Access Fund News

Cat Slab Protected!

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

The new year brings reason to celebrate for those of you who enjoy climbing in Clear Creek Canyon. After months of negotiation, Clear Creek County successfully acquired the 76-acre Oxbow Parcel that contains the Cat Slab cliff, located south of US Highway 6 near Tunnel 5.

Access Fund Announces 2009 Sharp End Awards

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

Each year the Access Fund recognizes individuals and businesses that go above and beyond to volunteer their time and efforts to preserving climbing access and the climbing environment. These recipients stand out in their commitment to the American climbing community, and the Access Fund is honored to present this year's awards to a worthy group of volunteers and activists.

Action Alert: Protect Climbing Access in Yosemite

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

We need your help to influence the latest Merced River Plan, which could restrict climbing access and camping in Yosemite Valley, depending on how the Park prepares its new revised user capacity program. Please write Yosemite National Park by February 4 and support the preservation of climbing access in the Valley!

Take action now!

CCC Starts Off the New Year by Closing on Rumbling Bald

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) starts off the new year by closing on the acquisition of Rumbling Bald West Side Boulders on January 6, using a $72,000 bridge loan of from the new Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign.

Access Fund to Refinance Farley Ledge Loan, Saving Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition Thousands

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund announced today that it will provide Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition with short-term financing to pay off an existing $30,000 bank loan on 7 acres of land at the base of Farley Ledge in Erving, Massachusetts.

Yosemite Valley/Merced Update

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund is working with our partners to influence the Yosemite Valley planning process and advocate for management policies that protect the unique values associated with the Merced Wild and Scenic River, while allowing for responsible climbing and camping opportunities.

Video: Erik Weihenmayer Climbs The Naked Edge to Benefit Access Fund

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

On Thursday November 5, blind climber Erik Weihenmayer tackled his hardest route to date – Eldorado Canyon’s The Naked Edge – to benefit the Access Fund. Watch the video.

Carolina Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund Set to Purchase Rumbling Bald West Side Boulders in North Carolina

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Carolina Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund announced today the intent to purchase and conserve the Rumbling Bald West Side Boulders in North Carolina to protect against development.

A Plan for the Buttermilks Human Waste Issue

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund, local climbers, and USFS met earlier this month to work out a plan of action to install and maintain a pit toilet in the Buttermilks.

Access Fund’s New Visa Platinum Rewards Card Offers a New Way to Support the Cause

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund and CardPartner, Inc. have joined forces to launch the Access Fund Visa® affinity Platinum Rewards credit card.

Access Fund Receives Thanks from Yosemite National Park

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Access Fund receives a letter of thanks from Yosemite National Park for support of the park's climbing management program this year. The Access Fund provided a grant for the Rock Climbing in Yosemite Brochure and Climbing Area Map, and provided input from the beginning on content, design, and layout.

Urge Minnewaska State Park to Allow Climbing

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

Help us urge the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to authorize a process for resource surveys that will determine appropriate climbing access in Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Take Action Now!

Access Fund Brings Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival to Berkeley, CA

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund and guest emcee Timmy O'Neill set to host the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Berkeley, California, on Thursday, November 12th, 2009. Buy tickets now!

Gunks Climbers’ Coalition End-of-Climbing-Season Soirée

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Gunks Climbers’ Coalition invites climbers, hikers, and nature lovers to a gala event, celebrating the acquisition of an area of large boulders amid deep, wooded beauty and valley light in Rosendale. The event on Saturday, November 7 at 6:30pm at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center, 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY.

Access Fund Announces Third Round Grant Recipients for 2009

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

In the third round of the Climbing Preservation Grant Program for 2009, the Access Fund awarded over $11,500 to support local climbing activism and conservation of the climbing environment.

Help Reopen Williamson Rock

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

Your comments needed to support Forest Service proposal to reopen climbing access at Williamson Rock in Angeles National Forest. After much work by the Friends of Williamson Rock and the Access Fund urging the Angeles National Forest to study alternate approach trails to Williamson, the Forest Service has issued a proposal that would reopen many of Williamson’s climbs while also protecting sensitive wildlife habitat.

Take action now!

Access PanAm Gets Off to a Good Start

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PST

Access PanAM / Acceso PanAm, the first ever hemisphere-wide access group, met for the first time at the Squamish Mountain Festival this past August.

Alaskan Small Businesses Fight Denali Fee Increase for Climbers

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PST

Last month, local guide services and air taxis joined forces to lobby Alaska senators against a possible fee increase (from $200 to $500) that would unfairly targets climbers attempting Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker.

Southeastern Climbers Coalition Closes on Steele

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Southeastern Climbers Coalition www.seclimbers.org (SCC) closed on a 25 acre tract and cliffline in Steele, Alabama for a purchase price of $55,000. The crag has been closed since the late 1980's due to private landowner concerns.

Access Fund Announces Multimillion Campaign to Save Endangered Climbing Areas

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Access Fund announces the launch of a new campaign to save endangered climbing areas—the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign (AFLCC). The AFLCC is a multimillion-dollar revolving loan program designed to provide local climbing organizations and other agencies with the funds and expertise needed to act quickly to save threatened climbing areas.