Access Fund News

Southeastern Climbers Coalition Pays Back its AFLCC Loan for Steele

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PST

Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) paid back its loan for the Steele cliff line to the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign (AFLCC) last week, making it the second loan to fully revolve back into the program. The early payment comes just a month after Washington Climbers Coalition’s repayment, further proving the efficacy of the AFLCC to provide local climbing organizations the short-term capital necessary to secure climbing resources.

Vermont's Carcass Crag Acquired!

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PST

CRAG-VT is thrilled to announce the acquisition of one of Vermont’s best sport climbing cliffs: the Carcass Crag! This winter, CRAG-VT signed a purchase and sale agreement to annex the cliff through a boundary line adjustment on their Bolton Quarry climbing area. With the support of the Access Fund and local climbers, CRAG-VT completed the land purchase in early July.

Action Alert: Restore Climbing Opportunities at Arches National Park

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PST

We need your help to restore the unique wilderness climbing opportunities found only in Arches National Park! In 2006, the National Park Service banned the use of fixed anchors after the Delicate Arch controversy and effectively banned climbing on many of the Park's historic towers. The restriction they placed on permanent climbing hardware was a reaction to a random controversy and not a planning process that demonstrated a need to limit these necessary climbing tools. Take action now!

Access Fund Launches Advocacy Campaign to Support Land & Water Conservation Fund

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 PST

You have the power to help supercharge the Access Fund’s land acquisition efforts, helping to save threatened climbing areas from development and closure! Please write your Senator and US Representative, asking them to support full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Washington Climbers Coalition pays off Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign loan for Index, returning funds to the revolving loan program

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 00:00:00 PST

Last week, WCC paid back its loan to the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign (AFLCC) for the option agreement on Lower Index Town Wall in Washington. The WCC submitted its final loan repayment—returning the original $15,000 to the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign where it will be loaned back out to save other climbing areas.

Encouraging News for Climbing Access in Yosemite

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

Yosemite National Park recently announced in its “Outstanding Remarkable Value” report that it recognizes the recreational significance of Yosemite Valley, and specifically acknowledges climbing as an active pursuit that draws people from around the world. This is important because climbing as an activity is now more likely to be “protected and enhanced” rather than restricted. The Park will hold public workshops and roundtables on their draft “Outstanding Remarkable Value” report, which will include discussions with Yosemite planners and user capacity experts.

Minnewaska State Park Will Consider New Climbing Opportunities

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) just released the final Master Plan for Minnewaska, and unlike the restrictive draft plan, the final plan directs that a climbing management plan will be developed for the Preserve indicating areas suitable and unsuitable for rock climbing. Minnewaska will now consider future climbing opportunities throughout most of the park subject to environmental study.

Access Fund Becomes Nationally Recognized Member of Land Trust Alliance

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund announced today that it has become a nationally recognized member of the Land Trust Alliance, committing itself to meeting the same high standards as other leading land conservation organizations around the country. Members of the board of directors from both organizations made the unanimous decision to dissolve the Access Fund Land Foundation and transfer all holdings to the Access Fund.

Access Fund to Refinance Pendergrass-Murray Loan, Saving Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition Thousands

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund announced today that it will provide Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition with short-term financing to pay off the current seller-financed loan on the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. A $65,000 loan will be supplied by the new Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign, a revolving loan program that provides local climbing organizations with the funds and expertise needed to act quickly to save threatened climbing areas.

Spadout.com donates $1 to the Access Fund for new facebook fans

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 PST

Access Fund corporate parnter Spadout.com is running a promotion from May 17 - 31, where it will donate $1 to the Access Fund for every new fan that joins their Facebook group. Join their group today at www.facebook.com/spadout to send a dollar to the Access Fund!

Park Service to Pull Bolts at Christmas Tree Pass, Nevada?

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 PST

The NPS proposes to pull bolts within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in southern Nevada, risking several remote desert climbs found at Christmas Tree Pass in the Newberry Mountains. The NPS justifies this plan as necessary to protect archeological resources and wilderness character.

Your Chance to Influence New Jack City Camping

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 PST

The BLM office would like climbers' input before writing an environmental assessment for improvements of the Sawtooth Camping Area at New Jack City.

Access Fund Announces First Round 2010 Grant Recipients

Fri, 7 May 2010 00:00:00 PST

In the first round of the Climbing Preservation Grant Program for 2010, the Access Fund awarded over $23,000 to support local climbing activism and conservation of the climbing environment. Presented two times annually, the Climbing Preservation Grant program provides financial assistance for local climber activism and protection of the climbing environment in the

United States

. During this first round of grants, the Access Fund is supporting nine worthy projects.

Red Rocks Threatened by Massive Housing Development

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 PST

An upcoming zoning exception could turn the few acres left between the grid of Las Vegas and Red Rocks into a housing development, forever changing the views from your favorite multi-pitch climbs.

Climbing Banned at Portion of Castle Rocks – Access Fund Set to Appeal

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 PST

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a climbing ban on 400 acres in the Castle Rocks Interagency Recreation Area, adjacent to Castle Rocks State Park in Idaho. This ban affects over 40 established climbs and hundreds of potential new routes. The ban is more restrictive than any other BLM climbing area in the country, and is an even higher standard than those imposed on wilderness areas or other highly protected land designations.

Erik Weihenmayer Presents Adventures in the Vertical World to Support Access Fund

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST

Please join us on Thursday, April 8 at 8:00 pm as Erik Weihenmayer presents Adventures in the Vertical World at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, Colorado. Tickets are on sale now!

Red Rocks Wilderness Plan Still in the Works

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST

Despite several starts and stops over the last few years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to work on a wilderness management plan that will affect climbing and bolting policies at Red Rocks near Las Vegas. Several changes in the BLM staff over the past three years have prevented the plan from proceeding, but the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council continues to represent climber interests and work on collaborative conservation projects with the local BLM office.

Action Alert: New York State Parks on Chopping Block

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST

New York State Parks are at Risk! For the first time ever, budget woes may close down New York State parks, including the climbing found at Minnewaska State Park. We need your help to support funding for New York's parks by contacting your state legislators and Governor Paterson. New York Residents Take Action Now!

Dead Point Magazine to Host Poker Match in Support of Access Fund

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST

Dead Point Magazine is excited to announce the first annual “Poker n’ Access,” Texas Hold’em Tournament to take place during the 8th Annual New River Rendezvous on May 15th 2010. All proceeds will benefit the Access Fund. Learn how you can participate!

Half Dome Cable Permits Won't Affect Climbers

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

You may have recently caught wind of news that permits will soon be required to scale Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on weekends and holidays during peak summer months. This change only applies to people (i.e., hikers)...