The Access Fund wants to know what you think about the often-controversial issue of recreational use fees. Please take a few minutes to fill out the following survey. Your answers will help us accurately represent your interests at the Federal level. Click here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jZnQJhSckskvnScxK0SPeA_3d_3d.

The Access Fund has long represented the voice of climbers in debates over access fees to recreate on federal public land. Over the years we've advocated for the interests of the climbing community when Congress has considered legislation that would impose fees on climbers. First, there was authority under the Land and Water Conservation Act and, then, the controversial Fee Demo Program. A few years ago Congress passed Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Act—also known as the Recreation Access Tax (or RAT)—and now a bill has been introduced into Congress that would repeal all fee collection authority: the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act of 2007 (see http://crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=288666).

The Access Fund supports use fees on public lands in many situations, such as where services are provided or agency budgets are substantially burdened by recreational access. However, the Access Fund opposes charging recreational use fees for access to wilderness areas and other backcountry sites where administrative support is neither required nor desired by recreationists and where recreational impacts do not significantly impose on agency budgets or degrade the environment. In other words, there should be no "pay-to-play" where "playing" costs the agencies nothing. The Access Fund also opposes such fees when inequitably applied to climbers and other wilderness and backcountry users.

Access Fund and Outdoor Alliance 1872 Mining Reform Update

The Access Fund continues to lead the Outdoor Alliance's www.outdooralliance.net campaign to reform the antiquated 1872 Mining Law. The Outdoor Alliance believes that mining on public land must be balanced with all other public land uses, including clean water and outdoor recreation.

As part of the Access Fund's advocacy we have retained the services of ice climbing pioneer Joe Josephson. Josephson is helping us inform the outdoor industry about this important land stewardship campaign. We're also working with a broad coalition to lobby the US Senate, which is next in line to review legislative proposals that address the mining laws and policies that have been degrading our public lands for 130 years. In November of 2007, the US House of Representatives passed HR 2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=319&Itemid=1 but the bill faces a stiff challenge in the Senate, which will hold a hearing on January 24, 2008 See http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=1670.

The Access Fund and Outdoor Alliance will continue to leverage our voice by strategizing with a broad spectrum of environmental and sportsmen groups to urge the US Senate to pass a version of HR 2262. This advocacy includes outreach to the outdoor industry, production of a film highlighting the impacts of mining on human-powered recreation, and regular lobbying visits to Washington, DC Congressional offices.

For more background information and recent press on this issue, see http://www.pewminingreform.org/l and http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/specials/mining/26875_mine11.shtml.

Email jason@accessfund.org for more information and updates on our work to clean up hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines and to protect the special places where we climb.

Edmond Hillary Passes

By Dougald MacDonald

Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two men to climb the world's highest peak, died January 11 in Auckland, New Zealand, his home city. Hillary summited Mt. Everest with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on May 29, 1953. He continued to explore the globe after Everest, including a trans-Antarctic journey in 1957–58 that marked the first time anyone had reached the South Pole since 1911. But his most lasting achievement may have been his efforts to help the Sherpa people in Nepal, where his Himalayan Trust built dozens of schools and medical clinics, bridges, water systems, and two hospitals.

For more visit http://climbing.com/news/hotflashes/siredmundhillary/

AREA UPDATES

Mushroom Boulder Closed, Hueco Tanks, TX

Access Fund press release

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has closed the north face of Mushroom Boulder at Hueco Tanks State Historic Park (Hueco Tanks) to all foot traffic, including climbing. Studies conducted by TPWD assert that erosion caused by human activity, including the placement and movement of crash pads, has exposed archeological resources within the soil. These previously covered resources include preserved flora and fauna remains as well as preserved cultural resources. TPWD's archeologists recommended closure of the area to foot traffic to preserve these resources, an action which was executed by park managers on December 22, 2007.

The Access Fund has contacted TPWD and is working with Hueco locals to assess options that will allow for continued access to Mushroom Boulder. The Access Fund is also evaluating climbing management practices that will prevent similar erosion at other sites within the park.

The Access Fund looks forward to collaborating with TPWD and local climbers to reach a solution that will preserve archeological resources and allow for continued bouldering at Hueco Tanks. In the meantime, climbers are asked to respect the current closure of the north face of Mushroom Boulder and stay tuned for future updates.

For more information email diana@accessfund.org.

Hyalite Canyon Road Re-Opened for Ice Climbing Bozeman, MT

By Joe Josephson, Access Fund Regional Coordinator, MT

Following the recent closure of the Hyalite Canyon Road by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the resulting loss of ice climbing access in the Hyalite area, local climbing activists rallied to persuade USFS to reopen the road for day-use access into this ice climbing Mecca.

