phaedrus
Nov 6, 2005, 6:06 AM
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November 1, 2005, Boulder, CO- The Access Fund has awarded $30,900 in its third round of grant funding for 2005 bringing the total for the year to just over $100,000 across 23 grants. Awarded three times annually, Climbing Preservation Grants provide financial assistance for local climber activism and protection of the climbing environment. The grants will be distributed for trail improvements, stewardship projects, outreach, and land acquisitions.
"The Access Fund is committed to preserving the climbing experience for present and future generations," said Shawn Tierney, Access and Acquisitions Director. "We're proud to fund these important initiatives on behalf of our members and the entire climbing community."
The following grants were awarded:
Laurel Knob, NC
The Carolina Climbers Coalition received a grant to assist with the purchase of a 50-acre tract near Cashiers, North Carolina containing what is arguably the tallest cliff in the eastern United States - a granite wall over 1,000 feet tall known as Laurel Knob. The purchase opens up a previously closed climbing area.
Red River Gorge, KY
The University of Kentucky Research Foundation received a grant to conduct a research project to test the effects of intentional site burial using geo-textiles on cultural resources found in two rock shelters in the Red River Gorge. The results of this study will provide needed information on whether previously closed areas can be opened up to some types of recreational use following placement of geo-synthetic material.
Castleton Tower, UT
Utah Open Lands received a grant for the implementation of a "wag-bag" sanitation program at the camping and trailhead area of Castleton Tower. The grant will contribute toward the purchase of wag-bags, a dispenser and educational materials.
Shelf Road, CO
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute received a grant to improve the trail from the Bank to Cactus cliff. The current trail was built a number of years ago and was not designed to accommodate the numbers of climbers who now visit Cactus cliff.
Donner Summit, CA
The Truckee Donner Land Trust received a grant to assist with the purchase of 189-acres west of Donner Lake in Billy Mack Canyon. The purchase will expand the Donner Summit climbing area, as the potential climbing opportunities in the Canyon, heretofore closed to climbers, is fantastic.
Indian Creek, UT
The Friends of Indian Creek received a grant to produce an Indian Creek informational and educational brochure. The brochure will focus on providing concise information on camping, private lands issues within the area, and the BLMs management plan for Indian Creek.
Great Barrington, MA
The Friends of East Mountain received a multi-use grant for trail work and maintenance at Mormon Hollow, a survey to determine alternative parking options and possible acquisition of a small lot, and the installation of water bars and ladders at the Main cliff in Great Barrington.
Bigfoot Country Climbers Association, CA
The Bigfoot County Climbers Association received a grant to develop a website. The website will provide local and visiting climbers with information about climbing in the northern California coastal region, access issues, restrictions and closures, stewardship projects and other updates.
Buttermilks, CA
The Eastern Sierra Climbers Coalition received a grant to assist with the purchase of a vault toilet for the Buttermilks bouldering area. Due to dramatic increases in climbing use, installation of a permanent toilet at the Buttermilks is critical to reducing human waste impacts in the area.
Since 1990, the Access Fund has been the only national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. The Access Fund supports and represents over 1.6 million climbers nationwide in ALL forms of climbing; rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: public policy, stewardship & conservation (including grants), grassroots activism, climber education, and land acquisition.
The Access Fund works in cooperation with climbers, other recreational users, public land managers and private landowners to promote the responsible use and sound management of climbing resources throughout the United States. The Access Fund encourages an ethic of personal responsibility, self-regulation, strong conservation values and minimum impact practices among climbers. For more information, visit www.accessfund.org
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