Petzl, in partnership with Utah Open Lands, recently raised $10,000 in funding for land protection and preservation in Utah's Grand County. Petzl sponsored a special screening of the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Moab in an effort to raise awareness and support for Utah Open Lands, with 100% of admission dollars donated to the non-profit conservation organization. The proceeds will help to protect and preserve a 530-acre area of Utah's Grand County that serves as a critical habitat for the Lasal Mountain Deer Herd.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour highlights independent films that celebrate mountain culture and the pursuit of adventure. As noted in Moab Happenings March: “When John Evans, Marketing Director for Petzl America, heard in November that there was an opening in the tour's schedule – the first in two years – he immediately reserved it with the intention of bringing the tour to Moab as a fundraiser for Utah Open Lands. The idea was to bring the best in adventure sports films to the adventure sport capital of Utah.”
Wendy Fisher, Executive Director of Utah Open Lands kicked off the event, announcing to the audience that their admission fees would benefit a number of causes. “This evening you are not only participating in a festival of independent films, you are contributing to Utah Open Lands and protecting tremendous landscapes which provide solace where we live, work and play,” said Fisher. She also commented on the organization's relationship with PETZL America. “When Utah Open Lands was working to raise $640,000 to save the threatened baselands at Castleton Tower, PETZL America stepped in to challenge other outdoor companies to greater heights of corporate responsibility, and to aid us in our effort”.
In July of 2003, with help from Petzl and other concerned entities, Utah Open Lands was able to finalize the purchase of 221 acres at the base of Castleton Tower, an area revered by many and known to climbers worldwide. The traditional campground and access to the tower were threatened to become a subdivision an effort diverted by Utah Open Lands.
The support of members like Petzl and the many local sponsors for the Banff Mountain Film Festival event are critical to the success of Utah Open Lands' effort. “Petzl is a tremendous long-time supporter of our efforts,” said Fisher, “and their initiative on this project provided this opportunity to raise awareness.”
Utah Open Lands is a non-profit organization dedicated assisting landowners in protecting the scenic, wildlife, historic, agricultural, and recreational values of open land in the state of Utah for the enjoyment of present and future generations. UOL is a non-governmental, non-political community based organization that utilizes educational outreach, donations of land and conservation easements, acquisitions of land and easements, and conservation buyers and investors to accomplish its goals of tangible land protection. By preserving open spaces, Utah Open Lands aids communities, investors, and government leaders interested in protecting Utah's quality lifestyle. For more information or to support Utah Open Lands, log on to http://www.utahopenlands.org.