As a result, on January 3, 2008, the Bozeman Ranger District reopened the Hyalite Road much to the satisfaction of ice climbers, backcountry skiers, and other winter recreation enthusiasts. The re-opening restores the hard-earned access to the upper reaches of the canyon originally obtained by the Southwest Montana Climbers Coalition. The USFS, City of Bozeman, and Gallatin County view the current situation as a test-run for future management of Hyalite in winter.

The road issue at Hyalite has a long and contentious history. USFS has pushed to close the road while a broad range of local Bozeman interests have lobbied for access.

Local ice climbers and backcountry skiers hope that these latest developments signal a compromise that will allow for future recreational access in the Hyalite area. For more background and information on this issue, see www.montanaclimbers.org/ or Email: joe@firstascentpress.com.

Update on Lost Horse Crag, MT

As a result of continued political activism on the part of the Bitterroot Climbers Coalition, the Ravalli County Commissioners indefinitely tabled (i.e suspended) their vote on a proposal to re-open mining at the Lost Horse Quarry. The proposal would have authorized mining at the quarry, a popular climbing and recreation area for at least five years.

The Commissioners' decision to table the vote represents a big victory for climbers who lobbied vigorously against the proposal. Because the Commissioners decided to suspend the vote as opposed to actually voting against it, climbers may need to mobilize against the proposal in the future.

The climbers are now focusing their organizing efforts on turning the quarry into a climbing park. If you want to help, please email a brief message to bitterrootclimbers@gmail.com.

You can also help right away by sending a letter to the Darby Ranger station. Please tell District Ranger Chuck Oliver that you support the effort to turn Lost Horse Quarry and its surrounding areas into a recognized climbing recreation area.

Chuck Oliver, District Ranger

Darby Ranger District

P.O. Box 388

Darby, MT 59828

Notification of Action in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV

BLM press release

Beginning January 7, 2008, the Bureau of Land Management will be begin renovating the Late Night parking lot in the southern half of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 4.7 miles west of the junction of State Route 159 and State Route 160. The project is anticipated to be completed within four months.

The Late Night parking lot is a popular access to multiple trails for climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian use. As part of the renovation, the road leading north to Black Velvet Canyon will be temporarily affected and may be closed intermittently or entirely due to its proximity to the construction site.

The parking lot renovation is being funded by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. The renovation will add a new bathroom for the area, hitching posts for horses, about 70 parking spots for cars, and six pull-though spots designed for vehicles with horse trailers.

ADVISORY:
This notice is for disclosure purposes only. Specific comments are not being sought through this notice.

As always, your questions are welcome concerning projects. Should you have any questions regarding this action or would like a map showing the alternate routes to access hiking and rock climbing in Black Velvet Canyon, please contact the Las Vegas Field Office at 702-515-5138 or jed_botsford@blm.gov

The Trust for Public Land adds the 360-acre Owl's Head Cliff Property to the White Mountain National Forest, NH

TPL Press Release

Benton, NH – The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced the protection of 360 acres of land, which feature the towering granite cliff face called Owl's Head, as part of the White Mountain National Forest.

The large parcel of land, located off Route 25 in Benton, New Hampshire, is a popular attraction for rock climbers and hikers and is only a half mile from the Appalachian Trail. The property is bound on three sides by the White Mountain National Forest and has over 6,000 feet of frontage along Oliverian Brook. In addition four, fledgling peregrine falcons––more than at any other site in the state––were observed on the cliff this past year by New Hampshire Audubon.

Last fall, at the urging of local citizens, members of the rock climbing community, and staff of the White Mountain National Forest, TPL negotiated an agreement for the purchase of this important property. On August 30, 2007, TPL purchased the property to temporarily keep it off the market while the Forest Service worked to purchase it. Funding to protect the property was secured through the Land and Water Conservation Fund by the New Hampshire congressional delegation led by U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, a member of the Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee. A grant from the Access Fund helped enable TPL to purchase the property.

AF NEWS

New Face at the Access Fund

Diana Vernazza, Access Director

Diana began her role as Access Director on January 3. Previously based in Los Angeles, she is a longtime climber and practicing lawyer, with experience in land-use law. Diana is the primary contact for access issues and can be reached at diana@accessfund.org or 303-545-6772 x 112.

EVENTS

Make any event an Access Fund fundraiser and/or member drive. It's so easy—register your event online and we'll set you up with everything you need! www.accessfund.org/events/eventreg.php

Events Calendar

2/09—02/09 Upper Limits, St. Louis, MO—2008 Gateway Bouldering Bash, http://www.upperlimits.com/stlouis

02/09—02/09 Vertical Endeavors, Duluth, MN—No Strings Attached, www.freewebs.com/ropelessind-town

Uclimb Announces 2008 Schedule For Introductory Rock Climbing Event

Spokane, WA – UClimb, a series of climbing events sponsored by Mountain Gear and designed to teach people of all ages how to rock climb in a comfortable, small-group setting with other amateur climbers, has announced its schedule of introductory rock climbing events for 2008.

