Mountain Project, which was recently acquired by REI, will support the Access Fund by matching all new and renewing memberships as well as donations up to $50,000 from June 15-30th.
The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment.
“Many of my best adventures, memories and future plans revolve around climbing,” said Nick Wilder, founder of Mountain Project. “Our ability to climb at many, if not most, of our beloved climbing areas has been from the work of the Access Fund and the local climbing organizations it supports.”
“The Access Fund has about 12,000 members,” added Wilder. “Last month alone, Mountain Project had 340,000 unique users. A lot of Mountain Project users contribute enormously to climbing, but it’s safe to say that a vast majority of dedicated climbers could do more to help protect climbing access. Mountain Project hopes to close this gap-at least a little-by putting our money where our mouth is.”
“Right now we’re actively pursuing several potential climbing area acquisitions and expanding our policy shop to better support local issues,” said Access Fund Executive Director Brady Robinson. “If the community rallies around this generous offer from Mountain Project, it could help these efforts immensely.”
Mountain Project strives to be the definitive resource for the rock climbing community. Its Mountain Project website and mobile app offer guidebook-quality climbing route information with the thoroughness of a printed map, and adds modern features such as navigation to climbing areas, offline mapping, detailed descriptions and photos.
Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. Founded in 1991, the Access Fund supports and represents millions of climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering and bouldering. Six core programs support the mission on national and local levels: climbing management policy, stewardship and conservation, local support and mobilization, land acquisition and protection, risk management and landowner support and education. For more information, visit accessfund.org.
