation,
wildlife observation, exercise and a variety of other enriching experiences
when visiting ColoradoÕs mountains.
¥ColoradoÕs high peaks contain some of the most unique, popular, and
challenging technical climbing opportunities in the United States.
¥The passing of House Bill 1049 would be a positive step in addressing access
concerns on places like Mts. Lincoln, Bross, Democrat and North Star,
furthering Governor OwensÕs 2006 legislative priority of proactively
maintaining access to other popular Colorado peaks, and ensuring that climbers
and hikers alike can continue to experience the unique beauty of ColoradoÕs
high country.
Find contact info for your senator, go to
www.leg.state.co.us
and click on District Maps or visit: http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics2006A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset
If you contact Senator Grossman, please
thank him for being the lead Senate sponsor of HB 1049.
AREA REPORTS:
Portland, Oregon
Keith K. Daellenbach, Madrone Wall Preservation Committee
On January 31st,
the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners (BCC) unanimously accepted the
Clackamas County Parks Advisory Board (PAB) recommendation that the
Hardscrabble property (a.k.a. Madrone Wall) become part of an area for
Clackamas River Watershed Protection and that it should not be sold to a
private interest or mined.
Closed since
1997, countless climbing and recreational activists have worked tirelessly over
the past nine years to save from mining and reopen this climbing and recreation
resource outside of Portland, Oregon. This compact site contains an uncommon
stand of Pacific Madrone and the only geologic feature of its kind in the
northern Willamette Valley, a natural cliff face of Boring basalt soaring over
100 feet. Views over the nearby Clackamas River are stunning. This public site
has a diverse and intact ecosystem including over 100 plant species with a few
remaining old-growth Douglas fir and native wildflowers. It is the source of
drinking water for nearby citizens and a clear, cool tributary stream supports
the endangered salmon habitat in the Clackamas River designated as a National
Wild and Scenic River. Please continue to respect Clackamas County's current
"No Trespassing" posting at the Madrone Wall until the site is opened
as a park.
John Anderson, Regional
Coordinator and AccessNJ
Another milestone for NJ
climbing activists was reached in early January when Somerset County Park
System included bouldering as a legitimate park activity. Not only was
bouldering listed, a climber was featured in the ParkÕs brochure. Solid job and
thanks to all who helped.
The Access Fund is now WIND
POWERED thanks to the amazing efforts of prAna. Their recently launched Natural
Power Initiative offsets the total electrical energy usage of 250 prAna
retailers across the country as well as using certified green-e energy at the
prAna headquarters and at the homes of all permanent prAna employees. As part
of their commitment to the environment and your climbing future, theyÕre taking
us along for the ride. Find out more about their Natural Power Initiative http://prana.com/storefront/naturalpower/default.aspx
and drop them a line to say thanks for helping to make our air cleaner and for
keeping our climbing areas open.
EVENTS:
Las Vegas,
NV March 24-26
The third annual ÒMountain Gear Presents: Red Rock RendezvousÓ will
return to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas on
March 24-26, 2006, to benefit The Access Fund and other local and national
non-profit organizations. Due to the growing popularity of the festival, this
yearÕs event has expanded clinic areas to offer more traditional, sport and aid
climbing sites and routes than the prior Red Rock festivals.
17 world-class climbers that will act as some of the clinic guides
during the three day event. Clinic guides include Mike Alkaitis, Damien Benegas,
Willie Benegas, Roxanna Brock, Scott Cory, Peter Croft, Jim Donini, Arno
Ilgner, Joe Kinder, Chris Lindner, Jared Ogden, Beth Rodden, Mark Synnott,
Sonnie Trotter, Abby Watkins, Don Welsh and Cedar Wright, Heidi Wirtz, Brittany
Griffith, Adam Stack, Jack Tackle, Jim Bridwell, and Tommy Caldwell.
For the first time in the eventÕs history, the festival will offer
a Friday ÒIntro to Climbing at the Red RocksÓ clinic day for less experienced
climbers and those who have never attempted the difficulty levels of the Red
Rock Canyon. The goal of the ÒIntroÓ day is to introduce 50-100 people to the
sport of rock climbing. The full-day clinics will teach climbing fundamentals
to succeed at the Red Rocks and any other outdoor setting. The clinics will
take place in an intimate clinic setting by guides from the American Alpine
Institute who are also some of the worldÕs most accomplished climbers. ÒIntroÓ
participants will then be able to enjoy two additional half-day clinics
throughout the weekend. There will also be an optional gear package that will
include harness, helmet, shoes, belay device, carabiner, chalk bag and a
membership to the Access Fund. Participants can get the gear package, the
Friday ÒIntroÓ day, two additional half-day clinics and event festivities for
$299.
Registration is
$60 per person for the Saturday and Sunday events, and $159 per person for the
Friday ÒIntroÓ day and Saturday and Sunday clinic combo. Registration includes
the Friday night opening celebration, free climbing at Red Rock Canyon when not
in formal clinics, a dinner buffet on Saturday night, demos, comps and
mini-seminars by event sponsors, a blow-out party and slide show on Saturday
night, pancake breakfast Sunday morning and service projects to assist in the
environmental conservation of the Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountain. For only
$30, participants can receive access to all of the Spring Mountain festivities.
