The Access Fund awarded $25,757 in its second round of grant funding for 2005 bringing total for the year to $68,757 across 15 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, education and assistance for a newly formed local climber organization.
“The Access Fund is committed to preserving the climbing experience for present and future generations,” said Shawn Tierney, Access and Acquisitions Director. “Were proud to fund these important initiatives on behalf of our members and the entire climbing community.”
The following grants were awarded:
Wisconsin Outdoor Access (WOA) received a grant to help with organizational expenses and outreach to climbers throughout the Midwest. WOA is a grassroots organization that will focus on statewide access and stewardship issues.
The Coopers Rock Regional Climbers Coalition (CRRCC) received a grant for start-up and organizational expenses, and to help with trail and impact mitigation efforts. CRRCC is a newly formed group that will focus on access and stewardship issues throughout the region.
The Mohonk Preserve received a grant for a multi-faceted outreach project designed to reach novice climbers in the Gunks, educate them about the fragile life on the cliffs, and instill in them a low-impact climbing ethic that will ensure the long-term survival of the Preserve ecosystem.
Yosemite National Park received a grant to pay for the purchase and installation of bear box food storage lockers at the base of popular Yosemite Valley climbing areas. Climbers currently do not have convenient and effective locations to store food while on multi-day climbs, and in recent years the number of bear incidents in climbing areas around the Valley has increased.
The Friends of Williamson Rock received a grant to help with trail design and impact mitigation at this popular southern California climbing destination. Use of Williamson Rock has increased dramatically over the years resulting in erosion and natural resource concerns.