Confirmed UClimb events include:

· April 12 and 13 at Joshua Tree National Park in California

· June 21 and 22 at the New River Gorge in West Virginia

· July 19 and 20 at Donner Summit in California

· September 13 and 14 at the Red River Gorge in Kentucky

All UClimb events will offer the opportunity for climbing novices to receive professional instruction and hands-on experience in a small group setting. Participants will learn climbing techniques, how to use climbing gear, voice commands, knot tying, belaying, and etiquette.

"Learning to rock climb in small groups with other amateurs makes for a very comfortable setting," says Phil Bridgers, UClimb event coordinator. "These great events are dedicated to bringing people across the country closer to the outdoors."

UClimb events also offer participants registration packages that include a low-cost purchase of basic climbing gear, including shoes, harness, belay device, helmet, locking carabineer, and a chalk bag, for the two-day event.

For more information and to register, call 800-829-2009 or visit www.uclimb.org.

Adopt-a-Crag Events Calendar

Register your crag clean-ups as an Adopt-a-Crag to strengthen our communal efforts. Adopt-a-Crag is the largest climber volunteer effort year after year and land managers notice. Be a part of it! www.accessfund.org/cons/aac.php

02/02 San Luis Obispo, CA The Bishop Peak Summit Cleanup, an Adopt-a-Crag event hosted by the City of San Luis Obispo. Doug Carscaden, dcarscad@slocity.org

MEMBER BENEFITS

Get member-only discounts on all the new stuff in the Access Fund MemberSHOP! www.accessfund.org/membershop

Alpinist Warehouse Fire Benefits the Access Fund?

As previously reported in December's E-News, on December 5, 2007, the warehouse in which Alpinist magazine housed its inventory––back issues, hats, shirts, water bottles, stickers, everything––burned to the ground. Nothing was salvaged.

As they rebuild their inventory, please take a look at the following items that commemorate a minor bump in the magazine's five-year history.

www.cafepress.com/alpinistfire
For every T-shirt purchased, Alpinist's publisher will donate $3 to The Access Fund.

Access Fund TNF Beanies

The perfect block heater for long ice-routes, crisp bouldering sessions, or a bad hair day. 100% Merino wool. 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. $15 non-member / $13.50 member NOW IN STOCK!

Free Membership at eConscious Market

eConscious Market is the Internet's largest philanthropic eco marketplace, featuring eco-products for your home and office, work and play. Every time you shop, you give too. 50% of net profits from your purchase will be donated to the Access Fund!

For a free eConscious membership:
1. Go to www.econsciousmarket.com/site/Become-A-Member
2. Enter: accessfund (no spaces all lowercase) as your promo code
3. Enter your Email address and password and verify your password
4. Select Free (PROMO CODE REQUIRED––includes member-only discounts)

Free Shipping from Mountain Gear

Access Fund members receive free shipping from Mountain Gear

Climbing Note-Cards that Benefit the AF

Climbing note-cards featuring graphic paintings of gear. Printed with soy or vegetable-based inks, 100% post-consumer-content recycled, chlorine-free paper, and offset 100% by investment in renewable energies. 10% of profits go to the Access Fund!

Higher Ground Coffee Access Fund Blend

Support the preservation of our shared passion with your morning cup. 10% of proceeds fund preservation and maintenance of our climbing areas. Composed of the choicest African and Indonesian coffees, this exotic blend is dark and full bodied with a sweet finish. http://highergroundroasters.com/accessfund.html

Does a Bear S#!@t in the Woods?

Yes, but we should pack ours out. Access Fund members receive 25% off RESTOP bag systems for human waste and other products.

AF Extras

Cruise to the AF website and play ASANA PackWorks' video game Gunther's Big Day www.accessfund.com/extras/game.php. Click through to ASANA's site to purchase the full version. Ten dollars from each purchase made through this link will be donated to the AF. Go, Gunther! Thanks, ASANA!

AF Ambassador Timmy O'Neil "takes care of business" in Indian Creek www.accessfund.org/extras/tic.php

AF Ambassador Chris Sharma sending a first ascent in the boulderProject promo spot at www.accessfund.org/extras/promo.php

Vertical Times 79 is Now Online!

Please check out the December Issue of the Vertical Times at

www.accessfund.org/news/vt.php

Combined Federal Campaign

Are you a federal employee? Did you know that you can donate to the Access Fund through the federal government's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?

Federal employees, including federal civilians, military personnel, and U.S. Postal Service workers, can donate to AF through the federal government's Combined Federal Campaign. The CFC is a charitable fundraising program that enables you to give to the Access Fund through automatic payroll deductions.

If you are a federal employee, please look for the Access Fund (agency # 12047) in the official CFC listing of eligible donors. You can also make your contribution online by going to www.conservenow.org, clicking on "Search for a Charity," typing in "Access Fund," and making your contribution there.

If you have additional questions on these programs, please contact Ellen Jardine at ellen@accessfund.org.