For more
information and to register, call 800.829.2009 or visit www.mgear.com/rrr
Boulder, CO April 15-17
Best Independent Adventure Films in the World
Celebrating the fantastic and true
experiences of people and Adventure- From the award-winning motion pictures of the film festival to the
mountain sports challenge and Earth Day events of Dirt Days, this three-day
annual jubilee dares us to look differently at the world around.
Get your tickets and
renew your Access Fund membership at the same time! http://www.accessfund.org/BAFF
Package One — $25 (a $48.50 value)
1 Day Pass to Boulder Adventure Film Festival + 1 yr Access Fund Membership
7:00 pm Monday April 17th at Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO
7:00 pm Sunday April 16th at Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO
Package Two — $35 (a $58 value)
2 Day Pass to Boulder Adventure Film Festival + 1 yr Access Fund Membership
If you have friends who are planning on attending the festival and you know
theyÕre not Access Fund members, make sure they have this link www.accessfund.org/BAFF
Of course if youÕre already a
member and just need tickets, get them here: www.boulderadventurefilm.com/
Las Vegas, NV April 29
Mark your calendars now! Come celebrate 15 years of Access with the Access
Fund in Las Vegas, NV. Saturday, April 29th
Climbing at Red
Rocks by day and dinner and slideshow with Corey Rich by night.
Event details will follow soon.
Please send an email to Whitney Self at whitney@accessfund.org if you plan on
attending.
02/16—02/16 Oregon State
University, OR. Mountain Film Fest
02/17—02/19 The Ohio State
University Outdoor Adventure Center, Columbus, OH. 2nd Annual Outdoor Adventure
Center Intercollegiate Climbing Competition, ohiostaterecsports.org
02/17—02/20 Cody, WY. 8th Annual
Waterfall Ice Festival- the Friendliest Little Ice Festival in the Northern
Rockies! www.southforkice.com
02/25—02/25 Ohio University Outdoor
Puruists - Ping Recreation Center, Athens, OH. 7th Annual Rockstars Climbing
Competition
02/25—02/25 University of Tenn.
Climbing Wall, Knoxville, TN. Vol Wall Crank
02/25—02/25 Oregon State
University, Corvallis, OR. Vertical Fest, recsports.org/orst/event_1a.htm
02/28—03/01 Boulder Theater,
Boulder, CO. Banff Film Festival, www.rei.com/stores/store_event_detail.jsp?pid=21D0382CC58E4FE0E4FB9C958E9C1FFF&template_id=14&template_family=webDetail&ignore_cache=1
03/02—03/04 Amherst, MA. 5 College
Outdoor Festival, 5collegeoutdoorfestival.hampshire.edu
03/04—03/04 TAMU Climbing Wall,
College Station, TX. Pumpfest, recsports.tamu.edu
03/04—03/04 University of
Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI. RockFest Climbing Competition, stoutadventures.uwstout.edu
03/04—03/04 Vertical Endeavors Rock
Climbing Facility, Warrenville, IL. No Holds Barred Climbing Competition, www.verticalendeavors.com
03/09—03/10 Univ. of Colorado
Recreation Center Climbing Gym, Boulder, CO. 7th Annual Indoor Climbing
Competition. 6-11 PM, www.colorado.edu/rec-center/programs/outdoor/
03/24—03/26 Las Vegas, NV. Red
Rocks Rendevous, Benefiting the Access Fund, http://www.mgear.com/RR06/
Check out the MemberSHOP
for deals on Access Fund Swag and special discounted offers from our partners- http://www.accessfund.org/membershop
Check out the new Access
Fund/The North Face Beanies- Perfect blockheater for
long ice-routes, crisp bouldering sessions, or a bad hair day. 100% Merino wool
with a soft fleece lining adds a little extra protection from the elements.
Tastefully co-branded with the Access Fund and The North Face logos. One Size.
$13.50 member price (seriously good deal!)
New MenÕs Tee Shirts
100% Organic Cotton- American Apparel Sustainable Edition. It's time to
move on - those old T-shirts you've been wearing have more perforations than
Swiss Cheese at City of Rocks. What's more, by purchasing our T, you can rebel
against corporate dress codes and battle for climbers' rights at the same time.
Sizes S, M, L, XL. Color: Revolution Green. $18.00 member price
Cruise to the AF
website and play ASANA PackWorksÕ video game GuntherÕs Big Day http://www.accessfund.com/extras/game.php
Click through to ASANAÕs site to purchase the full version. $10 from each
purchase made through this link will be donated to the AF. Go Gunther! Thanks
ASANA!
Are you a
federal employee? Did you know you can donate to The Access Fund through the
federal governmentÕs Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?
Federal employees, including
federal civilians, military personnel, and U.S. Postal Service workers, can now
donate to AF through the federal government's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).
The CFC is a charitable fundraising program where you give to the Access Fund
through automatic payroll deductions.
If you are a federal employee,
please look for the Access Fund (agency # 2361) in the official CFC listing of
eligible donors. You can also make your contribution on-line by going to: www.conservenow.org,
click on Search for a Charity, type in the Access Fund and make your
contribution there.
If you have additional questions
on these programs please contact Whitney Self at whitney@accessfund.org.